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Glutamate EPSP

Q.

The figure shows a neuron with the following labeled:

- Sodium ion (Na+) and potassium ion (K+) concentrations (measured in mM)

- Membrane potential (-70 mV)

- Glutamate receptor with glutamate bound

 

The glutamate receptor is a channel that allows both Na+ and K+ to move across the membrane with equal permeability. What happens to the membrane potential of the neuron when the glutamate receptor opens and the channel is equally permeable to both Na+ and K+?

a. It will become more positive than -70 mV.

b. It will become more negative than -70 mV.

c. It will stay the same at -70 mV.

Explain your reasoning about what happens to the membrane potential when the glutamate receptor opens and the channel is equally permeable to both Na+ and K+.

Audiences:

Undergraduate

Topics:

Ion movement,  Physiology

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