37. An excitatory neurotransmitter such as acetylcholine will open up ion channels in the postsynaptic membrane. This will allow sodium (Na+) ions to follow into the dendrite, increasing the membrane potential closer to 0 mV, thereby increasing the likelihood for an action potential to occur. Similarly, an inhibitory neurotransmitter will open up the ion channels for potassium ions (K+) to flow out OR chloride ions (Cl–) to flow in.
The effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter on the postsynaptic membrane is to
Select one:
a. decrease the threshold level
b. depolarize the postsynaptic membrane
c. hyperpolarize the postsynaptic membrane
d. maintain the resting potential
38. Our nervous system produces an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks the release of dopamine. Anandamide is a naturally occurring molecule that blocks the release of this inhibitory neurotransmitter.
THC, the active component in marijuana, looks similar to anandamide and binds to the same receptors as anandamide. Anandamide breaks down faster than THC in the synapse.
Which of the following is the effect of THC on the synaptic transmission in our central nervous system?
Select one:
a. THC prevents the reuptake of dopamine neurotransmitters from the synapse.
b. THC decreases the production and release of dopamine into the synapse.
c. THC blocks the activity of the enzymes that break down the dopamine in the synapse.
d. THC prevents the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitters.
39.In the central nervous system, the neurotransmitter, serotonin, controls the emotions and eating and sleeping patterns of an individual.
Ecstasy is a drug. It’s shape is similar to serotonin, and it is more readily taken into the axon terminal from the synapse by the serotonin transporter. When ecstasy interacts with the transporters, it also causes the transporters to release more serotonin into the synapse. Ecstasy also affects the reward pathway in the brain by increasing the release of dopamine.
Which of the following statements does NOT describe the effects of ecstasy on the synaptic transmission in our central nervous system?
Select one:
a. Ecstasy attaches to the serotonin transporters and prevents serotonin neurotransmitters from returning to the axon terminal. This increases the duration of serotonin presence in the synapse.
b. Ecstasy use results in increased levels of serotonin in the synapse. This suppresses the production of serotonin in the body via negative feedback, resulting in a severe shortage of serotonin when the effects of the ecstasy wear off.
c. Ecstasy encourages the axon terminal to release more serotonin neurotransmitters via exocytosis.
d. Ecstasy blocks the postsynaptic receptor for serotonin, thereby increasing the level of serotonin neurotransmitters in the synapse.
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