Synapses

Question 1

What is saltatory conduction

Answer 1

When nerve impulses jump from one node of ranvier to the next along a myelinated axon

Question 2

What does the voltage gated calcium channels do

Answer 2

Respond to neurotransmitters

Question 3

What do the channels consist of

Answer 3

5 polypeptide molecules

Question 4

What do 2 of the polypeptide have

Answer 4

Receptors that are complimentary in shape to the neurotransmitter

Question 5

What is the end of a pre-synaptic neurone called

Answer 5

Pre-synaptic bulb

Question 6

What are the adaptations of the pre-synaptic bulb

Answer 6

• Mitochondria for ATP
• Smooth ER to package neurotransmitter molecules into vesicles
• Vesicles containing acetylcholine
• Voltage gated calcium ions on the membrane

Question 7

What is the synaptic cleft

Answer 7

A gap between neurones of about 20nm wide