Synapse 1 & 2: Communication Between Cells Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Synapse 1 & 2: Communication Between Cells Deck (8)
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1
Q

What is a synapse?

A

Defined as: a junction between two cells where electrical changes in one cell cause a signal to be passed to another, usually via a chemical NT

+ Majority are chemical synapses, but some are electrical

2
Q

Define pre-synaptic:

A

+ Relating to or denoting a nerve cell that releases a transmitter substance into a synapse during transmission of an impulse

+ Pre-synaptic neuron is the neuron before the synapse, delivering the “message” across the synapse to the postsynaptic neuron

3
Q

Define post-synaptic

A

+ A neuron to the cell body or dendrite of which an electrical impulse is transmitted across a synaptic cleft by the release of a chemical neurotransmitter from the axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron.

+ Post-synaptic neuron is the “receiver” of the neurotransmitter “message”.

4
Q

What are the features of the synapse in pre-synaptic cells?

A

+ Axon of pre-synaptic neuron
+ Axon terminal
+ Synaptic vesicles (contain NT molecules)
+ NT

5
Q

What are the features of the synapse in post-synaptic cells?

A
\+ Post-synaptic neuron
\+ Synaptic cleft
\+ Receptor sites
\+ Post-synaptic membrane
\+ NT
6
Q

What are the 3 categories synaptic activity can be divided into?

A
  1. Pre-synaptic activity
  2. Post-synaptic activity
  3. Nerotransmitter inactivation
7
Q

What is the process of chemical neurotransmisson in a small-molecule transmitter

A
  1. Synthesis enzymes in cell body
  2. Slow axonal transporty if enzymes
  3. Synthesis and packaging of NT
  4. Release and diffusion
8
Q

What is the process of chemical neurotransmisson in a peptide transmitter?

A
  1. Synthesis of neurotransmitter precursors and enzymes
  2. Transport of enzymes and pre-peptide precursors down microtubule tracks
  3. Enzymes modify pre-peptides to produce peptide NT
  4. NT diffuses away and is degraded by proteolytic enzymes