Neuroscience Chapters 6 and 8 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the two types of neurotransmitters?

Amino acid transmitters

Peptide transmitters (correct)

Biogenic amine transmitters

Small molecule transmitters (correct)

The ______ of a neurotransmitter is the process by which it is removed from the synaptic cleft.

inactivation

What is the role of calcium ions in neurotransmitter release?

Calcium ions trigger the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, leading to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Metabotropic receptors directly open or close an ion channel.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between temporal and spatial summation of postsynaptic potentials?

Temporal summation occurs when multiple postsynaptic potentials arrive close together in time, their effects adding up. Spatial summation occurs when multiple postsynaptic potentials arrive at different locations on the neuron simultaneously, their effects also adding up. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by presynaptic modulation?

Presynaptic modulation refers to the influence of a third neuron on the release of neurotransmitter by a presynaptic neuron. This modulation can either increase (facilitation) or decrease (inhibition) the amount of neurotransmitter released. Signup and view all the answers

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a form of synaptic plasticity that leads to a weakening of a synapse.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of ionotropic glutamate receptors?

The three main types of ionotropic glutamate receptors are AMPA receptors, NMDA receptors, and kainate receptors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a substance to be considered a neurotransmitter?

The substance must be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the reversal potential in neurotransmission?

The reversal potential represents the membrane potential at which the net current flow through a specific ion channel is zero. This is a key factor in determining whether a postsynaptic potential will be excitatory or inhibitory. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a G-protein in metabotropic receptor activation?

A G-protein acts as an intermediary between a metabotropic receptor and an effector protein. Upon activation of the metabotropic receptor, the G-protein dissociates into subunits, which can then activate or inhibit effector proteins, leading to changes in intracellular signaling. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following second messengers with their primary functions:

cAMP = Activates protein kinase A cGMP = Activates protein kinase G IP3 = Opens calcium channels in the endoplasmic reticulum Diacylglycerol = Activates protein kinase C Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of long-term potentiation (LTP)?

It involves a decrease in the number of AMPA receptors at the synapse. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between convergence and divergence of neuronal connections?

Convergence refers to multiple neurons synapsing onto a single postsynaptic neuron, while divergence refers to a single neuron projecting onto multiple postsynaptic neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pre-Session Text Resource

Purves, "Neuroscience", 6th edition, Chapters 6 and 8 are recommended supplemental reading. Supplementary materials include page numbers, figures, tables from these readings.

Origin's Learning Objectives

OW120: Compare and contrast fast and slow transmission, and excitatory/inhibitory transmission.
OW121: Describe how motor neurons signal to neuromuscular junctions, activating muscle contraction.
OW122: Explain how neuromuscular transmission is affected by neurotoxins, pharmacological agents, and autoimmune diseases.
OW132: Describe the key characteristics of neurotransmission and identify receptors associated with major neurotransmitters in the CNS (glutamate, ACh, GABA, neuropeptides, monoamines, and cannabinoids).
OW133: Explain the mechanisms of action of common pharmacologic agents (benzodiazepines, pentobarbital, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, cocaine, amphetamines).
OW134: Describe the roles of glutamate neurotransmission in long-term synaptic plasticity and excitotoxicity.

Learning Objectives

Discuss the chemical synapse's life cycle, from synthesis to inactivation.
Examine postsynaptic events following activation of ionotropic/metabotropic receptors in the CNS.
Understand how synaptic modulation alters signals from pre-synaptic neurons and post-synaptic responses.
Detail excitatory/inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs/IPSPs) and their temporal/spatial summation affecting synaptic excitability.
Explain synaptic integration and modulation.

Key Concepts

Chemical synapses translate electrical signals into chemical signals by releasing neurotransmitters that bind to postsynaptic receptors altering postsynaptic cell electrical properties.
Neurotransmitters must meet three criteria: presence in the presynapse, calcium-dependent release, and receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.

Neurotransmitter Synthesis and Packaging

Small molecule NTs are made in the axon terminal and stored in clear-core vesicles.
Peptide NTs are made in the cell body and transported to the terminal in large, dense-core vesicles.

Exocytosis

Transmitters are released through exocytosis triggered by an influx of calcium ions.
Exocytosis is a well-orchestrated process concerning plasma and vesicular membranes, and axonal cytoplasm.

Receptor Binding and Activation

Released transmitters bind to postsynaptic receptors.
Receptor binding directly activates (or inactivates) ligand-gated ion channels or activates (deactivates) ion channels through a G protein-coupled process.

Postsynaptic Potentials

Postsynaptic potential (PSP) is produced by postsynaptic receptor activation.
PSP response timeline ranges from fast (ionotropic receptor activation) and slow (G protein-coupled receptor activation with peptide NTs).

Inactivation/Removal of Neurotransmitters

Methods to terminate synaptic transmission include transmitter degradation, diffusion, and reuptake.
Acetylcholinesterase, for example, breaks down acetylcholine into acetate and choline.

Neurotransmitters and Receptors

Neurotransmitters can bind to two receptor types: ionotropic (ligand-gated ion channels) or metabotropic (G protein coupled receptors).

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Description

Test your understanding of key concepts from Chapters 6 and 8 of 'Neuroscience' by Purves. This quiz covers topics including neurotransmission, motor neuron signaling, and the effects of pharmacological agents on neuromuscular transmission. Ideal for students looking to solidify their grasp of these crucial neuroscientific concepts.