Final answer:
Information is transmitted across a cholinergic synapse when acetylcholine is released from the presynaptic neuron, binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron causing depolarization, and is then degraded by acetylcholinesterase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sequence of events that allows information to pass from one neuron to another across a cholinergic synapse begins with the action potential reaching the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron. This triggers the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) from its vesicles into the synaptic cleft. Upon release, ACh diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to ACh receptors on the postsynaptic neuron's membrane.
The binding of ACh to its receptors causes ion channels to open, allowing positively charged ions to enter the postsynaptic cell, leading to depolarization. This change in voltage, if strong enough, will initiate a new action potential in the postsynaptic neuron, passing along the signal. Finally, the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) breaks down ACh in the synaptic cleft, terminating the signal and resetting the synapse for the next round of neurotransmission.