Question

Nicotine is a molecule that is chemically similar to acetylcholine and binds to the same receptors. what affect will nicotine have on the cell shown in the animation? multiple choice

O it will excite
O the cell
O it will depress
O the cell

Answer 1

Nicotine acts as an agonist to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, exciting neurons and increasing the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine; therefore, the effect of nicotine on the cell will be excitatory.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nicotine is a molecule that is chemically similar to acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the arousal and reward mechanisms of the central nervous system.

Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are ligand-gated cation channels, on neurons. When nicotine binds to these receptors, it acts as an agonist, meaning that it activates the receptors in a manner similar to acetylcholine.

According to Figure 1.7.4, when nicotine binds to nicotinic receptors on the presynaptic neuron, it excites the neuron, causing an increase in action potentials. This increased neuronal activity leads to a higher release of neurotransmitters like dopamine.

While the initial effect of nicotine is stimulatory, leading to excitement of the cell, its continual use is often followed by a depressive effect. However, given the option in the question directly relates to the immediate effect of nicotine, the correct answer is that nicotine will excite the cell.