Which term describes the action of a neurotransmitter binding to its receptor and leading to a change in the electrical charge of a neuron?

The action of a neurotransmitter binding to its receptor and resulting in a change in the electrical charge of a neuron is best described by the term "depolarization." When a neurotransmitter binds to its receptor, it typically leads to the opening of ion channels in the neuron's membrane, allowing positively charged ions, such as sodium (Na+), to enter the neuron. This influx of positive ions reduces the negative charge inside the neuron, moving it closer to the threshold needed to generate an action potential. The process of depolarization is crucial for neuron communication, as it directly influences whether the neuron will fire an action potential and propagate the signal further along the neural pathway.

In contrast, hyperpolarization refers to an increase in the electrical charge difference across the membrane, making the inside of the neuron more negative and thereby less likely to fire an action potential. An action potential is a rapid, significant change in the membrane potential that occurs if depolarization reaches a certain threshold but does not describe the initial binding of neurotransmitters. Transduction, in the context of neurotransmission, generally refers to the process of converting one form of signal into another, which does not specifically capture the immediate change in electrical charge caused by neurotransmitter binding. Thus, dep