Question

Glycine and GABA open chloride ion channels and cause this change in membrane potential

a) Repolarization
b) Hyperpolarization
c) Depolarization

Answer 1

Glycine and GABA cause hyperpolarization of the membrane potential.

Step-by-step explanation:

The opening of chloride ion channels by glycine and GABA causes hyperpolarization of the membrane potential.

When the chloride ion channels open, negatively-charged chloride ions (Cl-) enter the neuron's cell body, pushing the neuron away from firing and making the membrane potential more negative. This has a quieting effect on the brain.

This is in contrast to depolarization, which refers to a change in membrane potential that makes the neuron more likely to fire.