Question

What type of ways are NTs cleared from the synaptic cleft after interacting with postsynaptic receptors?

1) Reuptake by presynaptic neuron
2) Enzymatic degradation
3) Diffusion
4) All of the above

Answer 1

NTs are cleared from the synaptic cleft by reuptake by the presynaptic neuron, enzymatic degradation, and diffusion. All three mechanisms work together to terminate the synaptic signal and prepare the postsynaptic neuron for the next message.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clearance of Neurotransmitters from the Synaptic Cleft

After neurons communicate through neurotransmitters (NTs), it's essential to clear these NTs from the synaptic cleft to prepare the postsynaptic neuron for the next signal. The clearing of NTs from the synaptic cleft can occur in several ways:

• Reuptake by the presynaptic neuron, where NTs are reabsorbed for later use.
• Enzymatic degradation, where enzymes break down NTs within the cleft.
• Diffusion, where NTs simply diffuse away from the cleft.

Each of these mechanisms works to reduce NT levels, thereby terminating the signal. This question's accurate answer is (4) All of the above because NTs are cleared by reuptake, enzymatic degradation, and diffusion. An example of the importance of these mechanisms can be seen with Alzheimer's patients, who may receive drugs that inhibit the degradation of acetylcholine to enhance neurotransmission at certain synapses.