Neurotransmitter Biochemistry Overview

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synaptic cleft between neurons in the nervous system.

These synapses transmit impulses directly to their neighboring nervous cells without the need for neurotransmitters.

A type of synapse that uses neurotransmitters for signal transmission.

Neurotransmitters can have different effects depending on their specific receptors. For example, dopamine can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on the receptor it binds to.

A type of neurotransmitter effect on the nervous system that increases the likelihood of a neuron to fire.

A type of neurotransmitter effect on the nervous system that decreases the likelihood of a neuron to fire.

Neurotransmitters (NTs) can have both immediate and long-lasting effects on the postsynaptic neuron.

A type of neurotransmitter receptor that directly opens an ion channel upon binding, leading to rapid signal transmission.

A type of neurotransmitter receptor that uses a multi-step process involving G-proteins and second messengers to produce cellular responses, resulting in slower but longer-lasting effects.

The speed at which a neurotransmitter (NT) exerts its effect depends on the type of receptor it binds to on the postsynaptic neuron.

Despite the same amount of signal input, the speed of neurotransmitter (NT) action varies based on the receptor type in the postsynaptic cell.

Ionotropic receptors are directly linked to ion channels, allowing for rapid signal transmission.

Metabotropic receptors use G-proteins and second messengers to mediate their effects, causing slower signal transmission.

The type of receptor determines whether the postsynaptic neuron will experience an immediate or delayed response to the neurotransmitter (NT).

The duration of a neurotransmitter's action in the synapse. It's influenced by several factors including its metabolism.

The process by which neurotransmitters are created, stored, released, and broken down. It involves several stages.

The initial stages of neurotransmitter metabolism where the building blocks for the neurotransmitter are gathered and processed.

The stage where neurotransmitters are packaged into small sacs called vesicles, ready for release.

The release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft.

The interaction of neurotransmitters with receptors on the same neuron that released it. This acts as a feedback mechanism.

The process of removing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft. It can happen through reuptake by the pre-synaptic neuron or glial cells, enzymatic breakdown, or diffusion

The process where neurotransmitters are taken back into the pre-synaptic neuron or neighboring glial cells, removing them from the synaptic cleft.

The breakdown of neurotransmitters into inactive metabolites by enzymes.

The simple diffusion of neurotransmitters out of the synaptic cleft.

A neurotransmitter that can diffuse outside the synaptic cleft and bind to metabotropic receptors, influencing the effectiveness of other neurotransmitters.

A neurotransmitter that travels long distances through the bloodstream, affecting cells with specific receptors. They have a longer half-life and produce longer-lasting effects than neurotransmitters.

The degradation of dopamine by enzymes like monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) into homovanillic acid (HVA).

Glutamate and GABA are reuptaken back into the presynaptic neuron for reuse. There is no significant degradation in the synapse.

The ability of neurotransmitters to travel beyond the synaptic cleft, allowing for widespread effects in the brain.

The diffusion of neurotransmitters outside the synaptic cleft, leading to their widespread distribution in the brain.