4.6-4.7, 15.1

Question 1

List the classes of small-molecule neurotransmitters

Answer 1

• Unconventional Neurotransmitters
• Amino Acids
• Monoamines
• Acetylcholine

Question 2

List the two separate groups of monoamine neurotransmitters and describe how the synthesis of neurotransmitters in each group differs. Which monoamine neurotransmitters belong to each group?

Answer 2

•Catecholamines-> Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and epinephrine
Each are synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine
•Indolamines-> serotonin
Synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan

Question 3

What one class of neurotransmitters are considered large-molecule neurotransmitters?

Answer 3

Neuropeptides

Question 4

What is the most prevalent excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS

Answer 4

Glutamate

Question 5

What is the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter?

Answer 5

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

Question 6

What are the seven general steps common to most neurotransmitters?

Answer 6

1. Synthesis of the neurotransmitter
2. Storage in vesicles
3. Breakdown in cytoplasm of any neurotransmitter that leaks from vesicles
4. Exocytosis
5. Inhibitory feedback via autoreceptors
6. Activation of post synaptic receptors
7. Deactivation

Question 7

Drugs preventing the reuptake of which monoamine neurotransmitter are used to treat depression?

Answer 7

Serotonin

Question 8

True or False. Tolerance and withdrawal from a drug are different manifestations of the same underlying physiological change

Answer 8

True

Question 9

List two families of endogenous opioids

Answer 9

Enkephalins

Endorphins

Question 10

What does the term “agonist” mean in the following statement, “L-dopa is an agonist of dopamine”

Answer 10

It facilitates the activity of the synapses of a particular neurotransmitter