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Synaptic Transmission, Neurotransmitters, Synaptic Plasticity

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 13mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Electrical synapses involve ___ whereas chemical synapses involve ___.

a)

direct electrical connections; release and reception of neurotransmitters

b)

direct electrical connections; release and reception of hormones

c)

indirect electrical connections; release and reception of neurotransmitters

d)

direct chemical connections; release and reception of hormones

e)

indirect chemical connections; release of electrical signals

2.

What is the action of the neurotransmitter at a chemical synapse?

a)

It acts on receptors in the postsynaptic membrane.

b)

It electrically activates the presynaptic neuron

c)

It crosses the postsynaptic membrane and then activates ion channels in the postsynaptic neuron.

d)

It depolarizes the postsynaptic membrane by delivering an electrical charge.

e)

It transfers an action potential from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron.

3.

Which event is the first in the series of events that take place during chemical synaptic transmission?

a)

Neurotransmitter binds to its receptors.

b)

Influx of Ca2+ in the presynaptic terminal.

c)

Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open.

d)

Neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft.

e)

Synaptic vesicles fuse with the presynaptic membrane.

4.

At which point during signal transmission at a chemical synapse is exocytosis occurring?

a)

As neurotransmitter binds to its receptors.

b)

While Ca2+ enters the presynaptic terminal.

c)

As voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are opening.

d)

During neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft.

e)

During reuptake, as synaptic vesicles are reformed from the plasma membrane.

5.

The figure shows an electron micrograph of a chemical synapse in the cerebral cortex. Which statement about this synapse is accurate?

a)

Inside the postsynaptic neuron are synaptic vesicles, which fuse with the membrane in the postsynaptic density.

b)

Inside the presynaptic neuron are synaptic vesicles, which fuse with the membrane in the active zone.

c)

Inside the presynaptic neuron are synaptic vesicles, which fuse with the membrane in the postsynaptic density.

d)

A gap junction connects the two neurons via connexons that span the pre- and postsynaptic membranes.

6.

Small-molecule neurotransmitters are _______ for _______.

a)

taken back into the presynaptic terminal; degradation

b)

taken back into the presynaptic terminal; reuse

c)

taken up by the postsynaptic cell; degradation

d)

taken up by the postsynaptic cell; reuse

e)

scattered in the synaptic cleft; reuse

7.

How would application of a Ca2+ channel blocker affect the function of a synapse?

a)

It would increase the magnitude of postsynaptic potential.

b)

It would decrease the magnitude of postsynaptic potential.

c)

It would eliminate the postsynaptic potential but have no effect on presynaptic neuron.

d)

It would eliminate the postsynaptic potential and the presynaptic Ca2+ current.

e)

It would eliminate the presynaptic Ca2+ current but have no effect on the postsynaptic potential.

8.

Which of these is a FALSE statement about neurotransmitters?

a)

They act as chemical messengers

b)

They can be inhibitory

c)

They can be excitatory

d)

Glucose is an example

9.

What type of ion causes an excitatory response?

a)

Calcium

b)

Chlorine

c)

Potassium

d)

Sodium

10.

What type of ion causes an inhibitory response?

a)

Calcium

b)

Chlorine

c)

Potassium

d)

Sodium

11.

Which of the following statements about synaptic plasticity is correct?

a)

Synaptic plasticity only involves the strengthening of neural synapses.

b)

Synaptic plasticity only occurs during infancy.

c)

Synaptic plasticity involves structures of neurons physically changing in response to activity or experience.

12.

How does neurotransmitter cross the synaptic cleft?

a)

Facilitated diffusion

b)

simple diffusion

c)

carrier mediated transport

d)

osmosis

13.

The conversion of signal at presynaptic membrane is

a)

Electrical signal to chemical signal

b)

Chemical signal to electrical signal

c)

Potential signal to electrical signal

d)

Potential signal to chemical signal

14.

The conversion of signal at postsynaptic membrane is

a)

Electrical signal to chemical signal

b)

Chemical signal to electrical signal

c)

Potential signal to electrical signal

d)

Potential signal to chemical signal

15.

What is most likely to happen if a post-synaptic neuron is depolarized? Hyperolarized?

a)

Depolarized- becomes more positive, action pot more likely

Hyperpolarized- becomes very negative, action pot less likely

b)

Depolarized- becomes more negative, action pot less likely

Hyperpolarized- becomes very positive, action pot more likely

16.

4 - Calcium ions trigger the fusion of vesicles containing.. with the.. membrane

5 - .. diffuses across the synaptic.. and binds to receptors in the.. membrane

(a)  

17.

6 - Acetylcholine binding opens chemical-gated.. .. channels, so .. .. enter and.. the postsynaptic membrane

(a)  

18.

What happens to neurotransmitters after they have transmitted a signal across the synaptic cleft?

a)

They are absorbed by the postsynaptic neuron.

b)

They are degraded by enzymes in the synaptic cleft.

c)

They remain in the synaptic cleft indefinitely.

d)

They are converted into electrical signals.

19.

Which of the following best describes the role of synaptic vesicles in neurotransmission?

a)

They store neurotransmitters and release them into the synaptic cleft upon stimulation.

b)

They transport ions across the synaptic cleft.

c)

They generate action potentials in the presynaptic neuron.

d)

They degrade neurotransmitters after signal transmission.

20.

Long term potentiation is involved in long term memory. What are the molecular changes that occur during LTP (select all that apply)?

a)

Decrease in number of NMDA receptors

b)

Binding of glutamate to NMDA receptors

c)

The release of nitric oxide which triggers more glutamate release

d)

Entrance of calcium into the postsynaptic neuron