Lock and key process

Question 1

Communication between nerve cells is a chemical process called chemical communication. What are the 3 steps to that process?

Answer 1

1. Synaptic vesicles store neurotransmitters within the nerve cell
2. When an action potential reaches the axon terminals, the synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters in the synapse
3. These neurotransmitters attach to the receptor sites of the post synaptic and alter its action

Question 2

What is the lock and key process?

Answer 2

Receptor sites are specially designed to only bind with certain neurotransmitters. Their characteristic pattern allows them to match the pattern of the neurotransmitter like a lock matches a key.The receptor site has a complementary structure to the neurotransmitter.

Question 3

What are the 2 effects neurotransmitters can have on the post-synaptic Neuton?

Answer 3

1. The excite the post synaptic neuron
2. The inhibit the post synaptic neuron

Question 4

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, what does it do?

Answer 4

It is found in the hippocampus and the receptor sites that are associated with glutamate are NMDA, AMPA and kainite.
When glutamate binds with these recepors sites it makes it more likely for the post synaptic neuron to fire.
It is associated with cognition, memory, learning

Question 5

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, what does it do?
think. G..A..B..A

Answer 5

Found throughout the NS
inhibitory means it makes the post synaptic neuron less likely to fire.
It slows neural transmission- reverses the effects of excitatory neurotransmitter.g reduces stress response