PSB Exam 1 Study Guide Questions &
Answers 2024/2025
Depolarization of the axon terminal causes influx of what ion? - ANSWERSCalcium
What is triggered by influx of the ion listed above? - ANSWERSexocytosis
What are the two basic mechanisms for inactivation neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft? -
ANSWERSAfter a chemical is released, it must be inactivated. Inactivation can be through a reuptake
mechanism or by an enzyme that stops the action of the chemical.
Neurotransmitters: - ANSWERScommunicate locally across
the synapse
Neuromodulators: - ANSWERScommunicate with target cells more distant than the synapse by diffusing
away from the point of release
A _____________ synapse is comprised of an axon of a "transmitting" neuron synapsing on the dendrite
of a "receiving" neuron - ANSWERSaxo dendritic
List one catecholaminergic drug and its effects on synaptic transmission, being sure to indicate which
catecholamine the drug affects - ANSWERSCocaine, no re-uptake of dopamine so there is a ton of
dopamine in synaptic cleft making guy have a lot of euphoria
The anti-psychotic drug haloperidol is particularly selective for dopamine _______ receptors..
A) D1
B) D2
C) D3
D) auto- - ANSWERSB) D2
, Most antipsychotic medications act by blocking _______ receptors.
A) serotonergic
B) dopaminergic
C) cholinergic
D) muscarinic - ANSWERSB) dopaminergic
List one cholinergic drug and its effect on synaptic transmission - ANSWERSnicotine imitates
acetylcholine in nicotinic receptors, opening ion channels and starting action potential impulse
List one seretonic drug and its effects on synaptic transmission - ANSWERSProxil, Zoloft, etc... Ecstasy,
reversed re-uptake! Increases serotonin release and blocks reuptake. Afterwards, Less serotonin is
available for release and previous autoreceptor. make person less sad/gloomy/depressed
Define G-protein linked receptor - ANSWERSA receptor that is linked to a G protein to activate another
protein far away
Acetylcholine (ACh) - ANSWERSMain neurotransmitter for muscle control.
-2 receptor types:
Nicotinic: a CNS stimulant and active ingredient in tobacco
Muscarninic: a poisenous substance found in some mushrooms.
BOTH are ionotropic and metotropic and are both found in PNS and CNS
Define nicotinic receptor - ANSWERSa cholinergic receptor that once binded with acetylcholine opens an
ion channel
Define autoreceptor - ANSWERStype of receptor located in the membranes of presynaptic nerve cells,
responsible for negative feedback loop in signal transduction
Stores neurotranmitters - ANSWERSG
Answers 2024/2025
Depolarization of the axon terminal causes influx of what ion? - ANSWERSCalcium
What is triggered by influx of the ion listed above? - ANSWERSexocytosis
What are the two basic mechanisms for inactivation neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft? -
ANSWERSAfter a chemical is released, it must be inactivated. Inactivation can be through a reuptake
mechanism or by an enzyme that stops the action of the chemical.
Neurotransmitters: - ANSWERScommunicate locally across
the synapse
Neuromodulators: - ANSWERScommunicate with target cells more distant than the synapse by diffusing
away from the point of release
A _____________ synapse is comprised of an axon of a "transmitting" neuron synapsing on the dendrite
of a "receiving" neuron - ANSWERSaxo dendritic
List one catecholaminergic drug and its effects on synaptic transmission, being sure to indicate which
catecholamine the drug affects - ANSWERSCocaine, no re-uptake of dopamine so there is a ton of
dopamine in synaptic cleft making guy have a lot of euphoria
The anti-psychotic drug haloperidol is particularly selective for dopamine _______ receptors..
A) D1
B) D2
C) D3
D) auto- - ANSWERSB) D2
, Most antipsychotic medications act by blocking _______ receptors.
A) serotonergic
B) dopaminergic
C) cholinergic
D) muscarinic - ANSWERSB) dopaminergic
List one cholinergic drug and its effect on synaptic transmission - ANSWERSnicotine imitates
acetylcholine in nicotinic receptors, opening ion channels and starting action potential impulse
List one seretonic drug and its effects on synaptic transmission - ANSWERSProxil, Zoloft, etc... Ecstasy,
reversed re-uptake! Increases serotonin release and blocks reuptake. Afterwards, Less serotonin is
available for release and previous autoreceptor. make person less sad/gloomy/depressed
Define G-protein linked receptor - ANSWERSA receptor that is linked to a G protein to activate another
protein far away
Acetylcholine (ACh) - ANSWERSMain neurotransmitter for muscle control.
-2 receptor types:
Nicotinic: a CNS stimulant and active ingredient in tobacco
Muscarninic: a poisenous substance found in some mushrooms.
BOTH are ionotropic and metotropic and are both found in PNS and CNS
Define nicotinic receptor - ANSWERSa cholinergic receptor that once binded with acetylcholine opens an
ion channel
Define autoreceptor - ANSWERStype of receptor located in the membranes of presynaptic nerve cells,
responsible for negative feedback loop in signal transduction
Stores neurotranmitters - ANSWERSG
