14 Questions
What type of NT release occurs randomly and is thought to play a part in maintaining basal neurotransmitter levels and modulating synaptic strength?
Spontaneous
What is the role of synaptotagmin-1 in vesicle fusion?
To promote vesicle fusion
What is the purpose of positional priming in vesicle release?
To move vesicles towards docking sites
Which type of NT release can persist for a longer duration after cessation of action potentials?
Asynchronous
What is the role of SNARE proteins in vesicle release?
To allow vesicle docking
What is the term for the simultaneous release of multiple neurotransmitters from the same presynaptic terminal?
Co-release
What precedes vesicle fusion in the process of synchronous NT release?
Calcium entry
What is the primary function of spontaneous NT release?
To maintain basal neurotransmitter levels and modulate synaptic strength
Which type of NT release is most closely associated with the movement of vesicles towards docking sites?
Positional priming
What is the primary mechanism by which vesicle fusion occurs in synchronous NT release?
The binding of synaptotagmin-1 to the SNARE complex
Which type of NT release is most closely associated with the release of neurotransmitters from the vesicle?
Synchronous NT release
What is the primary function of molecular priming in vesicle release?
To promote the fusion of vesicles with the presynaptic membrane
Which type of NT release is most closely associated with the release of multiple neurotransmitters from the same presynaptic terminal?
Co-release
What is the primary function of SNARE proteins in vesicle release?
To promote the fusion of vesicles with the presynaptic membrane
Study Notes
Types of Neurotransmitter Release
- Spontaneous neurotransmitter release occurs in the absence of action potentials or external stimuli, happening randomly and thought to play a part in maintaining basal neurotransmitter levels and modulating synaptic strength.
Asynchronous Neurotransmitter Release
- Asynchronous release occurs following neuronal activity and can persist for a longer duration after cessation of action potentials.
Synchronous Neurotransmitter Release
- Synchronous release occurs in response to a single action potential, involving:
- Presynaptic depolarisation
- Calcium entry
- Vesicle movement and priming
- Positional priming: movement of vesicle towards docking sites
- Molecular priming: molecular changes that allow docking and fusion
Vesicle Docking and Fusion
- Vesicle docking involves the use of SNARE proteins:
- Synaptobrevin on synaptic vesicles
- Syntaxin and SNAP-25 on presynaptic membrane
- These proteins join together, allowing vesicle docking
Vesicle Fusion and Recycling
- Vesicle fusion is triggered by the influx of Ca2+, leading to synaptotagmin-1 binding to the SNARE complex, promoting vesicle fusion
- Vesicle recycling is necessary for further neurotransmitter release
Co-Release
- Co-release is the simultaneous release of multiple neurotransmitters from the same presynaptic terminal, used to control the size of the action potential generated
Types of Neurotransmitter Release
- Spontaneous neurotransmitter release occurs in the absence of action potentials or external stimuli, happening randomly and thought to play a part in maintaining basal neurotransmitter levels and modulating synaptic strength.
Asynchronous Neurotransmitter Release
- Asynchronous release occurs following neuronal activity and can persist for a longer duration after cessation of action potentials.
Synchronous Neurotransmitter Release
- Synchronous release occurs in response to a single action potential, involving:
- Presynaptic depolarisation
- Calcium entry
- Vesicle movement and priming
- Positional priming: movement of vesicle towards docking sites
- Molecular priming: molecular changes that allow docking and fusion
Vesicle Docking and Fusion
- Vesicle docking involves the use of SNARE proteins:
- Synaptobrevin on synaptic vesicles
- Syntaxin and SNAP-25 on presynaptic membrane
- These proteins join together, allowing vesicle docking
Vesicle Fusion and Recycling
- Vesicle fusion is triggered by the influx of Ca2+, leading to synaptotagmin-1 binding to the SNARE complex, promoting vesicle fusion
- Vesicle recycling is necessary for further neurotransmitter release
Co-Release
- Co-release is the simultaneous release of multiple neurotransmitters from the same presynaptic terminal, used to control the size of the action potential generated
This quiz covers the different types of neurotransmitter release, including spontaneous, asynchronous, synchronous, and calcium-independent release, and their characteristics.
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