If a pre-synaptic neuron released a neurotransmitter onto a post-synaptic neuron and caused Ca2+ channels to open, what effect would this have on the post-synaptic neuron?
the post-synaptic neuron would generate an excitatory post-synaptic potential
the post-synaptic neuron would produce an action potential
the post-synaptic neuron would generate an inhibitory post-synaptic potential
the post-synaptic neuron would die
The correct answer is the post-synaptic neuron would generate an excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP). When Ca2+ channels open, it allows calcium ions to enter the post-synaptic neuron. This influx of calcium ions can lead to the depolarization of the post-synaptic neuron, generating an excitatory response (EPSP). This can eventually lead to the generation of an action potential if the EPSP is strong enough. The other options (producing an inhibitory post-synaptic potential or causing the neuron to die) are not directly related to the opening of Ca2+ channels.
