Question

Which of the following is/are correct for a neurotransmitter released at a chemical synapse? (select all that apply)

A. Following release, the neurotransmitter binds to ligand-gated receptors on the surface of the postsynaptic cell.
B. The neurotransmitter is stored in the cytoplasm of the postsynaptic terminal prior to being released.
C. The neurotransmitter is released into the ECF by exocytosis.
D. Following release, the neurotransmitter moves to the postsynaptic cell by facilitated diffusion

Answer 1

Upon release at a chemical synapse, neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to ligand-gated ion channels, causing a change in the electrochemical gradient of the postsynaptic neuron and initiating an electrical impulse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is related to the process occurring when a neurotransmitter is released at a chemical synapse. Upon release, the neurotransmitter does indeed move to the postsynaptic cell by a process similar to facilitated diffusion. More specifically, neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft. They then diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron.

Once bound to these ligand-gated ion channels, the neurotransmitter causes a change in the postsynaptic cell's electrochemical gradient, resulting in a depolarization or hyperpolarization. This change further initiates an electrical impulse within the postsynaptic neuron, continuing the signal transmission process.