Do neurotransmitters that bind the postsynaptic membrane generally generate a/an: local potential, action potential, resting membrance potential, or pacemaker potential?
1 Answer
Depends what neurotransmitter it is, Excitatory or Inhibitory.
Whether Action Potential ("Firing") is achieved usually depends on the total input of all Neurotranmitters at any given point in time.
Explanation:
When binding to Postsynaptic Receptors, a PSP is generated: Post-Synaptic Potential. This can be Inhibitory (IPSP) or Excitatory (EPSP). the resting Potential for a typical Neuron is around -40mV.
An EPSP causes Depolarisation , which can lead to the Action Potential, or the "firing" of the Neuron.
One EPSP is usually not enough, the actual Potential of the cell is normally a result of the summation of PSPs at any given time.
An Inhibitory Neurotransmitter, e.g. GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid) , or Serotonin on the other hand will cause Hyperpolarisation, thereby lowering the potential of the cell.
Only if the actual Potential of the neuron exceeds the threshhold will the Neuron fire.
So, they can work towards an Action Potential, but each Neurotransmitter will try and lead the cell to the transmitter's
Reversal Potential .
