Class 10 - Neurotransmitters

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemical transducers that signal communication between neurons.

Where are neurotransmitters synthesized?

In the presynaptic neuron.

What is the fate of neurotransmitters after their action?

They can be consumed, reuptaken, or degraded in the synaptic cleft.

What role do synaptic vesicles play in neurotransmission?

They package neurotransmitters and release them into the synaptic cleft.

How are synaptic vesicles released?

They are released in a Ca2+-dependent manner.

What is acetylcholine (ACh)?

The first discovered neurotransmitter, involved in muscle movement and cognitive functions.

What enzyme breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft?

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

What are biogenic amines?

A class of neurotransmitters that include dopamine and serotonin, regulating various CNS functions.

What is the primary role of GABA?

It acts as the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.

What happens during the GABAergic signaling process?

GABA binds to receptors causing hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic neuron.

What are endocannabinoids?

Lipid molecules that act as retrograde messengers in synaptic transmission.

What is nitric oxide (NO)?

A gaseous neurotransmitter that can diffuse across membranes and influence nearby cells.

What is unique about gaseous neurotransmitters?

They are not stored in vesicles and are made on demand.

What is the modified version of Dale’s Law?

A neuron makes use of the same combination of chemical transmitters at all of its synapses.

What do EAATS transporters do?

They remove glutamate from the synaptic cleft.

What is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS?

Glutamate.

What disease is glutamate toxicity implicated in?

Excitotoxicity, which can lead to neuronal death.

What is the primary transporter for dopamine?

Dopamine transporter (DAT).

Which neurotransmitter is predominantly involved in mood regulation?

Serotonin.

What is the mode of action for SSRIs?

They inhibit the uptake of serotonin, increasing extracellular levels.

What happens when too much acetylcholine is present?

It is associated with depression.

What is the primary role of norepinephrine?

It acts as a neurotransmitter and hormone, influencing wakefulness and attention.

What is the function of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase?

It hydrolyzes acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft to terminate its action.

What condition is related to a deficit in GABA signaling?

Epilepsy.

What are the primary functions of dopamine in the brain?

Regulates reward-driven learning and movement control.

How do endocannabinoids typically act after release?

They activate presynaptic cannabinoid receptors.

What is the significance of the vesicular transporters (vMATs)?

They load biogenic amines into synaptic vesicles.

What is the role of calcium in neurotransmitter release?

Calcium is essential for synaptic vesicle fusion with the presynaptic membrane.

What psychological condition is linked to dysregulation of serotonin?

Depression.

What is the primary source of GABA synthesis?

Glutamate.