Question

bio - 201 topic 5: neuronal communication and the brain
practice it
what happens when an electrical signal reaches the end of a neuron?
it causes the neuron to divide into two smaller neurons.
it triggers the release of neurotransmitters.
it causes the neuron to produce glucose.
it triggers the release of hormones
it activates a dormant gene in the neurons dna.

Explanation:

When an electrical signal (action - potential) reaches the end of a neuron (axon terminal), it causes voltage - gated calcium channels to open. The influx of calcium ions then triggers the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft to communicate with the next neuron or target cell. Neurons do not divide into two smaller neurons upon receiving an electrical signal at their end. Neurons do not produce glucose in response to an electrical signal. Hormones are typically released by endocrine glands, not neurons in response to an action - potential. Also, an electrical signal at the end of a neuron does not typically activate a dormant gene in the neuron's DNA.

Answer:

It triggers the release of neurotransmitters.