IB Biology: C2.1-Transmembrane receptors for neurotransmitters

Front

Where are neurotransmitters synthesized and stored?

Back

Neurotransmitters are synthesized and stored in vesicles of the presynaptic neuron.

Front

What happens when an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal?

Back

Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open.

Front

What is the role of Ca2+ ions in neurotransmitter release?

Back

Ca2+ ions flow in, causing vesicles containing neurotransmitter molecules to move and fuse with the presynaptic membrane.

Front

How is neurotransmitter released into the synaptic cleft?

Back

Neurotransmitter is released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft via exocytosis.

Front

What happens after neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft?

Back

Neurotransmitter binds to receptor molecules on the postsynaptic membrane.

Front

What is the effect of neurotransmitter binding on the postsynaptic membrane?

Back

It causes the opening of postsynaptic ion channels for Na+ ions, allowing Na+ ions to enter.

Front

What is the result of Na+ ions entering the postsynaptic neuron?

Back

The entry of Na+ ions causes changes in the voltage of the membrane, known as depolarization.

Front

What happens to the vesicular membrane after neurotransmitter release?

Back

Retrieval of vesicular membrane from the plasma membrane in the presynaptic neuron occurs.