Do neurotransmitters that bind the postsynaptic membrane generally generate a/an: local potential, action potential, resting membrance potential, or pacemaker potential?

Question

Josiah Austin · Accepted 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.

The PSP, or post-synaptic potential, that is produced upon binding to postsynaptic receptors can be either excitatory (EPSP) or inhibitory (IPSP). The resting potential of a normal neuron is approximately -40 mV. An EPSP can result in depolarization, which can activate the action potential, or "firing" of the neuron. One EPSP is typically insufficient; the cell's actual potential is typically determined by adding up all of the PSPs present at any given time. The potential of the cell is lowered by an inhibitory neurotransmitter, such as GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid), or serotonin, which causes hyperpolarization. A neuron will only fire if its actual potential exceeds the threshold. Each neurotransmitter will therefore attempt to guide the cell to its Reversal Potential, even though they can all work toward an Action Potential.

Kai Adams · Answer

undefined Neurotransmitters that bind the postsynaptic membrane generally generate a local potential.