Podcast
Questions and Answers
What triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the membrane during neurotransmitter release?
What triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the membrane during neurotransmitter release?
- Potassium ions (K+)
- Sodium ions (Na+)
- Calcium ions (Ca2+) (correct)
- Chloride ions (Cl-)
Which statement accurately describes chemical synapses?
Which statement accurately describes chemical synapses?
- They allow direct ion flow between adjacent cells.
- They are more common in invertebrates than in vertebrates.
- They utilize neurotransmitters to transmit signals. (correct)
- They are faster than electrical synapses.
Which of the following best explains the function of ionotropic receptors?
Which of the following best explains the function of ionotropic receptors?
- They only function in the central nervous system.
- They are indirectly coupled to ion channels via G-proteins.
- They are ion channels that open in response to neurotransmitter binding. (correct)
- They bind ligands to initiate genetic expression.
What role do SNARE proteins play in neurotransmitter release?
What role do SNARE proteins play in neurotransmitter release?
During saltatory conduction, where are voltage-gated sodium channels primarily located?
During saltatory conduction, where are voltage-gated sodium channels primarily located?
What does the term 'biopsychology' refer to?
What does the term 'biopsychology' refer to?
Which components make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
Which components make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
What is a key difference between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
What is a key difference between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
Which animal species are commonly used in biopsychology research?
Which animal species are commonly used in biopsychology research?
What is the primary function of the plasma membrane in a cell?
What is the primary function of the plasma membrane in a cell?
What major component of a typical cell contains most of the cell's DNA?
What major component of a typical cell contains most of the cell's DNA?
Which statement about the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is true?
Which statement about the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is true?
What is a significant characteristic of the Central Nervous System regarding injury?
What is a significant characteristic of the Central Nervous System regarding injury?
What prevents sodium channels from reopening immediately after an action potential?
What prevents sodium channels from reopening immediately after an action potential?
During which period can a second action potential be triggered with a stronger stimulus?
During which period can a second action potential be triggered with a stronger stimulus?
How does the sodium-potassium pump maintain ion distribution across the membrane?
How does the sodium-potassium pump maintain ion distribution across the membrane?
What is the primary role of myelin in the nervous system?
What is the primary role of myelin in the nervous system?
Where do action potentials typically originate in a neuron?
Where do action potentials typically originate in a neuron?
What is saltatory conduction?
What is saltatory conduction?
What happens to potassium ions during an action potential?
What happens to potassium ions during an action potential?
What primarily triggers the depolarization phase of an action potential?
What primarily triggers the depolarization phase of an action potential?
What effect does the concentration gradient have on sodium ions (Na⁺) during resting potential?
What effect does the concentration gradient have on sodium ions (Na⁺) during resting potential?
What describes the driving force acting upon potassium ions (K⁺) in the neuron?
What describes the driving force acting upon potassium ions (K⁺) in the neuron?
How does the concentration of chloride ions (Cl⁻) affect their movement into the neuron?
How does the concentration of chloride ions (Cl⁻) affect their movement into the neuron?
What is the primary role of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in the neuron during synaptic transmission?
What is the primary role of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in the neuron during synaptic transmission?
What can be said about diffusional forces in relation to ion movement?
What can be said about diffusional forces in relation to ion movement?
Which of the following statements accurately describes electrostatic forces?
Which of the following statements accurately describes electrostatic forces?
What occurs to calcium ions (Ca²⁺) after they enter the neuron during synaptic transmission?
What occurs to calcium ions (Ca²⁺) after they enter the neuron during synaptic transmission?
Why do potassium ions (K⁺) leak out of the neuron despite the concentration gradient?
Why do potassium ions (K⁺) leak out of the neuron despite the concentration gradient?
Which enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of GABA?
Which enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of GABA?
What type of receptors do GABA and acetylcholine bind to?
What type of receptors do GABA and acetylcholine bind to?
How is dopamine primarily recycled in presynaptic neurons?
How is dopamine primarily recycled in presynaptic neurons?
What role does GABA play in the central nervous system?
What role does GABA play in the central nervous system?
What is the result of acetylcholine being broken down in the synaptic cleft?
What is the result of acetylcholine being broken down in the synaptic cleft?
Which of the following neurotransmitters is NOT primarily synthesized from amino acids?
Which of the following neurotransmitters is NOT primarily synthesized from amino acids?
What condition is associated with dysregulation of dopamine?
What condition is associated with dysregulation of dopamine?
Which type of receptors can acetylcholine bind to?
Which type of receptors can acetylcholine bind to?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Biopsychology
- Biopsychology is the study of the biological basis of behavior.
- The field is also known as Behavioral Neuroscience
- It seeks to understand how the brain and other bodily systems influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
- Central Nervous System: Includes the brain and spinal cord, processes and integrates sensory information, and is responsible for higher cognitive functions.
- Peripheral Nervous System: Consists of all nerves outside the CNS, connects the CNS to the rest of the body, and transmits sensory information to the CNS and motor commands from the CNS to muscles.
Animal Species Used in Biopsychology Research
- Rodents -- particularly rats and mice
- Non-human primates -- such as macaques and marmosets are used often
- Aquatic vertebrates -- fish and frogs are common
- Others -- squid, flies, and worms are also used
Major Components of a Typical Cell
- Plasma membrane: Outer layer that controls what enters and exits the cell, composed of a phospholipid bilayer.
- Nucleus: Control center of the cell, containing most of the cell's DNA and the nucleolus which produces ribosomes.
- Cytoplasm: Gel-like substance that fills the cell and contains organelles.
- Mitochondria: Powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing energy (ATP).
- Endoplasmic reticulum: Network of membranes involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.
- Golgi apparatus: Modifies and packages proteins for transport.
- Lysosomes: Break down waste materials.
Diffusional and Electrostatic Forces
- Diffusional forces: Movement of ions from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.
- Electrostatic forces: Movement of ions based on their electrical charge, opposite charges attract, and like charges repel.
Sodium-Potassium Pump
- The sodium-potassium pump maintains the electrochemical gradient across the neuron membrane.
- It pumps 3 sodium ions out of the cell for every 2 potassium ions pumped into the cell.
- This energy-intensive process requires ATP.
Action Potential
- Originates at the axon hillock, the trigger zone.
- Travels down the axon towards the axon terminals.
- Propagated by depolarizing sections of the membrane in a wave-like manner.
Myelin and Saltatory Conduction
- Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates axons, improving the speed of action potential transmission.
- Myelin is produced by Schwann cells in the PNS and oligodendrocytes in the CNS.
- Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath, where action potentials occur.
- Saltatory conduction is the "jumping" of the action potential from one node to the next, speeding up transmission.
Electrical and Chemical Synapses
- Electrical synapses: Direct ion flow between cells via gap junctions; fast but less flexible, simpler than chemical synapses.
- Chemical synapses: Use neurotransmitters to transfer signals across the synaptic cleft; slower but highly adaptable.
Neurotransmitter Release: Proteins and Ions
- Calcium ions (Ca²+): trigger vesicle fusion with the presynaptic membrane.
- SNARE proteins (syntaxin, SNAP-25, synaptobrevin) are essential for vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release.
Steps of Neurotransmitter Release
- Action potential arrives at the axon terminal.
- Voltage-gated Ca²+ channels open allowing calcium to enter the terminal.
- Synaptic vesicles fuse with the membrane, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
- Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell.
Ligands and Receptors
- Ligands: Molecules that bind to receptors, such as neurotransmitters.
- Receptors: Proteins on the cell surface that bind to ligands and initiate a response.
Ionotropic and Metabotropic Receptors
- Ionotropic receptors: Receptors are ion channels that allow ions to flow rapidly through when open.
- Metabotropic receptors: Receptors are linked to intracellular signaling pathways involving second messengers.
Synaptic Transmission: Key Neurotransmitters
- Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in muscle contraction (PNS), autonomic nervous system functions, attention, learning, and memory (CNS).
- Dopamine: Regulates reward and motivation, motor control, and mood.
- GABA: The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, involved in reducing neural excitability, regulating muscle tone, and preventing overstimulation.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
