What type of potential do chemically gated ion channels generate?

Chemically gated ion channels generate rapid, short-acting fast synaptic potentials because they respond quickly to neurotransmitters binding to them. When a neurotransmitter, released from the presynaptic neuron, binds to its receptor on the postsynaptic membrane, it causes the ion channel to open. This results in a sudden influx or efflux of ions (such as Na+, K+, or Cl−), leading to a swift change in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron.

These changes are typically quite rapid, leading to a fast synaptic potential that quickly depolarizes or hyperpolarizes the postsynaptic cell, influencing its ability to generate an action potential. The transient nature of this response characterizes it as short-acting, meaning it does not persist for a long duration and acts primarily to transmit quick signals across synapses.

In contrast, other types of potentials mentioned in the other choices, such as slow synaptic potentials or chronic synaptic potentials, involve more prolonged or lasting effects, often engaging other pathways and secondary messengers, which does not apply to the function of chemically gated ion channels in this context.