Neurotransmitters by Dr. Mukhtiar Baig

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What is the primary function of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

To relay, amplify, and modulate electrical signals between a neuron and another cell (correct)

To produce electrical signals between neurons

To create a physical connection between neurons

To generate synaptic clefts

What is the term for the microscopic gap between neurons?

Axon-dendrite connection

Synaptic cleft (correct)

Neurotransmitter gap

Synapse

What is a common feature among neurotransmitters?

Ability to bind to postsynaptic receptors (correct)

Inability to bind to postsynaptic receptors

Presence of receptors in the presynaptic element

Presence of precursors and/or synthetic enzymes in the postsynaptic side

What type of neurotransmitter is dopamine?

Monoamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) on the postsynaptic membrane?

Depolarization Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the processing of neurotransmitters?

Inactivation Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the binding of glycine to its receptor?

Hyperpolarization of the post-synaptic membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the enzyme histaminase in the formation of histamine?

Catalyzing the decarboxylation of histidine Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of glutamate on the post-synaptic membrane?

It causes depolarization Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of glutamate in astrocytes?

It is converted to glutamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the conversion of glutamate to glutamine?

It removes ammonia from the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increased levels of glutamate in the brain?

It causes death to the neurons in the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of low levels of glutamine in the brain?

Tiredness and poor brain activity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of GABA?

Increasing the levels of glutamate in the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the coenzyme required for the formation of GABA?

Vitamin B6 Signup and view all the answers

Serotonin is primarily produced in the:

Intestine Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between serotonin and depression?

Depressed patients have lower levels of serotonin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of serotonin?

Regulating muscle contraction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal medulla?

Norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the principal metabolite of serotonin in urine?

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the first enzyme in the pathway of serotonin metabolism?

Tryptophan hydroxylase Signup and view all the answers

What is the precursor amino acid for serotonin synthesis?

Tryptophan Signup and view all the answers

Where is serotonin present in the highest concentration?

Blood platelets Signup and view all the answers

What is the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine?

Tyrosine hydroxylase Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of low levels of norepinephrine?

Lack of energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of epinephrine in the brain?

Regulation of attention and mental focus Signup and view all the answers

What is the link between dopamine and Parkinson's disease?

Decreased dopamine levels cause Parkinson's disease Signup and view all the answers