8.2.6 - Imbalances In Brain Chemicals Leading To Disease

Question 1

What Are Neurotransmitters?

Answer 1

Chemicals, that transmit nerve impulses across synapses.

Question 2

What Diseases Are Linked To Imbalances Of Neurotransmitters, In The Brain?
(2 Points)

Answer 2

~ Parkinson’s disease.

~ Depression.

Question 3

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
(3 Points)

Answer 3

~ Brain disorder, affecting the co-ordination of movement.

~ Caused by, the loss of neurones in some parts of the brain.

~ These lost neurones, usually produce dopamine.

Question 4

Describe The Process, Which Leads To The Development Of Parkinson’s Disease
(4 Points)

Answer 4

~ Less dopamine, is released into the synaptic cleft.

~ Less dopamine, means less is able to bind with receptors, on the post-synaptic membrane.

~ Fewer sodium ion channels are opened, depolarisation can therefore not occur.

~ Fewer action potential are created, leading to the development of symptoms.

Question 5

What Are Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease?
(3 Points)

Answer 5

~ Tremors.

~ Slow movement.

~ Changes to speech.

Question 6

What Drugs Can Be Used To Treat Parkinson’s Disease?
(3 Points)

Answer 6

~ Dopamine agonists.

~ Dopamine precursor. E.g. L-Dopa.

~ Enzyme inhibitors. E.g. MAOB.

Question 7

Describe ‘Dopamine Agonists’ As A Drug, Used To Treat Parkinson’s Disease
(2 Points)

Answer 7

~ Produce the same effect as dopamine.

~ Activating dopamine receptors, on the post-synaptic membrane.

Question 8

Describe ‘Enzyme Inhibitors’ As A Drug, Used To Treat Parkinson’s Disease
(2 Points)

Answer 8

~ Inhibit the activity of enzymes, that break down dopamine in the synaptic cleft.

~ Raising levels of dopamine.

Question 9

What Is Depression?
(2 Points)

Answer 9

~ Low levels of serotonin.

~ Serotonin controls mood.

Question 10

What Drugs Can Be Used To Treat Depression?
(2 Points)

Answer 10

~ SSRI.

~ MAOB inhibitor’s.

Question 11

Describe ‘SSRI’ As A Drug, Used To Treat Depression
(2 Points)

Answer 11

~ Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

~ Antidepressants, preventing the uptake of serotonin at synapses.

Question 12

Describe ‘MAOB Inhibitors’ As A Drug, Used To Treat Depression

Answer 12

Inhibit enzymes, that would otherwise break down serotonin.