Synaptic Transmission

Question 1

Neurotransmission process

Answer 1

Electrical signal/action potential arrives at the axon terminal of the pre-synaptic neuron, causing vesicles to fuse with the pre-synaptic membrane, triggering neurotransmitters to diffuse across the synapse. Neurotransmitters bind to complimentary receptors on the post-synaptic neuron. Activation of the receptors determines whether the post-synaptic neuron will generate an electrical signal

Question 2

Excitation

Answer 2

Leads to the generation of EPSP, leading to a greater positive charge at the postsynaptic membrane so it’s more likely the neuron will fire an action potential

Question 3

Inhibition

Answer 3

Leads to the generation of IPSP, leading to a greater negative charge at the postsynaptic membrane so it’s more less the neuron will fire an action potential