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Definition. Protein characteristic of the postsynaptic membrane. In a chemical synapse, the postsynaptic membrane is the membrane that receives a signal (binds neurotransmitter) from the presynaptic cell and responds via depolarisation or hyperpolarisation. The postsynaptic membrane is separated from the presynaptic membrane by the synaptic cleft.
Excitatory synapses. The neurotransmitter at excitatory synapses depolarizes the postsynaptic membrane (of a neuron in this diagram). 1  Binding of acetylcholine to its receptors on the postsynaptic cell opens up ligand-gated sodium channels. 2  These allow an influx of Na + ions, reducing the membrane potential. Arrival of an action potential at the synaptic knob opens Ca 2+ channels in the plasma membrane. 2  The influx of Ca 2+ triggers the exocytosis of some of the vesicles. 3  Their neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft. 4  The neurotransmitter molecules bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.