Neurotransmitters

Question 1

What are neurotransmitters?

Answer 1

Chemical messengers that act between the neurons in the brain.

Question 2

What do neurotransmitters allow for?

Answer 2

For the brain to process thoughts and memories.

Question 3

Where are neurotransmitters released?

Answer 3

Into the synaptic gap.

Question 4

What are neurotransmitters taken up by?

Answer 4

By the receptors of dendrites of another neuron, in order to send a message.

Question 5

What happens if the receptors of the dendrites don’t take up the neurotransmitters?

Answer 5

They are left in the synaptic gap, and re-used.

Question 6

What is inhibition?

Answer 6

Inhibition is caused by the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by the synapse. This causes (negatively charged) chlorine ions to enter the neuron, the membrane becomes hyperpolarised, and this causes the impulse to be inhibited.

Question 7

GABA?

Answer 7

Gamma-aminobutyric acid

Question 8

What is GABA?

Answer 8

It is an inhibitor in the brain.

Question 9

What do inhibitors do?

Answer 9

They block messages rather than taking them on.

Question 10

What is the role of GABA?

Answer 10

To calm nerves that are firing, and to give relaxation.

Question 11

What can low levels of GABA lead to?

Answer 11

Anxiety

Question 12

Low levels of GABA are also linked to…

Answer 12

… epilepsy.

Question 13

Aside from calming nerves and giving relaxation, what is another role of GABA?

Answer 13

Controlling movement.

Question 14

> What is the chemical formula for GABA?

Answer 14

C₄H₉NO₂

Question 15

What does norepinephrine do?

Answer 15

It affects our attention and is involved in the fight-or-flight response, which prepares us for action.

Question 16

What else is norepinephrine known as?

Answer 16

Noradrenaline

Question 17

Which neurotransmitter can people with ADHD be prescribed to help them?

Answer 17

Norepinephrine

Question 18

> What is the chemical formula for norepinephrine?

Answer 18

C₈H₁₁NO₃

Question 19

What is the neurotransmitter ‘Acetylcholine’ linked to?

Answer 19

Memory, thinking & learning.

Question 20

Damage to the areas of the brain that produce acetylcholine has been associated with what?

Answer 20

With Alzheimer’s disease.

Question 21

> What is the chemical formula for acetylcholine?

Answer 21

C₇H₁₆NO₂⁺

Question 22

What is the neurotransmitter ‘dopamine’ associated with?

Answer 22

Feelings of pleasure.

Question 23

How is dopamine linked to drug addiction?

Answer 23

Because it is associated with feelings of pleasure, and these feelings may be desired, so the individual carries out actions to get the feelings.

Question 24

> What is the chemical formula for dopamine?

Answer 24

C₈H₁₁NO₂

Question 25

What is Glutamate?

Answer 25

A neurotransmitter associated with memory & learning (cognitive functioning), and brain development.

Question 26

Having too much glutamate is…

Answer 26

… harmful, and can lead to stroke or can kill.

Question 27

> What is the chemical formula for glutamate?

Answer 27

C₅H₉NO₄

Question 28

What is serotonin?

Answer 28

The neurotransmitter for happiness & good mood.

Question 29

What does serotonin do with melatonin?

Answer 29

It regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

Question 30

What do low levels of serotonin link to?

Answer 30

Depression & anxiety.

Question 31

What can be prescribed for mental disorders like depression?

Answer 31

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Question 32

> What is the chemical formula for serotonin?

Answer 32

C₁₀H₁₂N₂O