Neuochemistry

Question 1

what is a neurotransmitter?

Answer 1

A Neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger
that transmits signals from a neuron to a target
cell across a synapse

Question 2

what are some criteria of a neurotransmitter

Answer 2

● Must be found in the neurons
● Must be synthesized in the neurons
● They must be released from the neurons
● They must have receptors
● Degradative mechanisms should exist
● They should produce some specific physiological or pharmacological effect

Question 3

what are the steps to the release of a neurotransmitter

Answer 3

● Depolarization of the terminal membrane by an action potential
● Activation of voltage-gated Ca2+
● Ca2+ entry.
● A change in the conformation of docking proteins
● fusion of the vesicle to the plasma membrane, with subsequent release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Question 4

draw a diagram to demonstrate the release of neurotransmitter

Answer 4

check the book

Question 5

what ways is a NT removed from the synaptic cleft

Answer 5

-degraded by an enzyme
-reuptake back to the presynaptic membrane (via reuptake pump)