A postsynaptic neuron responds to neurotransmitters released by a presynaptic neuron by creating
Question
A postsynaptic neuron responds to neurotransmitters released by a presynaptic neuron by creating
Solution
A postsynaptic neuron responds to neurotransmitters released by a presynaptic neuron by creating an electrical signal known as a postsynaptic potential. Here are the steps:
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The presynaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, which is the small gap between the two neurons.
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These neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.
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The binding of neurotransmitters opens ion channels in the postsynaptic neuron's membrane.
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The opening of these channels allows ions to flow into the neuron, creating an electrical signal.
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This electrical signal, or postsynaptic potential, can either be excitatory (making the neuron more likely to fire an action potential) or inhibitory (making it less likely to fire an action potential).
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If the postsynaptic potential is strong enough, it will trigger an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron, continuing the transmission of the signal.
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After the neurotransmitters have done their job, they are either reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron (a process called reuptake), broken down by enzymes, or simply diffuse away. This ensures that the postsynaptic neuron doesn't continue to be stimulated once the signal has been sent.
Similar Questions
_________ is a temporary depolarization of a postsynaptic membrane in response to the release of neurotransmitters from a presynaptic neuron.
An excitatory neurotransmitter _____ the postsynaptic membrane.
In temporal summation, a single presynaptic neuron stimulates the creation of action potentials in a postsynaptic neuron when it
Which statement describes a possible outcome for a neurotransmitter after release into the synaptic cleft?Group of answer choicesActivation of G-protein-coupled receptor on postsynaptic cellModulation by an enzyme, increasing its efficiencyReuptake into postsynaptic terminal via transporter proteinsActivation of voltage-gated ion channel on presynaptic cellUptake into postsynaptic cell via endocytosis
Neurotransmitters are released in a synapse and bind to:
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