40.
A researcher applies a drug that prevents neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic terminal without affecting action potential propagation. Which change would most likely be observed in the postsynaptic cell?

(A) Voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels would remain closed.

(B) Ligand-gated ion channels would fail to open.

(C) Resting membrane potential would become more positive.

(D) Voltage-gated Na⁺ channels would remain permanently inactivated.