LOCK AND KEY Flashcards
LOCK AND KEY PROCESS?
- a neurotransmitters shape must precisely match the distinct shape of the receptor site on the post synaptic neuron’s dendrites in order to bind to its receptors.
- the binding unlocks the post synaptic neuron’s response so that the neurotransmitters causes changes to the neuron
- resulting to excitatory or inhibitory effect
WHAT EFFECTS DO NEUROTRANSMITTERS HAVE?
inhibitory or excitatory effects
EXCITATORY EFFECT?
- neurotransmitters with excitatory effects will activate postsynaptic neurons to perform its actions
INHIBITORY EFFECT?
- neurotransmitters with inhibitory effects will block/prevent post-synaptic neurons from firing (performing its actions).
GLUTAMATE?
- enhances information transmission by making postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire
- primary excitatory neurotransmitters in the CNS
- involves in learning, memory and movement
GAMA-AMINO BUTYRIC ACID (GABA)?
- primary inhibitory neurotransmitters in the CNS
- works throughout the brain to make the post-synaptic neurons less likely to fire
- without GABA can it result to out of control (seizures)
WHAT IS NEUROMODULATOR?
neuromodulator is a chemical messenger that affects a diverse population of neurons
WHAT DO NEUROMODULATORS DO?
- influence effects on other chemical messengers
- affect a large number of neurons at the same time
DOPAMINE AS A NEUROMODULATOR?
heavily involved in our motivation to seek rewards
- impacts on range of functions
SEROTONIN AS A NEUROMODULATOR?
‘moderating’ our mood
NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND NEUROMODULATORS SIMILARITIES?
- both are chemical substances
- impact on our behavior and functioning
- released from axon terminals of neurons
NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND NEUROMODULATORS DIFFERENCES?
neurotransmitters:
- rapid effect, lasts a short period of time
- affects on one-two post-synaptic targets
neuromodulators:
- slow but long lasting effects
- affects on a group of post-synaptic targets
