Question

Which of the following statements is true of nicotine?

a) it is a depressant that reduces the energy of smokers.
b) it stimulates neurotransmitters that have a pain-reducing effect.
c) it is a hallucinogen that increases the sensitivity of smokers to hallucinations.
d) it deactivates neurotransmitters that have a calming effect.

Answer 1

Nicotine is a stimulant that mimics acetylcholine and enhances dopamine release, (option b) it stimulates neurotransmitters that have a pain-reducing effect

Step-by-step explanation:

Of the options provided, the statement b) it stimulates neurotransmitters that have a pain-reducing effect is true regarding nicotine. Nicotine acts as a stimulant and primarily mimics the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This induces a series of reactions such as an increase in activity of dopaminergic neurons, which can have both stimulating and pain-reducing effects. Nicotine enhances the release of dopamine in the brain, which is associated with pleasure and reward mechanisms, thus leading to its addictive properties. Despite its uses in smoking cessation products, nicotine use is associated with various health risks, including heart disease and a variety of cancers.

Answer 2

Nicotine is a stimulant that activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. It increases dopaminergic neuron activity in the reward system.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nicotine is a stimulant that activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. This activation leads to an increase in dopaminergic neuron activity in the reward system, which can create pleasurable sensations for smokers.

However, nicotine is not a depressant, hallucinogen, or a deactivator of calming neurotransmitters.