Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Influx of what ion induces the release of NT

Answer 1

Ca2+

Question 2

What amino acid are NTs made from

Answer 2

Tyrosine

Question 3

Most abundant catecholamines in humans

Answer 3

Epi

NE

DA

Question 4

Tyrosine hydroxylase

Answer 4

First reaction in NT synthesis

Tyrosine —> dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)

Cofactor: BH4

Note: tyrosine is produced from phenylalanine by a hydroxylation reaction before this!!!

Question 5

Catechol

Answer 5

A phenyl ring with two adjacent -OH groups

Question 6

Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase

Answer 6

DOPA —> Dopamine

Needs PLP

Question 7

Parkinson’s disease

Answer 7

Associated with underproduction of dopamine

Treated with L-DOPA to stimulate dopamine production

Question 8

Schizophrenia

Answer 8

Associated with overproduction of dopamine

Question 9

Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH)

Answer 9

Dopamine —> NE

Requires ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and copper

Question 10

NE methylation

Answer 10

NE —> epinephrine

SAM methylates NE

Needs B12 and folate

Question 11

Oculocutaneous albinism

Answer 11

Melanin is produced from tyrosine by

A copper dependent tyrosinase

Question 12

Glutamate decarboxylase

Answer 12

Glutamate —> GABA

Needs PLP

Question 13

Histidine decarboxylase

Answer 13

Hist —> Histamine

Needs PLP

Question 14

Tryptophan hydroxylase + aromatic amino acid decarboxylase….

Answer 14

Tryptophan —> serotonin

Needs BH4 and PLP