017 Two Types of Receptors

In this video, Leslie Samuel discusses two types of receptors in the nervous system: ionotropic and metabotropic. Ionotropic receptors are fast-acting and involve neurotransmitters like acetylcholine binding to nicotinic receptors, causing sodium ions to enter the cell. This results in an excitatory postsynaptic potential. In contrast, inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA and glycine cause chloride ions to enter, leading to an inhibitory postsynaptic potential. Metabotropic receptors, such as muscarinic receptors, involve G protein activation and a slower, amplified response through second messenger systems.

What role does the G protein play in metabotropic receptors?

How does the binding of neurotransmitters to receptors lead to cellular responses?

What is the significance of the second messenger system in metabotropic receptors?