mind altering drugs

• saltatory conduction - ions only move in and out of the cell at the nodes of Ranvier but electric fields work at a distance so the membrane potential can open the voltage-gated channels at the next node. - this is faster and requires less ATP.

• a drug - anything that alters body function.

• Neonicotinoid pesticides - block the binding of acetylcholine to insect acetylcholine receptors. this leads to paralysis and death but has no effects on mammals.

Cocaine:

• dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with reward

• dopamine is removed by the dopamine transporter

• cocaine blocks the dopamine transporter from working so dopamine stays in the synaptic cleft

• this means that the pleasurable sensation lasts longer.

Alcohol:

• inhibitory neurotransmitter (GABA)

• makes the post synaptic membrane more negative.

• this makes the action potential less likely.

• Alcohol mimics the effects of GABA by binding to the GABA receptors.