Synaptic potentials are due to the opening of what type of channels?Multiple ChoiceVoltage-gated ion channelsChemically-gated ion channels

Breakdown of the Problem

To answer this multiple-choice question, we need to understand what synaptic potentials are and identify the type of channels they are associated with.

Relevant Concepts

1. Synaptic Potentials: These are changes in the membrane potential of a neuron that occur when a neurotransmitter binds to a receptor, leading to the opening of certain types of ion channels.
2. Channel Types:
   • Voltage-gated Ion Channels: Open in response to changes in the membrane potential.
   • Chemically-gated Ion Channels: Open in response to the binding of a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) to a receptor.

Analysis and Detail

• Chemically-gated ion channels play a crucial role in synaptic transmission. When a neurotransmitter is released from the presynaptic neuron and binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, these chemically-gated channels allow specific ions to flow in or out of the cell, resulting in synaptic potentials.
• In contrast, voltage-gated ion channels are involved in action potentials and are not the primary mechanism for synaptic potentials.

Verify and Summarize

Considering the roles of both types of ion channels, the opening of chemically-gated ion channels is what leads to synaptic potentials. Therefore, the correct choice is clear.

Final Answer

Chemically-gated ion channels are responsible for synaptic potentials.