Question

When an action potential reaches the end of an axon, the release neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the neuron. Eventually, the neurotransmitters are removed from the synapse. Some are reabsorbed by the neuron, a process called , and some are broken down, in a process called?

Answer 1

Answer:

When the action potential reaches the end of the axon (the axon terminal), it causes neurotransmitter-containing vesicles to fuse with the membrane, releasing neurotransmitter molecules into the synaptic cleft (space between neurons).

Answer 2

The Answer is:

When an action potential reaches the end of an axon, the release neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the neuron. Eventually, the neurotransmitters are removed from the synapse. Some are reabsorbed by the neuron, a process called , and some are broken down, in a process called Enzyme Degradation.

• Enzymatic degradation is a process in which a specific enzyme alters the structure of a neurotransmitter so that it is no longer recognised by the receptor.
• Acetylcholinesterase, for example, is the enzyme that converts acetylcholine to choline and acetate.

• Acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme found in the synaptic cleft, inhibits acetylcholine activity.
• Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that converts acetylcholine into choline and acetate molecules.
• Choline is subsequently carried back into the presynaptic terminal where it is used to synthesise new acetylcholine.

• Following the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, they act on postsynaptic receptors.
• That action must be stopped for appropriate neural transmission to resume.
• This is primarily performed via two processes: neurotransmitter trafficking and/or breakdown.
• The neurotransmitter molecule is physically removed from the synaptic cleft during transport.
• Degradation occurs when the neurotransmitter molecule is broken down by enzyme action.

SPJ3