Question

Reuptake is an alternative to which other process?

a. enzymatic breakdown of neurotransmitters
b. re-release of neurotransmitters from postsynaptic neurons
c. synthesis of neurotransmitters
d. absorption of neurotransmitters by the postsynaptic neuron

Answer 1

Reuptake is an alternative to the enzymatic breakdown of neurotransmitters, as it is a process where the neurotransmitter is recycled by being taken back up into the presynaptic neuron. Option A is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reuptake is an alternative to the enzymatic breakdown of neurotransmitters. Once neurotransmission has occurred and the neurotransmitter has been released into the synaptic cleft and has bound to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, it must be cleared from the cleft so the neuron can reset. This can be done through diffusion, enzymatic degradation, or reuptake, where the neurotransmitter is recycled by being taken back up into the presynaptic neuron whence it was released. This reuptake mechanism serves both to clear the neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft to terminate the current signal and to regulate the levels of neurotransmitter available for future signaling events.