Cell Communication via ion channels Exam Prep Quiz

Which ion channel type opens in response to membrane stretch or pressure?

Mechanically-gated

Voltage-gated Na⁺ channels are primarily responsible for which phase of the action potential?

Depolarization

Which ion is most directly responsible for triggering synaptic vesicle fusion at the axon terminal?

Ca²⁺

Gap junctions allow cell–cell communication through:

Direct ion flow between cells

Ligand-gated ion channels open when:

A chemical messenger binds to the channel

Which ion channel type is essential for graded potentials in dendrites?

Ligand-gated channels

Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) commonly result from opening channels permeable to:

Cl⁻

Electrical synapses differ from chemical synapses because electrical synapses:

Allow bidirectional ion flow

Which ion channel is responsible for repolarization during an action potential?

Voltage-gated K⁺ channel

The opening of ligand-gated Na⁺ channels typically produces:

EPSP

Connexons are structural components of:

Gap junctions