Option A.5: Neuropharmacology

Question 1

Define action potential

Answer 1

the impulse that moves down the presynaptic neuron

Question 2

What is the purpose of excitatory neurotransmitters?

Answer 2

to generate an action potential by increasing the permeability of the postsynaptic membrane to positive ions

Question 3

What is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter?

Answer 3

acetylcholine

Question 4

What is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter?

Answer 4

GABA

Question 5

What is the purpose of the inhibitory neurotransmitter?

Answer 5

inhibit action potentials by causing hyperpolarization of the neurone (the inside of the neuron becomes more negative)

Question 6

Define fast-acting neurotransmitters

Answer 6

have an effect on the target cell within 1 millisecond of binding to a receptor

Question 7

Define slow-acting neurotransmitters

Answer 7

have an effect on the target cell in hundreds of milliseconds or can take up to a minute

Question 8

What are three examples of slow acting neurotransmitters?

Answer 8

dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine

Question 9

What is another name for slow-acting NTs?

Answer 9

neuromodulators

Question 10

How do slow acting NTs modulate fast-acting neurotransmitters? (2 ways)

Answer 10

can regulate the efficiency of neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic neuron
can regulate the efficiency of the postsynaptic neuron