Lecture 3: Neural communication

Question 1

Do chemical synapses rely on energy dependent processes?

Answer 1

yes e.g. synthesis, release, re-uptake

Question 2

How fast are chemical synapses able to transfer information? Why?

Answer 2

slow, due to complex energy-dependent release machinery, diffusion, and post-synaptic receptor activation

Question 3

What is the downfall of electrical synapses?

Answer 3

excitation is the only effect it can have on the post-synaptic cell

Question 4

What are the characteristics of electrical synapses?

Answer 4

passive transmission: no complex energy-dependent release machinery
fast: no long latency due to complex energy-dependent release machinery, diffusion, and post-synaptic receptor activation

Question 5

What are electrical synapses good for?

Answer 5

synchronisation of neuronal groups e.g. respiratory group

Question 6

Are electrical synapses uni-directional or bi-directional?

Answer 6

typically bi-directional, effects depend on recent or concurrent activity

Question 7

What can be inferred about the post-synaptic effect of a particular neurotransmitter based on its chemical nature and structure?

Answer 7

nothing