Final answer:
Neurotransmitters fall into three main chemical categories: amino acids (e.g., glutamate, GABA, glycine), biogenic amines (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine), and neuropeptides (e.g., substance P, endorphins), each playing a crucial role in neurotransmitter systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neurotransmitters (NTs) in the nervous system can be categorized into three principal chemical categories: amino acids, biogenic amines, and neuropeptides. Each category has distinct characteristics and functions within the neurotransmitter systems.
Amino Acids
Amino acids such as glutamate, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glycine have amino groups and carboxyl groups in their chemical structures and are crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system, playing roles in excitatory and inhibitory signaling.
Biogenic Amines
Biogenic amines are derived from amino acids through enzymatic processes but lack the carboxyl group that defines amino acids. They include neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which are involved in various neural pathways and influence mood, arousal, and other central nervous system functions.
Neuropeptides
Neuropeptides such as substance P and endorphins are small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate with each other. These neurotransmitters are involved in a multitude of processes, including pain perception and the modulation of mood.