Neurons and Synapses Quiz

What is the primary function of a neuron?

• To maintain a resting potential

• All of the above

• To fire nerve impulses

• To carry out metabolic processes

What is the synaptic cleft?

• A type of neurotransmitter

• A gap between neurons

• A type of synapse

• A type of ion channel

Which ions are involved in the depolarization of a neuron?

• Calcium ions

• Chloride ions

• Potassium ions

• Sodium ions

What is the role of neurotransmitters at a synapse?

• To inhibit synaptic transmission

• To form the synaptic cleft

• To carry information across the synaptic cleft

• To break down enzymes

What is an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)?

• A type of synapse

• A depolarizing change in membrane potential

• A hyperpolarizing change in membrane potential

• A type of neurotransmitter

What is the main difference between chemical and electrical synapses?

• Electrical synapses are more common than chemical synapses

• Electrical synapses use neurotransmitters, chemical synapses use ions

• Chemical synapses are faster than electrical synapses

• Chemical synapses use neurotransmitters, electrical synapses use ions

What is synaptic plasticity?

• The ability of synapses to change their strength

• The ability of neurons to fire action potentials

• The ability of ions to flow across membranes

• The ability of neurotransmitters to bind to receptors

What is the function of voltage-gated calcium channels in synaptic transmission?

• To bind neurotransmitters to receptors

• To depolarize the postsynaptic neuron

• To hyperpolarize the presynaptic neuron

• To release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

What is the role of the SNARE complex in synaptic transmission?

• To inhibit neurotransmitter release

• To degrade neurotransmitters

• To facilitate vesicle fusion with the membrane

• To open ion channels

What is the primary benefit of electrical synapses?

• They are faster than chemical synapses

• They use neurotransmitters for communication

• They can turn excitatory signals into inhibitory signals

• They allow for signal modulation