Question

Synaptic transmission and drug effects.

For each scenario, indicate whether you would expect U-G0T-DIS to generally increase or decrease activation of the postsynaptic neuron.

U-G0T-DIS targets vital (a precursor molecule).
a) Increase
b) Decrease

Answer 1

U-G0T-DIS targeting an excitatory neurotransmitter would generally increase activation of the postsynaptic neuron, while targeting an inhibitory neurotransmitter would generally decrease activation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effect of U-G0T-DIS on the activation of the postsynaptic neuron would depend on whether the neurotransmitter it targets is excitatory or inhibitory. If U-G0T-DIS targets an excitatory neurotransmitter, it would generally increase the activation of the postsynaptic neuron. This would be because an excitatory neurotransmitter promotes the opening of Na+ channels, resulting in depolarization and increased likelihood of an action potential. However, if U-G0T-DIS targets an inhibitory neurotransmitter, it would generally decrease the activation of the postsynaptic neuron. Inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as GABA, promote the opening of Cl- channels, leading to hyperpolarization and decreased likelihood of an action potential.