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Example Questions
Example Question #151 : Neural Physiology
Which of the following is NOT a strategy for removing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft?
The neurotransmitter is destroyed by enzymes
The neurotransmitter is pumped back into the presynaptic neuron
Neurotransmitters are recycled inside the postsynaptic neuron
The neurotransmitter diffuses out of the cleft
Neurotransmitters are recycled inside the postsynaptic neuron
Neurotransmitters will never enter the postsynaptic neuron. They will attach to receptors on the membrane of the postsynaptic neuron, release, and then be dealt with while in the synaptic cleft. In some instances, the neurotransmitter simply diffuses away from the synapse, but in most cases synaptic proteins help to recycle the molecules. Some enzymes will break the neurotransmitter into parts, which then reenter the presynaptic neuron and are reassembled. Acetylcholinesterase is a common example of this type of enzyme. Other neurons use membrane pumps to retrieve neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft.
Example Question #1 : Help With Neurotransmitter And Receptor Physiology
Which of the following statements is true concerning neurotransmitters?
An influx of sodium stimulates the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
Neurotransmitters attach to receptors inside the postsynaptic neuron
The neurotransmitters remain attached to the postsynaptic neuron in order to prevent multiple binding to a single receptor
GABA and acetylcholine will have similar effects on neuron stimulation
Calcium will enter the presynaptic neuron, stimulating the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
Calcium will enter the presynaptic neuron, stimulating the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
Once an action potential has reached the end of the presynaptic neuron, voltage-gated calcium channels are stimulated, allowing calcium to enter the neuron. This influx of calcium stimulates the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
The neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the surface of the postsynaptic neuron to generate small electrical stimuli. The sum of these stimuli must reach threshold in order for an action potential to be generated.
GABA and acetylcholine are two common neurotransmitters. GABA generally inhibits the postsynaptic neuron, while acetylcholine generally excites/stimulates the postsynaptic neuron.
Example Question #2 : Help With Neurotransmitter And Receptor Physiology
Which of the following activates muscarinic receptors in parasympathetic nervous tissue?
Acetylcholine
Norepinephrine
Glycine
Glutamate
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine activates muscarinic receptors in postganglioinic parasympathetic nervous tissue and nicotinic receptors in skeletal muscle fibers, and preganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous tissue.
Example Question #4 : Help With Neurotransmitter And Receptor Physiology
Which of the following is a type of acetylcholine receptor?
Adrenergic
Muscarinic
Glutaminergic
Dopaminergic
Muscarinic
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are found in the G protein-receptor complexes in the cell membrane of certain neurons. The suffix -ergic means exhibiting or stimulating the activity of. For example, dopaminergic receptors bind to dopamine.
Example Question #4 : Help With Neurotransmitter And Receptor Physiology
Neurotransmitters are used for communication between neurons. The neurotransmitters travel from the pre-synaptic membrane to the post-synaptic membrane packaged in __________, traveling through the __________.
vesicles . . . axons
dendrites . . . neurotransmitter membrane
axons . . . synaptic cleft
vesicles . . . synaptic cleft
vesicles . . . synaptic cleft
Neurotransmitters are packaged in vesicles, traveling through the synaptic cleft (space between neurons) from the pre-synaptic membrane to the post-synaptic membrane, where they bind to their receptors and influence the post-synaptic membrane potential.
Example Question #153 : Neural Physiology
The Renshaw cells in the spinal cord release which neurotransmitter?
Dopamine
GABA
Glutamate
Glycine
Acetylcholine
Glycine
Renshaw cells are interneurons in the spinal cord that release the inhibitory neurotransmitter glycine.
Example Question #3 : Help With Neurotransmitter And Receptor Physiology
What are competitive inhibitors?
Molecules that bind to active site and cannot be displaced by ligands
Molecules that bind covalently to protein and changes its activity
Molecules that alter the 3D shape of protein, which may be irreversible
Molecules that compete directly with ligands by binding reversibly to the active site
Molecules that compete directly with ligands by binding reversibly to the active site
Competitive inhibitors directly compete with ligands for the same binding sites (active sites). Irreversible inhibitors are molecules that bind irreversible to the active site. Covalent modulators are molecules that bind covalently to proteins and changes their activity. pH and temperature may alter the 3D shape of the protein and can be irreversible, while ligand binding, and competitive inhibition is a reversible process that involves the formation of weak, not covalent, bonds.
Example Question #6 : Help With Neurotransmitter And Receptor Physiology
Cholinergic neurons release which neurotransmitter?
Nitric oxide
Norepinephrine
Acetylcholine
Substance P
Acetylcholine
Cholinergic neurons, whether in the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system, release acetylcholine as the neurotransmitter. Nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurons include some postganglionic parasympathetic neurons of the gastrointestinal tract, which release substance P and nitric oxide. Adrenergic neurons release norepinephrine.
Example Question #7 : Help With Neurotransmitter And Receptor Physiology
Which neurotransmitter is released by adrenergic neurons?
Acetylcholine
Norepinephrine
Substance P
Nitric oxide
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is released by adrenergic neurons.
Cholinergic neurons release acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter (in the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system).
Nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurons (which include postganglionic parasympathetic neurons of the gastrointestinal tract) release substance P and nitric oxide.
Example Question #4 : Help With Neurotransmitter And Receptor Physiology
The entry of which ion into the presynaptic terminal cause synaptic vesicles to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?
Potassium
Magnesium
Acetylcholine
Sodium
Calcium
Calcium
The depolarization of the presynaptic membrane causes voltage-gated calcium channels to enter from the extracellular space. This causes the synaptic vessels which are docked on the presynaptic terminal to fuse with the presynaptic membrane and release the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.