Synapses and the Role of Neurotransmitters Flashcards
1
Q
Types of synapses
A
- Electrical synapse
- Chemical synapse
2
Q
How do electrical synapses work
A
Direct transfer of ionic current (through channels)
3
Q
What direction do electrical synapses work in?
A
Bi-directional
4
Q
What cells are electrical synapses between?
A
- Glia-neuron
- Glia-glia
5
Q
Types of neurotransmitter
A
- Amino acids
- Monoamines
- Acetylcholine
- Neuroactive peptides
6
Q
Types of amino acid neurotransmitter
A
- Glutamate
- γ-aminobutyric acid
- Glycine
7
Q
Types of monoamine neurotransmitter
A
- Adrenaline
- Noradrenaline
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
8
Q
Types of receptor signalling mechanisms
A
- Ionotropic (ligand-gated channels)
- Metabotropic (G-protein coupled)
9
Q
How does the ionotropic mechanism work?
A
- Transmitter binding causes conformational change
- Channel opens
- Fast movement of ions
10
Q
How does the metabotropic mechanism work?
A
- Transmitter binding causes conformational change
- G-protein activated
- Activates ‘effector systems’
11
Q
What can G-protein activation in the metabotropic mechanism do?
A
- Open or close ion channels
- Stimulate or inhibit enzymes/secondary messenger systems
