BM2209 Principles of Neuroscience: Session 3 Quiz - Synaptic Transmission

To bind to specific neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft and initiate a response in the postsynaptic neuron.

There are well over 100 different neurotransmitter receptors, which can be classified into two main types: transmitter-gated ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors.

Transmitter-gated ion channels are membrane-spanning proteins consisting of 4 or 5 subunits that form a pore. When neurotransmitters bind to specific sites, it induces a conformational change that opens the pore, allowing ions to pass through.

<p>Transmitter-gated ion channels do not show the same degree of ion selectivity as voltage-gated channels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The functional consequence of a transmitter-gated ion channel opening depends on which ions can pass through the pore.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The binding of a neurotransmitter to its receptor is compared to inserting a key into a lock, which causes conformational changes in the protein, allowing it to function differently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The second main classification of neurotransmitter receptors is G-protein coupled receptors. The text does not provide details on how they function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The postsynaptic density refers to the region of the postsynaptic neuron where neurotransmitter receptors are embedded.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In the absence of a neurotransmitter, the pore in transmitter-gated ion channels is usually closed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When a neurotransmitter binds to specific sites on the extracellular region of a transmitter-gated ion channel, it induces a conformational change that causes the pore to open.</p> Signup and view all the answers