Ultrastructure of the mammalian synapse

Question 1

What are 2 types of synapses

Answer 1

1. Chemical
2. Electrical

Question 2

Name 3 aspects that synapses can differ on?

Answer 2

1. Neurotransmitters
2. Postsynaptic responses
3. Anatomy

Question 3

What are the different types of synapses

Answer 3

1. Type 1 - Asymmetric synapses
2. Type 2 - Symmetric synapses

Question 4

How can you recognise type 1 synapses?

Answer 4

They are excitatory and mainly on dendrites and dendritic spines

Question 5

How can you recognise type 2 synapses

Answer 5

They are inhibitory and mainly on cell soma and axonal initial segment

Question 6

Explain the steps of neurotransmitter release

Answer 6

An action potential depolarises the presynaptic plasma membrane. This opens calcium channels which results in an influx of calcium. Calcium binds to synaptotagmin, which activates the exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Neurotransmitters are released in the synaptic cleft.

Question 7

Name the 5 different neurotransmitters and their corresponding postsynaptic response

Answer 7

1. GABA - Inhibitory
2. Glycine - Inhibitory
3. Glutamate - Excitatory
4. Dopamine - neuromodulatory
5. Serotonin - Neuromodulatory