Neurons and Synapses

Question 1

What is the synaptic cleft?

Answer 1

the “gap” between the neuron and the receiving cell

Question 2

What is the effect of an indirect agonist binding to a GABA receptor? What is a group of drugs that do this?

Answer 2

causes increased chloride channel opening, leading to the sedative and anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines

Question 3

Describe a giving neuron transporting neurotransmitters to a receiving neuron

Answer 3

the presynaptic neuron binds to the receptor site on a cell, action potentials travel down the axon of the presynaptic neuron, reaching the axon terminals. triggering channel openings so that the synaptic vesicles can fuse with the presynaptic membrane. neurotransmitters diffuse accross the presynaptic cleft where they bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 4

What does the binding of an excitatory neurotransmitter do to the postsynaptic neuron?

Answer 4

initiates a depolarization (more positive energies), opening Na+ channels

Question 5

What does the binding of an inhibitory neurotransmitter do to the postsynaptic neuron?

Answer 5

initiates a hyperpolarization (more negative energies), opening Cl- channels