The Effects of a Neurotransmitter on the Postsynaptic Membrane Include

Question

The effects of a neurotransmitter on the postsynaptic membrane include which of the following?
A) Excitatory or inhibitory responses result.
B) Neurotransmitter molecules are absorbed by the postsynaptic cell.
C) The neurotransmitter floats around in the synaptic cleft.
D) Upon stimulation, the membrane releases more neurotransmitter molecules.
E) None of the answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters can either have an excitatory or inhibitory effect on the postsynaptic membrane. Excitatory neurotransmitters will cause the membrane to become more positively charged (depolarized) and more likely to generate an action potential. Inhibitory neurotransmitters will cause the membrane to become more negatively charged (hyperpolarized) and less likely to generate an action potential.