Question

Synaptic transmission begins with the release of calcium from the synaptic (click to select) of the synaptic knobs. As long as the neurotransmitter molecules continue to be present in the gap called the synaptic (click to select), they will bind to receptors on the (click to select) membrane, and a response can occur in the postsynaptic cell. To prevent an over-long synaptic response, enzymes such as (click to select) are present in the synaptic cleft. This particular enzyme breaks down (click to select); the neurotransmitter is therefore unable to continue to bind to its receptors. Another mechanism to terminate synaptic transmission is for the neurotransmitter to undergo (click to select) during which the molecules are transported back into the neuron or into neuroglia.

a. Vesicles, Junction, Presynaptic, Transporters, Acetylcholinesterase, Acetylcholine, Reuptake
b. Vesicles, Cleft, Postsynaptic, Ligand-gated, Kinases, Serotonin, Desensitization
c. Terminals, Gap, Postsynaptic, Ionotropic, Reuptake, Dopamine, Receptor saturation
d. Terminals, Cleft, Presynaptic, G Protein-coupled, Monoamine oxidase, Glutamate, Desensitization

Answer 1

Synaptic transmission involves the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft where they can interact with the postsynaptic membrane. Enzymes like acetylcholinesterase break down neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine to end the synaptic response, with reuptake serving as another method of removing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft.

Step-by-step explanation:

Synaptic transmission begins with the release of calcium from the synaptic vesicles of the synaptic knobs. As long as the neurotransmitter molecules continue to be present in the gap called the synaptic cleft, they will bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, and a response can occur in the postsynaptic cell.

To prevent an over-long synaptic response, enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase are present in the synaptic cleft. This particular enzyme breaks down acetylcholine; the neurotransmitter is therefore unable to continue to bind to its receptors.

Another mechanism to terminate synaptic transmission is for the neurotransmitter to undergo reuptake during which the molecules are transported back into the neuron or into neuroglia.

Neurotransmitter removal from the synaptic cleft is a critical aspect of synaptic transmission, enabling the postsynaptic membrane to reset and be ready to receive a new signal.

Drugs, such as those given to Alzheimer's patients, can affect this process by inhibiting enzymes like acetylcholinesterase, thereby increasing neurotransmission at synapses that release acetylcholine. Moreover, the process of reuptake is essential for recycling neurotransmitters and maintaining synaptic clarity.