Question

Once the stimulus alters the receptor on the cell's membrane, what happens next?

A) Ion channels open, allowing ions to enter or exit.
B) The membrane permeability is altered.
C) A second messenger is activated on the inside of the cell.
D) Any of the above could happen next.

Answer 1

Once the stimulus alters the receptor on the cell's membrane, the next step is that ion channels open, allowing ions to enter or exit.

Step-by-step explanation:

Once the stimulus alters the receptor on the cell's membrane, the next step is that ion channels open, allowing ions to enter or exit. This process allows for the movement of ions across the cell membrane, which can then lead to changes in membrane potential and cellular signaling. Examples of ion channels include ligand-gated channels that open in response to the binding of a neurotransmitter, and mechanically gated channels that open in response to physical stimuli.