Neurotransmitter

Question 1

Role of neurotransmitters

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters are a chemical substance that Carries information between neurons. Neurotransmitters are connected in small sacs and are produced by a presynaptic neuron before being released from its synaptic buttons. They are then passed onto other neurons around the body. Communication occurs in the space between the neurons known as the synaptic gap, neurotransmitters reach the receptor sites on the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron. This is how neural transmission occurs

Question 2

Lock and key process

Answer 2

The lock and key process refers to the fact that when a neurotransmitter (key) is released from a presynaptic neuron into the synapse it must be the right chemical shape to successfully bind to the receptor sites (lock) on the dendrites of the post synaptic neuron.

Receptor sites are protien molecules with their own distinct shape and size, these act as a lock for which specific key (neurotransmitter, that is the right chemical shape) needs to be released to “unlock” their potential.

Question 3

Excitatory effects and glutamate

Answer 3

An excitatory effect occurs when excitatory transmitters bind with the receptor sites of a postsynaptic neuron. Once they are bound they increase the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential.

Glutamate - the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, causes the postsynaptic neuron to become more likely to fire an action potential

Question 4

Inhibitory effects and GABA

Answer 4

An inhibitory effect occurs when inhibitory transmitters bind with the receptor sites of a postsynaptic neuron, once they bind, they decrease the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing the action potential.

GABA- the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, causes the postsynaptic neuron to become less likely to fire an action potential