18 Questions
What is the key factor that ensures neurotransmitters can safely arrive at the Terminal Buttons?
Creation of Vesicles
What is the main difference between large-molecule neurotransmitters and small-molecule neurotransmitters in terms of synthesis?
Small-molecule NTs are synthesized from precursors in the cell body
What is the function of Neuropeptides within the process of neurotransmitter synthesis and packaging?
Synthesis inside the cell body
How are neurotransmitter molecules conveyed to the presynaptic cell membrane during the transport and release process?
Exit from the interior of the presynaptic neuron
What is the final step in the process of neurotransmitter termination after their effect?
Destruction or re-use of existing NT molecules
Which structure ensures that NT molecules remain at the presynaptic membrane until needed?
Vesicles
What is the process called when neurotransmitter molecules are released from vesicles into the synaptic cleft?
Exocytosis
Which ions bind with vesicles inside the presynaptic neuron to trigger the process of exocytosis?
Calcium (Ca2+) ions
What is the role of postsynaptic receptors when neurotransmitter molecules bind with them?
Activating the receptor by opening an ion channel
What type of relationship do neurotransmitter molecules have with postsynaptic receptors?
Lock-and-key
Which process involves the influx of calcium ions into the presynaptic neuron upon stimulation of an action potential?
Voltage-gated calcium ion channels opening
What is the mechanism through which NT molecules leave the cell?
Exocytosis triggered by calcium ions binding with vesicles
What is the main difference between ionotropic and metabotropic effects of neurotransmitter receptor binding?
Ionotropic effects act faster and last for a shorter duration than metabotropic effects.
What happens when neurotransmitter molecules bind with ionotropic receptors?
Ligand-gated ion channels open, leading to an ionotropic effect.
How do terminal buttons prevent ongoing effects of neurotransmitter molecules at the synapse?
By engaging in reuptake of the molecules.
What is the function of autoreceptors in neural communication?
Monitoring the requirements for future release of neurotransmitters.
How do most neurons respond to different types of neurotransmitters?
By releasing more than one type of neurotransmitter and responding to various types.
What can studying the effects of individual neurotransmitters help us learn about?
The importance of specific behaviors regulated by neurotransmitters.
Study Notes
Neurotransmitters and Receptors
- NT dopamine binds with dopamine receptors, leading to ionotropic and metabotropic effects
- Ionotropic effects occur when NT molecules bind with a receptor, opening a ligand-gated ion channel, resulting in fast (1ms) but short-lived (10-50ms) effects
- Metabotropic effects involve metabolic reactions, acting slower (30ms) but lasting longer (up to minutes)
Synapse and Neural Communication
- Not all NT molecules bind with receptors on the postsynaptic membrane
- Terminal buttons engage in reuptake to prevent ongoing effects
- Autoreceptors monitor reuptake and breakdown to determine future NT release
- Many neurons release multiple NTs, responding to various types, with around 100 different NTs known
- Studying individual NTs helps understand their role in specific behaviors
Neurotransmitter Synthesis and Transport
- NT synthesis involves precursors, with large NTs (Neuropeptides) synthesized in the cell body and small NTs in terminal buttons
- The Golgi complex packages NT molecules into vesicles, which are transported to the presynaptic membrane
- Vesicles fuse with the membrane, releasing NT molecules into the synaptic cleft through exocytosis
Neurotransmitter Release and Binding
- Voltage-gated calcium ion channels open, permitting Ca2+ influx, which binds with vesicles, causing them to fuse with the membrane and release NT molecules
- NT molecules cross the synaptic cleft, binding with postsynaptic receptors, usually opening an ion channel
- NT molecules have a lock-and-key relationship with receptors, allowing binding in specific cases
Neurotransmitter Steps
- Synthesis and packaging: create NT molecules and package them in vesicles
- Transport and release: convey NT molecules to the presynaptic membrane and release them into the synapse
- Binding: NT molecules bind with ion channels and activate them
- Termination: existing NT molecules are destroyed or re-used to terminate their effect
Learn about the different effects of neurotransmitter binding with ionotropic and metabotropic receptors. Ionotropic effects act fast but last for a short time, while metabotropic effects are slower to act and last longer.
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