What sequence of events leads to long-term potentiation in the postsynaptic cell?

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a process associated with the strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity, and it plays a critical role in learning and memory. The correct answer describes the sequence of events that initiate this process in the postsynaptic cell.

In a typical scenario leading to LTP, the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, occurs when an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal. The binding of glutamate to specific receptors on the postsynaptic cell, notably the AMPA and NMDA receptors, triggers a series of events. When glutamate binds to AMPA receptors, a sodium (Na+) influx into the postsynaptic neuron occurs, leading to depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane.

If this depolarization is sufficient, it also removes the magnesium (Mg2+) block from NMDA receptors, allowing calcium (Ca2+) ions to enter the cell through these channels. The increase in intracellular calcium concentration is crucial as it activates several signaling pathways that result in changes to the synapse, such as the insertion of more AMPA receptors into the postsynaptic membrane, enhancing synaptic efficacy.

This sequence of events—release of glutamate that causes sodium influx followed by