Reference no: EM133594812

Question: Now you would like to characterize the ionic basis of the post-synaptic cell depolarization (mediated by the ligand-gated receptor channel). Unfortunately, the resulting AP makes this impossible. Fortunately though, you have a drug (called noAP) that blocks the AP in the post-synaptic cell; importantly, noAP has no affect on the pre-synaptic cell or the ligand-gated channels in the post-synaptic cell. Apply this drug in the simulator by setting the "noAP" variable to 1; then press RUN. With the APs blocked, you can now see the post-synaptic potentials produced by the opening of the ligand-gated channels. Outline one hypothesis that could explain the ionic basis of these post-synaptic potentials. Be sure to include any required assumptions and to explain why your hypothesized mechanism would work (i.e. provide physiological justification based on what you know about membrane potential control). Then describe one experiment with the associated prediction that could test your hypothesis. This experiment need not be possible using this simulator, but it should be possible in principle (i.e. you don't have to show the results using the simulator, just provide an explanation).