Basic CNS Biochemistry

Question 1

Neurotransmitters can be divided into broad groups, what are they?

Answer 1

Small molecule neurotransmitters (tend to be fast acting)

Neuropeptides (tend to be slow acting)

Question 2

Small molecule neurotransmitters tend to be packaged in what kind of vesicles?

Answer 2

Small clear vesicles

Question 3

Neuropeptides tend to be packaged in what kind of vesicles?

Answer 3

Large dense core vesicles

Question 4

What is “co-transmission”?

Answer 4

Neurotrons releasing more than one neurotransmitter

Question 5

Botulinum toxin inhibits which protein to prevent pre-synaptic NT release?

Answer 5

SNAREs

Question 6

What are the two broad classes of NT receptor?

Answer 6

Ionotropic

Metabotropic

Question 7

Which enzyme synthesises Acetylcholine? What are the substrates?

Answer 7

Choline acetyltransferase

Choline + Acetyl-CoA

Question 8

What are the subtypes for the Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor?

Answer 8

M1 M2 M3 M4 M5

Question 9

What are the three Glutamate receptors?

Answer 9

AMPA
NMDA
Kainate

Question 10

What is the mechanism of action for Donepezil?

Answer 10

AchE antagonist

Question 11

What is the precursor for GABA?

Answer 11

Glutamate

Question 12

How is Dopamine synthesised?

Answer 12

Tyrosine — L-DOPA —– Dopamine

Question 13

The clinical features of Parkinsons is TRAP. What is TRAP?

Answer 13

Tremor
Rigidity
Akinesia
Postural problems

Question 14

What is the precursor for Noradrenaline?

Answer 14

Dopamine

Question 15

How is 5-HT degraded?

Answer 15

Monoamine Oxidase

Question 16

How is Noradrenaline broken down?

Answer 16

Monoamine Oxidase