When dopamine inhibition is turned off, dopamine floods the synapse as the release of neurotransmitters is no longer limited. This situation is similar to a dam being removed, leading to water flooding an area downstream. Option c is the correct option.
If dopamine inhibition is turned off, the expected result would be that dopamine floods the synapse. This occurs because inhibition usually serves to limit or control the release of neurotransmitters. Dopamine, being a neurotransmitter, is released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft where it can bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, influencing its activity. Removal of inhibition would likely lead to an increase in dopamine release, resulting in higher dopamine concentrations at the synapse. This is akin to removing a dam that restricts water flow; without the dam, water would flood the downstream area.
Furthermore, neurotransmitters such as dopamine are cleared from the synaptic cleft through reuptake by the presynaptic neuron, enzymatic degradation, or simple diffusion away from the synapse. If these processes are altered or inhibited, this can also lead to an accumulation of the neurotransmitter within the synapse, extending its action. Option c is the correct option.
The appropriate question is:
What happens if dopamine inhibition is turned off?
a) acetylcholine floods the synapse
b) dopamine is kept away from the synapse
c) dopamine floods the synapse
d) serotonin floods the synapse