30 Questions
What is the primary function of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?
To relay, amplify, and modulate electrical signals between a neuron and another cell
What is the term for the microscopic gap between neurons?
Synaptic cleft
What is a common feature among neurotransmitters?
Ability to bind to postsynaptic receptors
What type of neurotransmitter is dopamine?
Monoamine
What is the result of an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) on the postsynaptic membrane?
Depolarization
What is the final step in the processing of neurotransmitters?
Inactivation
What is the result of the binding of glycine to its receptor?
Hyperpolarization of the post-synaptic membrane
What is the function of the enzyme histaminase in the formation of histamine?
Catalyzing the decarboxylation of histidine
What is the effect of glutamate on the post-synaptic membrane?
It causes depolarization
What is the fate of glutamate in astrocytes?
It is converted to glutamine
What is the importance of the conversion of glutamate to glutamine?
It removes ammonia from the brain
What is the effect of increased levels of glutamate in the brain?
It causes death to the neurons in the brain
What is the effect of low levels of glutamine in the brain?
Tiredness and poor brain activity
Which of the following is NOT a function of GABA?
Increasing the levels of glutamate in the brain
What is the coenzyme required for the formation of GABA?
Vitamin B6
Serotonin is primarily produced in the:
Intestine
What is the relationship between serotonin and depression?
Depressed patients have lower levels of serotonin
Which of the following is a function of serotonin?
Regulating muscle contraction
What is the primary neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal medulla?
Norepinephrine
What is the principal metabolite of serotonin in urine?
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid
What is the first enzyme in the pathway of serotonin metabolism?
Tryptophan hydroxylase
What is the precursor amino acid for serotonin synthesis?
Tryptophan
Where is serotonin present in the highest concentration?
Blood platelets
What is the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine?
Tyrosine hydroxylase
What is the result of low levels of norepinephrine?
Lack of energy
What is the function of epinephrine in the brain?
Regulation of attention and mental focus
What is the link between dopamine and Parkinson's disease?
Decreased dopamine levels cause Parkinson's disease
What is the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of acetylcholine?
Choline acetyltransferase
What is the function of acetylcholine in the peripheral nervous system?
Causes skeletal muscles to contract
What is the result of increased dopamine levels in the brain?
Schizophrenia
Learn about the role of neurotransmitters in relaying, amplifying, and modulating electrical signals between neurons and other cells. Explore the structure of the synapse and the features of neurotransmitters.
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