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Questions and Answers

What role do neurotransmitters play in synaptic transmission?

  • They facilitate communication between neurons and other cells. (correct)
  • They convert electrical signals into chemical signals.
  • They destroy excess neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft.
  • They inhibit the release of ions from the postsynaptic membrane.

What is the function of synaptic vesicles?

  • To transport ions across the presynaptic membrane.
  • To store and release neurotransmitter molecules. (correct)
  • To initiate synaptic transmission from the postsynaptic neuron.
  • To bind neurotransmitters to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.

What occurs after the arrival of the action potential during neurotransmission?

  • Binding of neurotransmitters to postsynaptic receptors
  • Vesicle fusion with the presynaptic membrane (correct)
  • Increase in sodium ion channels permeability
  • Reuptake of neurotransmitters

Which component is found on the presynaptic membrane that is essential for neurotransmitter release?

<p>Voltage-gated calcium channels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the function of calcium ions (Ca2+) during neurotransmission?

<p>They trigger synaptic vesicles to fuse with the presynaptic membrane (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are receptors located in the synaptic transmission process?

<p>On the postsynaptic membrane of the receiving neuron. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of neurotransmitter binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)?

<p>Alteration of gene expression or opening of other ion channels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What separates the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons?

<p>The synaptic cleft. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism allows for recycling of neurotransmitters back into the presynaptic neuron?

<p>Reuptake (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of neurotransmitter clearance from the synaptic cleft?

<p>To prevent continuous stimulation of the postsynaptic neuron (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)?

<p>Involves opening of ion channels resulting in depolarization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process contributes to the degradation of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft?

<p>Enzymatic degradation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of effect can acetylcholine have depending on its receptor binding?

<p>Can be both excitatory and inhibitory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between ionotropic receptors and metabotropic receptors?

<p>Ionotropic receptors open ion channels directly, whereas metabotropic receptors activate G proteins to influence ion channels indirectly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes receptor plasticity?

<p>It is the process that modifies the number and sensitivity of receptors, affecting synaptic connection strength. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do second messengers play in metabotropic receptor signaling?

<p>They modulate various cellular processes, including affecting gene expression. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is known to activate both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors?

<p>Acetylcholine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do SSRIs have in the treatment of depression?

<p>They selectively inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily excitatory and plays crucial roles in learning and memory?

<p>Glutamate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition may arise from an excess of glutamate in the nervous system?

<p>Cell death (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter serves as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system?

<p>GABA (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dopamine is involved in which of the following functions?

<p>Motor control and reward (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is synthesized from tryptophan and plays a role in mood regulation?

<p>Serotonin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main physiological role of norepinephrine?

<p>Arousal and mood regulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of neurotransmitters includes endorphins?

<p>Neuropeptides (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters is considered an excitatory neurotransmitter that works alongside glutamate?

<p>Aspartate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the binding of neurotransmitters to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane?

<p>Ion channels open, leading to changes in membrane potential. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials (EPSPs)?

<p>They increase the likelihood of the neuron firing an action potential. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ion movement is primarily associated with Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials (IPSPs)?

<p>Negatively charged ions enter the neuron. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of serotonin in neurotransmission?

<p>To influence the function of diverse brain regions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do receptors play in neurotransmission?

<p>They determine how neurons respond to neurotransmitters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do EPSPs and IPSPs have on signal integration in the postsynaptic neuron?

<p>Their combined effect determines if an action potential is fired. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does serotonin's interaction with receptor subtypes relate to depression?

<p>Altered serotonin signaling can influence mood disorders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process describes the overall change in membrane potential at the axon hillock?

<p>The combined effects of inputs determine action potential firing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neurotransmitters: What are they?

Chemical messengers that pass signals between neurons and other cells, such as muscle or gland cells.

Synapse: What is it?

A specialized junction where neurons communicate with each other or other types of cells.

Synaptic vesicles: Function

Small sacs within the neuron that store neurotransmitters.

Receptors (in neurons): What do they do?

Protein molecules on the receiving neuron that bind specific neurotransmitters.

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Synaptic Transmission: How it works

The process of neurotransmitters crossing the synapse to signal the receiving cell.

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Glutamate

The most prevalent neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, primarily responsible for excitation. It's crucial for learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity.

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GABA

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, balancing glutamate's excitatory actions. It regulates neural activity and prevents overexcitation.

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What happens with too much glutamate?

Excessive glutamate can be toxic, leading to cell death. It's linked to conditions like stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.

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What happens with too little GABA?

Insufficient GABA can lead to seizures, as the brain's inhibitory control is weakened.

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What are Catecholamines?

A class of neurotransmitters that share a common chemical structure (catechol ring) and are synthesized from tyrosine. Examples include dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

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Dopamine: Role

Plays a crucial role in reward, motivation, motor control, arousal, and cognition.

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Norepinephrine: Role

Involved in alertness, attention, mood regulation, and the 'fight-or-flight' response.

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Indoleamines: What are they?

A class of neurotransmitters synthesized from tryptophan. Examples include serotonin and melatonin.

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Post-synaptic potential

The electrical change in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron caused by neurotransmitter binding to receptors.

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Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP)

A post-synaptic potential that makes the neuron more likely to fire an action potential by allowing positive ions to enter, depolarizing the membrane.

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Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)

A post-synaptic potential that makes the neuron less likely to fire an action potential by allowing negative ions in or positive ions out, hyperpolarizing the membrane.

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Signal Integration

The process by which a neuron sums up all the EPSPs and IPSPs it receives from multiple synapses to determine whether it will fire an action potential.

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Serotonin's role in neurotransmission

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences a diverse range of functions, including sleep, mood, and cognition, by interacting with different receptor subtypes. It acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter.

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Serotonin and depression

Low levels of serotonin in the brain are linked to depression, highlighting its role in mood regulation.

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Receptor function in neurotransmission

Receptors are specialized proteins embedded in the postsynaptic membrane that bind to specific neurotransmitters. They act as 'gatekeepers' that determine how neurons respond to chemical signals.

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Types of neurotransmitter receptors

There are two main types of neurotransmitter receptors: ionotropic receptors that directly open ion channels, and metabotropic receptors that activate intracellular signaling pathways.

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Neurotransmission

The process of communication between neurons through the release and reception of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. It involves a series of steps that occur at the synapse, where one neuron releases neurotransmitters that bind to receptors on another neuron.

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Action Potential's Role

The arrival of an action potential at the presynaptic terminal depolarizes the membrane, triggering a cascade of events that leads to neurotransmitter release.

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Calcium Influx

Depolarization of the presynaptic membrane opens voltage-gated calcium channels, allowing calcium ions (Ca2+) to flow into the axon terminal. This influx of calcium is crucial for neurotransmitter release.

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Vesicle Fusion

Calcium influx triggers synaptic vesicles, containing neurotransmitters, to fuse with the presynaptic membrane. This fusion is facilitated by specialized proteins like SNAREs, allowing the neurotransmitters to be released into the synaptic cleft.

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Neurotransmitter Release

The fusion of vesicles with the presynaptic membrane releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft through exocytosis. This is a process where cells move large materials outside the cell using vesicles.

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Receptor Binding

Neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft bind to specific receptor proteins on the postsynaptic membrane. This binding triggers changes in the postsynaptic neuron.

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Neurotransmitter Clearance

To prevent continuous stimulation, neurotransmitters must be removed from the synaptic cleft. This can occur through reuptake, enzymatic degradation, or diffusion.

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Ionotropic Receptors

Directly coupled ion channels that open when a neurotransmitter binds, allowing ions to flow across the membrane and rapidly changing the membrane potential.

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What do metabotropic receptors do when they bind to a neurotransmitter?

They activate a G protein that interacts with other proteins, like enzymes or ion channels, initiating slower, indirect effects on the postsynaptic membrane.

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What are second messengers?

Molecules that activate various cellular processes, including opening ion channels or altering gene expression, indirectly triggered by neurotransmitter binding to metabotropic receptors.

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Receptor plasticity

The ability of the number and sensitivity of receptors to change, influencing the strength of synaptic connections and playing a key role in learning and memory.

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How do SSRIs work?

These drugs block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse, which is thought to help alleviate depression.

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