Asked by Arteria Jones on Jul 05, 2024
Verified
What event triggers the release of neurotransmitters?
A) Calcium induces the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane.
B) Sodium induces the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane.
C) Potassium induces the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane.
D) Calcium activates enzymes that degrade synaptic vesicles.
E) Sodium activates enzymes that degrade synaptic vesicles.
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a chemical synapse from one nerve cell to another, or to a muscle or gland cell.
Synaptic Vesicles
Membrane-bound sacs in the neuron's terminal bulb that store neurotransmitters ready for release at the synapse.
Presynaptic Membrane
The part of the neuron that faces the synaptic cleft and is responsible for the release of neurotransmitters to signal adjacent neurons.
- Explain the process and significance of neurotransmitter release in neural communication.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightJul 08, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
Calcium ions (Ca2+) play a crucial role in triggering the release of neurotransmitters at synapses. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, it causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open, allowing Ca2+ to enter the neuron. This influx of calcium ions induces the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, leading to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the process and significance of neurotransmitter release in neural communication.