Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

45. Nervous System

Neurons and Action Potentials

General Biology

45. Nervous System

Neurons and Action Potentials

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following events will cause an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) in a neuron?

Opening of ligand-gated Cl$^-$ channels, allowing Cl$^-$ to enter the postsynaptic cell

Opening of ligand-gated K$^+$ channels, allowing K$^+$ to leave the postsynaptic cell

Inhibition of voltage-gated Ca$^{2+}$ channels in the presynaptic terminal

Opening of ligand-gated Na$^+$ channels, allowing Na$^+$ to enter the postsynaptic cell

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). An EPSP is a temporary depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane caused by the flow of positively charged ions into the cell. This depolarization makes the neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Step 2: Analyze the role of ion channels in generating EPSPs. Ligand-gated ion channels open in response to neurotransmitters, allowing specific ions to flow across the membrane. For an EPSP, positively charged ions like Na$^+$ or Ca$^{2+}$ typically enter the postsynaptic cell, leading to depolarization.

Step 3: Evaluate the options provided in the problem. Opening ligand-gated Cl$^-$ channels would allow negatively charged ions to enter the cell, causing hyperpolarization (inhibitory effect). Opening ligand-gated K$^+$ channels would allow positively charged ions to leave the cell, also causing hyperpolarization. Inhibition of voltage-gated Ca$^{2+}$ channels in the presynaptic terminal would reduce neurotransmitter release, indirectly decreasing the likelihood of an EPSP.

Step 4: Focus on the correct answer: Opening ligand-gated Na$^+$ channels. When these channels open, Na$^+$ ions (positively charged) flow into the postsynaptic cell, causing depolarization and generating an EPSP.

Step 5: Summarize the reasoning. The correct event that causes an EPSP is the opening of ligand-gated Na$^+$ channels, as this allows the influx of positively charged ions, leading to depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane.