Question

The term axonal transport refers to

A) the release of neurotransmitter molecules from the axon.
B) vesicle transport of proteins and organelles down the axon.
C) the movement of the axon terminal to synapse with a new postsynaptic cell.
D) the transport of microtubules to the axon for structural support.
E) None of the answers are correct.

Answer 1

Axonal transport refers to the movement of vesicles and organelles down the axon, which is crucial for neuron function. It is facilitated by motor proteins such as dynein and kinesin using microtubule tracks. The correct answer is B).

Step-by-step explanation:

The term axonal transport refers to B) vesicle transport of proteins and organelles down the axon. This process is essential for maintaining the health and function of the neuron, as it involves moving necessary cellular components, such as neurotransmitter-filled vesicles, along the axon to the axon terminal where they can be released to transmit signals to other neurons or target cells. Motor proteins like dynein and kinesin play crucial roles in axonal transport by carrying these vesicles and organelles along microtubule tracks within the axon, using energy derived from ATP hydrolysis.