Question

What are the basic steps of synaptic transmission?

1) Neurotransmitter release, binding of neurotransmitter to receptors, postsynaptic potential generation
2) Postsynaptic potential generation, binding of neurotransmitter to receptors, neurotransmitter release
3) Binding of neurotransmitter to receptors, postsynaptic potential generation, neurotransmitter release
4) Neurotransmitter release, postsynaptic potential generation, binding of neurotransmitter to receptors

Answer 1

The correct sequence of the basic steps in synaptic transmission is option 4) Neurotransmitter release, postsynaptic potential generation, binding of neurotransmitter to receptors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Synaptic transmission is a complex process by which neurons communicate with each other. The correct sequence of events involves neurotransmitter release, postsynaptic potential generation, and the binding of neurotransmitter to receptors.

Firstly, neurotransmitter release occurs when an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal. This depolarizes the membrane, opening voltage-gated calcium channels, leading to an influx of calcium ions. The increased calcium concentration triggers the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine or serotonin, from vesicles into the synaptic cleft.

Secondly, the released neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. This binding initiates a response in the postsynaptic neuron, leading to the generation of postsynaptic potentials. These potentials can either be excitatory (depolarizing) or inhibitory (hyperpolarizing), depending on the type of neurotransmitter and receptor involved.

Lastly, the binding of neurotransmitter to receptors induces postsynaptic potential generation, influencing the likelihood of an action potential being generated in the postsynaptic neuron. This process is crucial for transmitting signals across synapses in the nervous system.

In summary, the accurate sequence is neurotransmitter release, postsynaptic potential generation, and binding of neurotransmitter to receptors, as outlined in option 4. This orderly progression ensures effective communication between neurons, allowing for the transmission of information in the nervous system.

Answer 2

The correct sequence of synaptic transmission steps is neurotransmitter release, binding of neurotransmitter to receptors, and postsynaptic potential generation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The basic steps of a synaptic transmission are as follows:

1. Neurotransmitter release: Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft.
2. Binding of neurotransmitter to receptors: The neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron's membrane.
3. Postsynaptic potential generation: This binding causes changes in the postsynaptic neuron such as the opening of ion channels, resulting in an excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potential, which influences the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron generating an action potential.

Out of the options provided, (1) Neurotransmitter release, binding of neurotransmitter to receptors, postsynaptic potential generation is the correct sequence of events in synaptic transmission. Neurotransmitter release must happen before binding to the receptors, which in turn must occur before the postsynaptic potentials generate the subsequent electrical impulse.