chap 13 Flashcards
What are the three main types of neurotransmitter mechanisms?
Ionotropic (direct), Metabotropic (indirect), and Gas-based (lipid-soluble).
What is an ionotropic neurotransmitter?
A neurotransmitter that opens ion channels directly through receptor binding—causing immediate effects.
What is a metabotropic neurotransmitter?
A neurotransmitter that indirectly opens ion channels through second messenger systems and causes long-lasting changes inside the cell.
What are examples of metabotropic neurotransmitters?
Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Histamine, GABA.
What are gas neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters that are lipid-soluble gases (e.g., nitric oxide and carbon monoxide) that diffuse through the membrane and activate enzymes inside the cell.
Which amino acid neurotransmitters are inhibitory?
GABA and Glycine.
Which amino acid neurotransmitters are excitatory?
Glutamate and Aspartate.
What are examples of biogenic amines (amine neurotransmitters)?
Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Histamine.
Which cells release histamine, and what makes it a neurotransmitter?
Mast cells release histamine; when released by a neuron and targeting another neuron, it acts as a neurotransmitter.
What neurotransmitters are associated with emotion?
Dopamine and Serotonin.
What are neuropeptides?
Short chains of amino acids (e.g., Substance P, endorphins, opioids) that act as neurotransmitters.
What are two gas neurotransmitters you need to know?
Nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO).
What is the common function of all neurotransmitters?
They open ion channels in the postsynaptic membrane.
What additional role do metabotropic and gas neurotransmitters play?
They cause internal cellular changes, such as activating enzymes and aiding in memory formation.
What is an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)?
A depolarizing effect caused by excitatory neurotransmitters, bringing the neuron closer to threshold.
What is an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)?
A hyperpolarizing effect caused by inhibitory neurotransmitters, making it harder to reach threshold.
Why are metabotropic neurotransmitters important for learning and memory?
They create long-lasting cellular changes through second messenger systems.
How do gas neurotransmitters differ from others in terms of receptors?
They do not use membrane-bound receptors but diffuse directly into the cell.
What are examples of neurotransmitters that only open ion channels and do nothing else?
Ionotropic neurotransmitters like glutamate (for fast signaling).
