An NMDA receptor channel is blocked by magnesium unlessGroup of answer choicescalcium binds to autoreceptors on the presynaptic neuronglutamate binds to all the receptors on the dendritethe postsynaptic neuron is already hyperpolarizedCA3 field pyramidal cell is repeatedly stimulatedthe postsynaptic membrane is already depolarized
Question
An NMDA receptor channel is blocked by magnesium unlessGroup of answer choicescalcium binds to autoreceptors on the presynaptic neuronglutamate binds to all the receptors on the dendritethe postsynaptic neuron is already hyperpolarizedCA3 field pyramidal cell is repeatedly stimulatedthe postsynaptic membrane is already depolarized
Solution
The NMDA receptor channel is blocked by magnesium unless the postsynaptic membrane is already depolarized.
Here's a step-by-step explanation:
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The NMDA receptor is a type of ionotropic glutamate receptor. It is named after N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), which mimics the effect of glutamate on that receptor.
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Under resting conditions, the NMDA receptor's ion channel is blocked by magnesium ions (Mg2+). This means that even if glutamate binds to the receptor, ions cannot flow through the channel.
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However, if the postsynaptic neuron is depolarized, the magnesium block is removed. This happens because the positive charge inside the depolarized neuron repels the positively charged magnesium ions.
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Once the magnesium block is removed, ions can flow through the NMDA receptor's channel when glutamate binds to the receptor. This allows sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) ions to enter the neuron, and potassium (K+) ions to exit the neuron.
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The influx of Na+ and Ca2+ ions, in particular, can contribute to further depolarization of the neuron and the propagation of the electrical signal.
So, the correct answer is "the postsynaptic membrane is already depolarized".
Similar Questions
NMDA receptors play a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. One of their unique features is the presence of a magnesium (Mg²⁺) block that prevents ion flow through the receptor channel when the postsynaptic membrane is at resting potential. Imagine that the mechanism of magnesium blockage in NMDA receptors did not exist. Which of the following consequences would you expect to occur? Choose two correct answers. Group of answer choicesNMDA receptors would become less responsive to glutamate, leading to a reduction in synaptic plasticity and learning.The absence of the magnesium block would allow calcium ions to flow into the postsynaptic neuron more easily, potentially leading to excitotoxicity and cell death.NMDA receptors would no longer require both glutamate binding and postsynaptic depolarization to become activated, losing their coincidence detection property.Long-term potentiation (LTP) would be enhanced, as the magnesium block normally limits the induction of LTP.The lack of a magnesium block would prevent NMDA receptors from contributing to the generation of NMDA receptor-dependent long-term depression (LTD).
What is the immediate consequence of Mg2+ blockade removal from the NMDA receptors?Group of answer choicesPostsynaptic EPSPCa2+ influx into the presynaptic terminalCa2+ influx into the postsynaptic terminalGlutamate binding to its receptors
PCP and ketamine act on the postsynaptic cell by Group of answer choicesblocking the NMDA receptor at the glutamate site.stimulating the receptor where NMDA normally binds.acting as a competitive antagonist at the NMDA receptor.acting as an uncompetitive antagonist at the NMDA receptor.
In the brain the inhibitory neurotransmitters generateQuestion 11Select one:a.depolarizationb.hyperpolarizationc.resting potentiald.Sodium channele.Calcium channel
NMDA receptor agonists depolarise the lamprey spinal neurons by:Group of answer choicesopening channels permeable to sodium and calcium ionsopening chloride channelsclosing all calcium channelsclosing slow serotonin channelsopening dopamine channels
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