Once expressed in a neuron in the mouse brain and subjected to a flash of light, how does channelrhodopsin affect the membrane potential?

A) It causes neurotransmitter release, leading to an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.
B) It increases the membrane permeability to cations and makes the membrane potential more negative.
C) It depolarizes the membrane, leading to the opening of voltage-gated Na⁺ channels.
D) It hyperpolarizes the membrane, leading to the inactivation of voltage-gated K⁺ channels.
E) It changes the membrane potential such that voltage-gated K⁺ channels but not voltage-gated Na⁺ channels are activated.