Cell Signaling and Neurotransmission Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic distinguishes neurotransmission from neuromodulation in cell signaling?

  • Neurotransmission primarily operates over longer distances, whereas neuromodulation is confined to local tissue.
  • Neurotransmission is characterized by rapid signal transmission, while neuromodulation is associated with slower, longer-lasting effects. (correct)
  • Neurotransmission involves direct neurochemical signaling, whereas neuromodulation primarily utilizes hormonal signaling.
  • Neurotransmission is typically slower due to reliance on second messenger systems, unlike the faster neuromodulation.

What is the primary mechanism by which ionotropic receptors influence the membrane potential ($V_m$) of a neuron?

  • Activation of intracellular second messenger cascades that indirectly alter ion channel conductance.
  • Releasing intracellular calcium stores that then trigger changes in membrane permeability to ions.
  • Initiating G protein signaling pathways that subsequently modify the activity of nearby ion channels.
  • Directly altering $V_m$ through the flux of ions across the membrane via an integral ion channel. (correct)

Metabotropic receptors are characterized by their association with which type of protein?

  • Receptor tyrosine kinase proteins that activate phosphorylation pathways.
  • GTP-binding proteins that initiate intracellular signaling cascades. (correct)
  • Voltage-gated ion channel proteins that respond to changes in membrane potential.
  • Ligand-gated ion channel proteins that directly mediate ion flux.

Which of the following is an example of a metabotropic acetylcholine receptor (mAchR)?

<p>Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAchR) in cardiac muscle. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the speed of signal transmission, how do ionotropic and metabotropic receptors compare in mediating chemical neurotransmission?

<p>Ionotropic receptors facilitate fast chemical transmission, whereas metabotropic receptors are associated with slower transmission. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature is characteristic of metabotropic receptors but not ionotropic receptors?

<p>Containing 7 transmembrane segments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following the activation of a metabotropic receptor, what is the primary function of the G protein α subunit?

<p>Activating a downstream enzyme to initiate a signaling cascade. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the cyclic AMP signaling system, which enzyme is activated directly by the G protein to produce the second messenger?

<p>Adenylate cyclase. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within the Phosphatidyl Inositol signaling system, phospholipase C catalyzes the production of which pair of second messengers?

<p>Inositol trisphosphate and diacyl glycerol. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Phosphorylation of which cellular component is a convergent downstream effect observed in both the cyclic AMP and Phosphatidyl Inositol signaling pathways?

<p>Ion channels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of acetylcholine receptor is predominantly involved in mediating the inhibitory effects of acetylcholine on cardiac muscle?

<p>Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAchR) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAchR) influence cardiac muscle function?

<p>Activating G proteins that subsequently modulate potassium ion channels, leading to hyperpolarization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Curare and bungarotoxin are identified as antagonists for which type of acetylcholine receptor?

<p>Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchR) at the neuromuscular junction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'M-type K channel' in the context of acetylcholine receptor pharmacology?

<p>A potassium channel blocked by G protein activation following muscarinic acetylcholine receptor stimulation, causing slow EPSP. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ionotropic receptors, like the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchR), from metabotropic receptors, like the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAchR)?

<p>Ionotropic receptors directly form ion channels, whereas metabotropic receptors activate intracellular signaling pathways via G proteins. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Otto Loewi's experiment, which identified 'vagustuffe', is most directly related to the discovery of:

<p>Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors' role in slowing heart rate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the sympathetic ganglion, the 'slow EPSP' resulting from muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activation is characterized by:

<p>Decreased conductance to potassium ions, leading to increased membrane excitability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the pharmacology of acetylcholine receptors, which of the following pairs correctly matches the receptor type with its primary effect in the specified tissue?

<p>Nicotinic receptor: Excitatory effect in skeletal muscle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which form of synaptic plasticity is characterized by changes in synaptic efficacy resulting from the neuron's own activity?

<p>Homo-synaptic plasticity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'residual calcium hypothesis' primarily explains the mechanism of which type of synaptic plasticity?

<p>Homo-synaptic facilitation and potentiation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Long-term potentiation (LTP), a key mechanism in learning and memory, is primarily associated with synaptic changes in which brain regions?

<p>Cerebral cortex and hippocampus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Activation of NMDA glutamate receptors in the postsynaptic neuron directly leads to an influx of which ion that initiates downstream signaling cascades in LTP?

<p>Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In pre-synaptic facilitation, an interneuron enhances neurotransmitter release from another neuron by primarily acting on which aspect of the pre-synaptic action potential?

<p>Prolonging the duration of the action potential (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Enkephalin's role in spinal cord modulation of pain exemplifies which type of synaptic plasticity?

<p>Hetero-synaptic inhibition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hetero-synaptic inhibition, leading to a reduction in neurotransmitter release, is often mediated by changes in pre-synaptic ion channel conductance that result in:

<p>Increased efflux of $K^+$ ions or decreased influx of $Ca^{2+}$ ions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental distinction between homo-synaptic and hetero-synaptic plasticity in terms of the source of the synaptic change?

<p>Homo-synaptic plasticity arises from the activity of the synapse itself, while hetero-synaptic plasticity is modulated by a third neuron. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Homo-synaptic plasticity

A change in the strength of a synapse due to activity at the same synapse.

Homo-synaptic facilitation

Short-term increase in neurotransmitter release at a synapse due to repeated stimulation.

Homo-synaptic potentiation (post-tetanic potentiation)

Long-term increase in neurotransmitter release at a synapse due to a strong burst of activity.

Homo-synaptic depression

A decrease in neurotransmitter release at a synapse due to overuse.

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Residual calcium hypothesis

The amount of calcium in the nerve terminal determines how much neurotransmitter is released.

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Hetero-synaptic plasticity

A change in the strength of a synapse due to activity at a different synapse.

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Pre-synaptic facilitation

An increase in the strength of a synapse due to activity at a different synapse.

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Pre-synaptic inhibition

A decrease in the strength of a synapse due to activity at a different synapse.

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Ionotropic receptors

Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron and cause a rapid change in membrane potential. They are involved in fast signaling.

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Metabotropic receptors

Neurotransmitters activate these receptors, triggering a chain reaction involving G proteins, second messengers, and protein kinases. This leads to a slower but more lasting effect.

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G protein activation

A G protein is a trimeric complex that binds to GDP in its inactive state. Upon activation by a receptor, the alpha subunit binds GTP and dissociates, initiating downstream signaling.

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Cyclic AMP signaling

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a second messenger produced by adenyl cyclase, a key enzyme activated by the G protein. cAMP activates protein kinase A, leading to phosphorylation of target proteins.

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Phosphatidylinositol signaling

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) is a membrane lipid that can be hydrolyzed by phospholipase C. This leads to the production of two critical second messengers: inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG).

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G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR)

A type of transmembrane protein that binds to a specific ligand and activates an intracellular signaling pathway, typically through the activation of a G protein.

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Synaptic Plasticity

The change in the strength of a synapse over time, which can be either strengthening or weakening, and can involve alterations in the amount of neurotransmitter released, the sensitivity of postsynaptic receptors, or the number of synapses.

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Paracrine Signaling

Cells release chemical messengers that act on nearby cells, not distant cells. This is considered a form of local signaling.

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mAchR and cardiac muscle

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAchR) are G protein-coupled receptors that mediate the effects of acetylcholine in the heart.

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mAchR and heart rate

Activation of mAchR in the heart leads to a decrease in heart rate due to hyperpolarization of cardiac muscle cells.

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Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchR)

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchR) is an ionotropic receptor directly responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses at the skeletal muscle synapse.

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nAchR and ion flux

nAchR permits the influx of sodium (Na+) ions, leading to depolarization and muscle contraction. In some cases, it also allows the outflow of potassium (K+).

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Muscarine

Muscarine is an agonist of mAchR, mimicking the effects of acetylcholine.

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Atropine

Atropine is an antagonist of mAchR, blocking the effects of acetylcholine.

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Curare

Curare, a poison, acts as an antagonist of nAchR, preventing the transmission of nerve impulses at the neuromuscular junction.

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Study Notes

Cell Signaling and Neurotransmission

  • Neurotransmission is categorized as ionotropic or metabotropic.
  • Ionotropic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels, enabling fast chemical transmission.
  • Metabotropic receptors utilize G proteins, leading to slower chemical transmission and modulation.
  • Acetylcholine (ACh) receptors exist in both ionotropic (nicotinic) and metabotropic (muscarinic) forms.
  • Nicotinic ACh receptors are directly gated, found in neuromuscular junctions, and are responsible for fast excitatory responses.
  • Muscarinic ACh receptors are indirectly gated, involve G proteins, and influence cardiac muscle responses.
  • Ligand-gated receptors are quickly activated by a ligand binding to their respective receptors, resulting in rapid changes in membrane potential.
  • G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are also known as metabotropic receptors, interacting with G protein, initiating intracellular signaling cascades.

Second Messenger Systems

  • Cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) are cyclic nucleotides.
  • Phosphatidylinositol is a secondary messenger involved in signaling.
  • Calcium ions (Ca2+) and calmodulin play vital roles in intracellular signaling.
  • Protein kinases are enzymes activated by secondary messengers, affecting various cellular activities through phosphorylation.

Synaptic Plasticity

  • Homo-synaptic plasticity and hetero-synaptic plasticity represent different forms of synaptic modulation.
  • Homo-synaptic mechanisms such as facilitation, potentiation (post-tetanic), and depression explain changes in excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs).
  • Hetero-synaptic mechanisms involving pre and post-synaptic interactions alter synaptic efficacy.
  • Modulation in synaptic strength (increase or decrease) is controlled by calcium levels at presynaptic terminals.
  • These processes are essential for learning and memory formation, involving changes in synaptic strength and efficiency over time.

Neurotransmission vs. Neuromodulation

  • Ionotropic receptors, with 4 transmembrane (TM) subunits, cause immediate changes in membrane potential (altered VM).
  • Metabotropic receptors, with 7 TM segments, initiate slower, amplified responses via secondary messengers.
  • Neuromodulation affects the strength of neurotransmission, not generating action potentials itself.

Ach Receptor Pharmacology

  • Nicotinic ACh receptors are directly gated ion channels affected by agonists (e.g., nicotine) and antagonists (e.g., curare, bungarotoxin).
  • Muscarinic ACh receptors are indirectly gated and influenced by agonists (e.g., muscarine) and antagonists (e.g., atropine, scopolamine).
  • ACh receptors are crucial in various tissues (e.g., skeletal muscle, heart CNS).
  • ACh functions in both excitatory (skeletal muscle) and inhibitory (cardiac muscle) capacities.

Other Biochemical Systems

  • Cyclic GMP (cGMP) is involved in photoreceptor function and nitric oxide signaling.
  • Ca2+/calmodulin/CamKII is a system linked to learning and nitric oxide.
  • Second messengers like diacyl glycerol (DAG) and inositol trisphosphate (IP3) are produced following activation of phospholipase C.

Enkephalin in Spinal Cord Modulation of Pain

  • Enkephalin, a neuropeptide, modulates pain signaling in the spinal cord.
  • By pre-synaptic mechanisms, enkephalin reduces the release of substance P and associated pain pathways.

Hetero-synaptic Plasticity

  • Pre-synaptic facilitation refers to an increase in neurotransmitter release.
  • Pre-synaptic inhibition refers to a decrease in neurotransmitter release.

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