IB Biology - Neural Signaling and Synapses

Front

What is the role of excitatory neurotransmitters in neural signaling?

Back

Excitatory neurotransmitters bring the postsynaptic membrane closer to the threshold for action potential generation.

Front

What happens to ion channels when neurotransmitters are released from receptors?

Back

The ion channels close quickly after neurotransmitter binding.

Front

How is a neurotransmitter degraded after its release?

Back

A neurotransmitter is degraded by an enzyme and can be taken back into the synaptic terminal.

Front

What type of diffusion allows Ca^2+ ions to enter the presynaptic terminal?

Back

Facilitated diffusion allows Ca^2+ ions to flood into the presynaptic terminal.

Front

What is an action potential's effect on the presynaptic terminal?

Back

An action potential depolarizes the plasma membrane of the presynaptic terminal.

Front

Define synapse in the context of neural signaling.

Back

A synapse is the junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.

Front

What is the function of inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Back

Inhibitory neurotransmitters move the postsynaptic membrane farther from the threshold, making it less likely to generate an action potential.

Front

What is the significance of neurotransmitter reuptake?

Back

Neurotransmitter reuptake is important for terminating the signal and recycling neurotransmitters for future use.

Front

Explain the concept of depolarization in neurons.

Back

Depolarization is the process by which the membrane potential becomes less negative, moving towards the threshold for action potential.

Front

What is the difference between facilitated diffusion and active transport in neurons?

Back

Facilitated diffusion does not require energy and allows ions to move down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move ions against their gradient.