Final answer:
In exocytosis, neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft are typically amino acids. They belong to specific neurotransmitter systems and are cleared from the cleft for recycling. Neurotransmitters function by binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, facilitating signal transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the process of exocytosis, neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft are typically amino acids. Neurotransmitters like glutamate (Glu), GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and glycine (Gly) are critical for transmission of signals in the nervous system. These neurotransmitters each belong to their respective systems: the glutamatergic, GABAergic, and glycinergic systems, and function by binding to their specific receptors. Moreover, these neurotransmitters do not interact with one another and are cleared from the synaptic cleft to be recycled and reused, ensuring the effective continuation of neural signaling.
When thinking about the synaptic cleft, it's important to understand that it is the extracellular space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes where neurotransmitters diffuse after being released from the presynaptic neuron's terminals. These neurotransmitters, then bind to the receptor proteins on the postsynaptic membrane, enabling the continuation of the neural signal across the synapse.
For instance, dopamine (C8H11NO2), as shown in Figure 3.10 (b), is one of the many neurotransmitters involved in neurotransmission, demonstrating the diversity of chemical structures of these signaling molecules.