Chapter 3.1

Question 1

Ionotropic receptor/Ligand-gated ion channel

Answer 1

A receptor protein containing an ion channel that opens when the receptor is bound by an agonist

Question 2

Excitatory synapse

Answer 2

A type of synapse that, when active, causes a local depolarization that increases the likelihood the neuron will fire an action potential

Question 3

Inhibitory synapse

Answer 3

A type of synapse that, when active, causes a local hyperpolarization that decreases the likelihood the neuron will fire an action potential

Question 4

Metabotropic receptor

Answer 4

A receptor protein that does not contain ion channels but may, when activated, use a second-messenger system to open nearby ion channels or to produce other cellular effects

Question 5

Receptor subtypes

Answer 5

Any type of receptor having functional characteristics that distinguish it from other types of receptors for the same neurotransmitter

Question 6

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)

Answer 6

A type of receptor that, when activated extracellularly, initiates a G protein signaling mechanism inside the cell