p.38
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the result of inhibitory signals on the membrane potential?
Inhibitory signals cause the membrane to hyperpolarize, causing positive charge to flow out of the cell or negative charge to flow into the cell.
p.45
Regulation of Synaptic Transmission and Neurological Disorders
What phenotype is observed in Syt1 knockout induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)?
The Syt1 knockout phenotype in iPSCs affects synaptic transmission.
p.13
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is the role of gap junctions between neurons and other cells during early brain development?
Gap junctions allow neighboring cells to share both electrical and chemical signals, which may help coordinate their growth and maturation.
p.14
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What happens when Connexin36 is knocked out?
Knocking out Connexin36 disrupts the synchronization of neuronal activity mediated by electrical synapses.
p.25
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the primary function of synaptic vesicles?
To store neurotransmitters that are released during synaptic transmission.
p.14
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is the role of electrical synapses in neuronal activity?
Electrical synapses help neurons to synchronize their activity.
p.18
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What are the two main components involved in synaptic transmission?
Presynaptic and postsynaptic components.
p.32
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
How do SNARE proteins contribute to synaptic transmission?
SNARE proteins facilitate the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, allowing neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft.
p.28
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
What are the main components of synaptic vesicles involved in neurotransmitter release?
Synaptic vesicles contain neurotransmitters and are equipped with proteins essential for vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release, such as SNARE proteins.
p.20
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the Calyx of Held used to study in synaptic transmission research?
The Calyx of Held is used to study synaptic transmission in mice/rats.
p.15
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the role of neurotransmitters at chemical synapses?
Neurotransmitters transmit information from the presynaptic terminal to the postsynaptic cell.
p.43
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
How does the postsynaptic density contribute to synaptic transmission?
The postsynaptic density contains receptors, ion channels, and signaling proteins that are crucial for synaptic transmission.
p.33
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the significance of calcium ions (Ca 2+) in neurotransmitter release?
Calcium ions help promote the release of neurotransmitter substances.
p.29
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the role of Ca2+ channels in neurotransmitter release?
Ca2+ channels allow calcium ions to enter the presynaptic terminal, triggering the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane.
p.36
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What happens after a neurotransmitter diffuses passively across the synaptic cleft to the postsynaptic neuron?
Receptors embedded in the postsynaptic membrane bind to the neurotransmitter and cause an electrical and/or biochemical alteration in the postsynaptic cell.
p.15
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
In which direction does information generally flow at chemical synapses?
From a presynaptic neuron to a postsynaptic target cell.
p.23
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
What role do cell adhesion proteins play in the synaptic cleft?
They directly connect the presynaptic nerve terminal with its postsynaptic element.
p.31
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
What is the primary effect of Botulinum neurotoxin at the neuromuscular junction?
It prevents the release of the neurotransmitter, causing flaccid paralysis.
p.15
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is the synaptic cleft?
The synaptic cleft is the space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells where neurotransmitters are released.
p.31
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
For what purposes is Botulinum toxin used commercially?
Medical and cosmetic purposes
p.31
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
How does Botulinum toxin affect acetylcholine?
It is an acetylcholine release inhibitor and a neuromuscular blocking agent.
p.7
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
Describe the structure of a dendrite in relation to dendritic spines.
A dendrite has segments from which spines branch off, similar to leaves branching off a tree branch.
p.22
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
How does dopamine impact the body?
Dopamine impacts our arousal and mood states, thought processes, and physical movement.
p.40
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What are the glutamatergic neurotransmitter receptors?
NMDA, AMPA, Kainate, mGluR 1, mGluR 2, mGluR 3, mGluR 4, mGluR 5, mGluR 6, mGluR 7
p.2
Structure, Types and Functions of Neurons
What are neurons?
Neurons are the major cells that make up the brain and the nervous system. They are the fundamental units that send and receive signals which allow us to move our muscles, feel the external world, think, form memories, and much more.
p.25
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
Where are synaptic vesicles located?
In the presynaptic terminal of a neuron.
p.20
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What principle do all synapses operate by, according to Bernard Katz?
All synapses operate by the same principle.
p.26
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What was unclear about synaptic vesicle release and recycling until the 1990s?
The mechanisms underlying vesicle release and recycling were obscure because the proteins involved in these processes were not known.
p.37
Fast and Slow Synaptic Transmission Mechanisms
Which types of receptors do the majority of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the brain utilize?
Ionotropic receptors for the amino acids glutamate and GABA.
p.21
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
Why have neuromuscular junctions been crucial for understanding synaptic transmission mechanisms?
Because they are more accessible to researchers than CNS synapses.
p.39
Fast and Slow Synaptic Transmission Mechanisms
What happens after the G protein is activated in slow synaptic transmission?
The activated G protein dissociates into a free α subunit bound to GTP and a free βγ subunit dimer, which can activate their effectors.
p.39
Fast and Slow Synaptic Transmission Mechanisms
Why is slow synaptic transmission generally slower than fast synaptic transmission?
Slow synaptic transmission is slower because the biochemical steps involved, such as activation of G proteins and second messengers, require more time to develop compared to the opening of a ligand-gated channel.
p.39
Fast and Slow Synaptic Transmission Mechanisms
What role do βγ dimers play in slow synaptic transmission?
βγ dimers can directly regulate certain ion channels and activate enzymes that synthesize second messengers.
p.44
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the primary function of postsynaptic receptors?
The primary function of postsynaptic receptors is to receive and respond to neurotransmitters released from presynaptic neurons.
p.12
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is a connexon and how is it formed?
A connexon is a channel formed by the combination of six connexin subunits.
p.22
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What are the three major chemical categories of neurotransmitters?
The three major chemical categories of neurotransmitters are amino acids, amines, and peptides.
p.38
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What effect do excitatory signals have on the membrane potential?
Excitatory signals cause the membrane to depolarize, allowing positive charge to flow into the cell.
p.45
Regulation of Synaptic Transmission and Neurological Disorders
What is the role of synaptic proteins in synaptic transmission?
Synaptic proteins regulate synaptic transmission.
p.20
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
Which specific neurons are studied in mice/rats for synaptic transmission?
Hippocampus neuron and Cortical neuron.
p.46
Regulation of Synaptic Transmission and Neurological Disorders
What is the effect of synaptic dysregulation on neurological disorders?
Synaptic dysregulation can lead to various neurological disorders by disrupting normal communication between neurons.
p.16
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is an axodendritic synapse?
A synapse where the axon of one neuron connects to the dendrite of another neuron.
p.43
Neuronal Dysfunction and Associated Disorders
What might happen if there is a dysfunction in the postsynaptic density?
Dysfunction in the postsynaptic density can lead to impaired synaptic transmission and is associated with various neurological disorders.
p.29
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
How does synaptotagmin contribute to neurotransmitter release?
Synaptotagmin acts as a calcium sensor that triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane upon binding to calcium ions.
p.29
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the function of SNARE proteins in synaptic vesicle fusion?
SNARE proteins mediate the docking and fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, facilitating neurotransmitter release.
p.9
Structure, Types and Functions of Neurons
What are the three types of neurons based on their function?
Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons.
p.41
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the mechanism through which an antagonist inhibits neurotransmitter action?
An antagonist inhibits neurotransmitter action by blocking receptor sites, preventing neurotransmitters from binding and activating the receptors.
p.41
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What is a well-known antagonist for dopamine receptors?
Haloperidol is a well-known antagonist for dopamine receptors.
p.22
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What roles does acetylcholine (ACh) play in the nervous system?
Acetylcholine is involved in both learning and memory and muscle movement.
p.22
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system?
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system.
p.22
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
Do different neurons in the brain release the same neurotransmitters?
No, different neurons in the brain release different neurotransmitters.
p.40
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What are the major classes of adrenergic neurotransmitter receptors?
α1 A, α1 b, α1 c, α1 d, α a, α b, α c, α d, β1, β2, β3
p.13
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
How do gap junctions contribute to brain development during prenatal and postnatal stages?
They enable the sharing of electrical and chemical signals between neighboring cells, aiding in their growth and maturation.
p.25
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What happens during synaptic vesicle exocytosis?
Synaptic vesicles fuse with the presynaptic membrane to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
p.26
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What are the six steps in the synaptic vesicle trafficking cycle?
Formation of synaptic vesicles, docking of synaptic vesicles in the active zone of the presynaptic membrane, priming of synaptic vesicles, fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, release of neurotransmitters by exocytosis, and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles.
p.30
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
How do the helices in the SNARE complex align?
The helices are all aligned in parallel.
p.23
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
Name some components of the extracellular matrix found in the synaptic cleft.
Collagens, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, certain enzymes, polysaccharides, and minerals.
p.46
Regulation of Synaptic Transmission and Neurological Disorders
How does synaptic dysregulation affect hippocampal neurons?
Synaptic dysregulation in hippocampal neurons can impair memory formation and cognitive functions.
p.16
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is an axosomatic synapse?
A synapse where the axon of one neuron connects to the soma (cell body) of another neuron.
p.16
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is an axoaxonic synapse?
A synapse where the axon of one neuron connects to the axon of another neuron.
p.17
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
Describe the structure where an axon branches to form two presynaptic terminals.
An axon branches to form two presynaptic terminals, one larger than the other, and both contact a postsynaptic soma.
p.17
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is notable about an unusually large axon terminal in terms of its postsynaptic connections?
An unusually large axon terminal can contact and surround a postsynaptic soma.
p.29
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
Describe the sequence of events that occur during synaptic vesicle fusion.
Upon arrival of an action potential, Ca2+ channels open, allowing Ca2+ to enter the presynaptic terminal. This triggers synaptotagmin to initiate vesicle fusion with the help of SNARE proteins, leading to neurotransmitter release.
p.12
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What are electrical synapses and where do they occur?
Electrical synapses occur at specialized sites called gap junctions.
p.11
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What are the two main types of synapses?
Electric synapse and Chemical synapse
p.32
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What role does synaptotagmin play in synaptic transmission?
Synaptotagmin acts as a calcium sensor that triggers the rapid release of neurotransmitters following an influx of calcium ions.
p.10
Mechanism of Nervous Impulse Transmission
What did Hodgkin and Huxley discover in 1952?
Voltage-gated ion channels and action potential
p.30
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
What drives the fusion reaction in the SNARE complex?
The folding of the four-helix bundle drives the fusion reaction.
p.21
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is a neuromuscular junction?
A synapse between the axons of motor neurons of the spinal cord and skeletal muscle.
p.39
Fast and Slow Synaptic Transmission Mechanisms
How do neurotransmitter molecules induce a conformational change in the receptor proteins during slow synaptic transmission?
Neurotransmitter molecules bind to receptor proteins embedded in the postsynaptic membrane, inducing a conformational change that activates a small heterotrimeric G protein.
p.6
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What components are found in the cell body of a neuron?
The cell body of a neuron contains a nucleus, Golgi body, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and other components.
p.6
Mechanism of Nervous Impulse Transmission
How does an axon function in the transmission of nervous impulses?
An axon is a tube-like structure that carries electrical impulses from the cell body to the axon terminals, which then pass the impulse to another neuron.
p.17
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What happens when an unusually large presynaptic axon terminal contacts multiple postsynaptic dendritic spines?
An unusually large presynaptic axon terminal can contact five postsynaptic dendritic spines.
p.9
Structure, Types and Functions of Neurons
What is the primary function of sensory neurons?
Sensory neurons respond to stimuli such as touch, sound, or light that affect the cells of the sensory organs, and they send signals to the spinal cord or brain.
p.9
Structure, Types and Functions of Neurons
What role do interneurons play in the nervous system?
Interneurons connect neurons to other neurons within the same region of the brain or spinal cord.
p.1
Mechanism of Nervous Impulse Transmission
What is the mechanism of transmitting a nervous impulse across a synapse using neurotransmitters?
The mechanism involves the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft, where they bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to the generation of an electrical signal in the postsynaptic cell.
p.12
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
How do gap junctions function when they interconnect neurons?
When gap junctions interconnect neurons, they can function as electrical synapses.
p.22
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
Which neurotransmitters are involved in mood disorders such as depression?
Serotonin and norepinephrine are involved in levels of arousal and mood, playing a major role in mood disorders such as depression.
p.35
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What role does synaptotagmin play in synaptic transmission?
Synaptotagmin binds Ca 2+ and triggers vesicle fusion.
p.2
Neuronal Dysfunction and Associated Disorders
What can dysfunction of neurons cause?
Dysfunction of neurons can cause Alzheimer's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Epilepsy and Seizures, Parkinson's Disease, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Learning disabilities, Neuromuscular disorders, and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
p.32
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What are the key synaptic proteins involved in synaptic transmission?
The key synaptic proteins involved in synaptic transmission include SNAREs, synaptotagmin, and complexin.
p.28
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
How do SNARE proteins contribute to synaptic vesicle fusion?
SNARE proteins mediate the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, allowing the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
p.23
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
What is the function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the synaptic cleft?
The ECM serves to fasten the pre- and postsynaptic elements closely together and facilitate communication between them.
p.28
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What effect does the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane have on neurotransmitter release?
The fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, enabling communication between neurons.
p.21
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is one of the most important structural specializations of the neuromuscular junction?
Its size, as it is one of the largest synapses in the body.
p.42
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What is an agonist in the context of neurotransmitter receptors?
An agonist is a substance that binds to a neurotransmitter receptor and activates it, mimicking the effects of the natural neurotransmitter.
p.17
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
How does the size of a presynaptic terminal affect the number of active zones?
Larger synapses have more active zones.
p.42
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
How do agonists affect neurotransmitter receptors?
Agonists bind to neurotransmitter receptors and activate them, leading to a response similar to that of the natural neurotransmitter.
p.42
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
How do antagonists affect neurotransmitter receptors?
Antagonists bind to neurotransmitter receptors without activating them, blocking the natural neurotransmitter from binding and preventing its effects.
p.1
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
How do neurons form synapses with other neurons, muscle fibers, or gland cells?
Neurons form synapses through the growth of axons and dendrites which establish connections with target cells. This involves the interaction of cell adhesion molecules and the precise alignment of synaptic components.
p.22
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system?
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system.
p.27
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
What role do synaptic proteins play in the process of exocytosis?
Synaptic proteins are involved in the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane during exocytosis.
p.4
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What type of neurons are depicted in drawings of the pigeon cerebellum?
Neurons in the pigeon cerebellum
p.19
Neuronal Dysfunction and Associated Disorders
What are some neurological dysfunctions associated with dysfunctional synaptic vesicle fusion machinery?
Intellectual disability, movement disorder, neuromuscular disorder, seizures, neurodegeneration.
p.5
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What does the 3D map created by Harvard and Google represent?
It represents almost every neuron within a tiny section of the brain.
p.30
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
What is the role of SNARE motifs in the SNARE complex?
SNARE motifs contribute to the formation of a highly stable four-helix bundle.
p.20
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
Which model organisms are used to study the neuromuscular junction?
Mouse/Rat, Drosophila, and C. elegans.
p.26
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the role of Ca2+ in synaptic vesicle exocytosis?
Ca2+ plays a crucial role in the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, leading to the release of neurotransmitters by exocytosis.
p.37
Fast and Slow Synaptic Transmission Mechanisms
What happens to ligand-gated ion channels when a transmitter binds to them?
They undergo a conformational change, opening the gate and allowing ions to diffuse passively through a hydrophilic opening.
p.37
Fast and Slow Synaptic Transmission Mechanisms
What is the result of acetylcholine binding to its receptor?
The pore opens transiently (1-10 ms) and allows the passage of approximately 20,000 positively charged Na+ ions.
p.43
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the postsynaptic density?
The postsynaptic density is a protein-dense specialization attached to the postsynaptic membrane.
p.39
Fast and Slow Synaptic Transmission Mechanisms
What mediates slow synaptic transmission?
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) mediate slow synaptic transmission.
p.33
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What significant contribution to nerve transmitter chemistry did Bernard Katz and his associates make?
They discovered that calcium ions help promote the release of neurotransmitter substances and that quanta of these substances are released constantly at random intervals.
p.17
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What characterizes an axospinous synapse?
A small presynaptic axon terminal contacts a postsynaptic dendritic spine, with presynaptic terminals recognizable by their many vesicles and postsynaptic elements by their postsynaptic densities.
p.7
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What are dendritic spines and where are they located?
Dendritic spines are small protrusions found on dendrites that serve as the postsynaptic contact site for many synapses.
p.42
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What is an antagonist in the context of neurotransmitter receptors?
An antagonist is a substance that binds to a neurotransmitter receptor but does not activate it, thereby blocking the receptor and preventing the natural neurotransmitter from exerting its effect.
p.33
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What are miniature end-plate potentials?
They are the small, random releases of neurotransmitter quanta.
p.31
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
Name the seven main types of Botulinum toxin.
Types A to G (A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F, and G)
p.8
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What is a defining feature of unipolar cells?
They have one long axon emerging from the cell body, with the cell body located between the two ends, and off to the side.
p.29
Neuronal Dysfunction and Associated Disorders
What could be the effect of dysfunctional SNARE proteins on neurotransmitter release?
Dysfunctional SNARE proteins could impair the docking and fusion of synaptic vesicles, leading to reduced or failed neurotransmitter release.
p.1
Structure, Types and Functions of Neurons
What are the basic types and functions of neurons?
Neurons can be classified into sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons. Sensory neurons transmit sensory information, motor neurons control muscle movements, and interneurons connect neurons within the brain and spinal cord.
p.8
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What role do the dendrites of unipolar cells play?
They detect stimuli in the periphery.
p.19
Regulation of Synaptic Transmission and Neurological Disorders
How is dysregulation of synaptic transmission linked to brain disorders?
Dysregulation of synaptic transmission is strongly linked to social deficits, affective disturbance, and memory loss in brain disorders including autism, schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
p.30
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
What proteins make up the SNARE complex?
Synaptobrevin (v-SNARE), Syntaxin (t-SNARE), and SNAP-25 (t-SNARE).
p.5
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What unusual structures do axon whorls (blue) form in the 3D map?
They form strange loops sitting on the surface of other neurons.
p.10
Mechanism of Nervous Impulse Transmission
What did Eccles discover about synaptic response?
The ionic basis of synaptic response
p.15
Mechanism of Nervous Impulse Transmission
What triggers the release of neurotransmitters at the presynaptic terminal?
The arrival of an action potential at the presynaptic terminal.
p.6
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?
Dendrites are branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons and allow the transmission of messages to the cell body.
p.42
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What is the mechanism by which an antagonist inhibits neurotransmitter action?
An antagonist inhibits neurotransmitter action by binding to the receptor without activating it, thus blocking the receptor and preventing the neurotransmitter from binding and activating it.
p.44
Neuronal Dysfunction and Associated Disorders
What can cause the disruption of postsynaptic receptor clustering?
Disruption of postsynaptic receptor clustering can be caused by mutations in scaffolding proteins, alterations in cytoskeletal dynamics, or changes in signaling pathways.
p.12
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
How is a gap junction channel formed?
A gap junction channel is formed when two connexons (one from each cell) meet and combine.
p.22
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What is the difference between amino acid/amine neurotransmitters and peptide neurotransmitters in terms of their storage and release?
Amino acid and amine neurotransmitters are small organic molecules stored in and released from synaptic vesicles, whereas peptide neurotransmitters are large molecules stored in and released from secretory granules.
p.25
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What is the role of the postsynaptic membrane in synaptic transmission?
It contains receptors that bind to neurotransmitters released from the presynaptic neuron.
p.37
Fast and Slow Synaptic Transmission Mechanisms
What mediates fast synaptic transmission?
Ligand-gated ion channels.
p.28
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What is the role of synaptic vesicles in neurotransmitter storage?
Synaptic vesicles store neurotransmitters until they are needed for release during synaptic transmission.
p.21
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
Why is neuromuscular synaptic transmission considered fast and reliable?
Due to structural specializations of the neuromuscular junction, particularly its large size.
p.23
Synaptic celf, SNAREs and drugs acting on SNAREs
List some cell adhesion proteins involved in the synaptic cleft.
Neurexins, neuroligins, cadherins, nectins, and integrins.
p.43
Regulation of Synaptic Transmission and Neurological Disorders
What role do signaling proteins in the postsynaptic density play?
Signaling proteins in the postsynaptic density are involved in the regulation and modulation of synaptic strength.
p.33
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What are the key steps involved in vesicular neurotransmitter transport?
Recycling, docking and priming, fusion and release, and endocytosis.
p.41
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What is the effect of an agonist on a neurotransmitter receptor?
An agonist binds to a neurotransmitter receptor and activates it, mimicking the effect of the natural neurotransmitter.
p.41
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What is the role of an antagonist in neurotransmitter receptor function?
An antagonist binds to a neurotransmitter receptor but does not activate it, blocking the receptor and preventing the natural neurotransmitter from binding.
p.40
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
Which neurotransmitter receptors are classified as nicotinic?
Muscle, neuronal (α-bungarotoxin-insensitive), neuronal (α-bungarotoxin-sensitive)
p.32
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
Why is complexin important in synaptic transmission?
Complexin stabilizes the SNARE complex and regulates the timing of neurotransmitter release, ensuring precise synaptic transmission.
p.33
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What discovery did Fatt and Katz make in 1951 regarding neurotransmitter release?
They observed Ca 2+ - dependent neurotransmitter release.
p.15
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What are the two main components involved in neurotransmitter transmission at a chemical synapse?
The presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic cell.
p.21
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
Name three animal models used to study the neuromuscular junction.
Mouse/Rat NMJ, Drosophila NMJ, and C. elegans NMJ.
p.7
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What is the approximate size of a dendritic spine?
The approximate size of a dendritic spine is ~0.001mm.
p.7
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What is the function of dendritic spines?
Dendritic spines receive inputs from the axons of other neurons.
p.6
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is a synapse and what role does it play in neuronal communication?
A synapse is the specialized junction where one part of a neuron contacts and communicates with another neuron or cell type, such as a muscle or glandular cell.
p.9
Structure, Types and Functions of Neurons
How do motor neurons function in the body?
Motor neurons receive signals from the brain and spinal cord to control muscle contractions and glandular output.
p.41
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
Can you name a common drug that acts as an agonist for a neurotransmitter receptor?
Morphine is a common drug that acts as an agonist for opioid receptors.
p.44
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
What mechanisms are involved in the clustering of postsynaptic receptors?
The clustering of postsynaptic receptors involves interactions with scaffolding proteins, cytoskeletal elements, and signaling molecules that help to anchor and organize receptors at the synapse.
p.40
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
Identify the GABAergic neurotransmitter receptors.
GABA A, GABA B1a, GABA B1 δ, GABA B2, GABA C
p.43
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
How is the postsynaptic density related to the synapse formation?
The postsynaptic density is critical for the formation and maintenance of synapses, ensuring proper synaptic function and communication.
p.8
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
Where are bipolar cells primarily found?
In the olfactory epithelium and as part of the retina in the eye.
p.8
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
How do the processes of bipolar cells extend from the cell body?
They extend from each end of the cell body, opposite to each other, with one being the axon and the other the dendrite.
p.8
Neuronal Structure and Morphology
What is the primary function of multipolar neurons?
They function as motor neurons and are found in the central nervous system.
p.9
Structure, Types and Functions of Neurons
What forms when multiple neurons are functionally connected together?
They form a neural circuit.
p.44
Regulation of Synaptic Transmission and Neurological Disorders
How does receptor trafficking affect synaptic strength?
Receptor trafficking affects synaptic strength by altering the number of receptors available at the synapse, which can enhance or diminish the postsynaptic response.
p.44
Regulation of Synaptic Transmission and Neurological Disorders
Why is the regulation of postsynaptic receptor trafficking important for neural plasticity?
The regulation of postsynaptic receptor trafficking is important for neural plasticity because it allows for the dynamic adjustment of synaptic strength, which is essential for learning and memory.
p.12
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is the function of the channel formed at a gap junction?
The channel allows ions to pass directly from the cytoplasm of one cell to the cytoplasm of the other.
p.41
Synaptic Transmission and Neurotransmitter Release
How does an agonist affect synaptic transmission?
An agonist enhances synaptic transmission by activating neurotransmitter receptors, leading to an increase in signal propagation.
p.1
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What are the components of a synapse?
A synapse consists of the presynaptic neuron containing vesicles and fusion machinery, and the postsynaptic neuron which has neurotransmitter receptors.
p.12
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
Which types of cells can gap junctions interconnect?
Gap junctions can interconnect epithelial cells, smooth and cardiac muscle cells, liver cells, some glandular cells, and glia.
p.12
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What proteins span the narrow gap at a gap junction?
Clusters of special proteins called connexins span the narrow gap at a gap junction.
p.22
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
What are endorphins involved in?
Endorphins are involved in pain perception and relief.
p.12
Types of Synapses: Electrical and Chemical and Synapse Formation and Components
What is the approximate separation between the membranes of two cells at a gap junction?
The membranes of two cells at a gap junction are separated by about 3 nm.
p.40
Neurotransmitter synthesis, function, storage and transportation
Identify the serotonergic neurotransmitter receptors.
5-HT 1A, 5-HT 1B, 5-HT 1D, 5-HT 1E, 5-HT 1F, 5-HT 2A, 5-HT 2B, 5-HT 2C, 5-HT 3, 5-HT 4, 5-HT 5, 5-HT 6, 5-HT 7
