Neurotransmitter: Difference between revisions
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Neurotransmitters are signalling [[Molecule|molecules]] released by [[Exocytosis|exocytosis]] from vesicles in the pre-synaptic cell causing [[Depolarisation|depolarisation]], they diffuse across the synaptic cleft in response to an [[Action potential|action potential]]. The neurotransmitter causes an electrical change in the post-synaptic cell. | Neurotransmitters are signalling [[Molecule|molecules]] released by [[Exocytosis|exocytosis]] from vesicles in the pre-synaptic cell causing [[Depolarisation|depolarisation]], they diffuse across the synaptic cleft in response to an [[Action potential|action potential]]. The neurotransmitter causes an electrical change in the post-synaptic cell. | ||
The signals can be excitatory (open cation (e.g. Na<sup>+</sup>) | The signals can be excitatory (open [[Cation channels|cation channels]] (e.g. [[Sodium|Na]]<sup>[[Sodium|+]]</sup>)) or inhibitory (open Cl<sup>- </sup>or K<sup>+</sup> channels). Excitatory signals bring the cell closer to threshold where as inhibitory signals cause the cell to move away from threshold value. When the cell reaches threshold an [[Action_potential|action potential]] is fired <ref>Alberts, B et al. (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell. 5th ed. US: Garland Science</ref>. | ||
=== <br>'''References:<br>''' === | === <br>'''References:<br>''' === | ||
<references /><br> | |||
Revision as of 21:28, 25 November 2010
Neurotransmitters are signalling molecules released by exocytosis from vesicles in the pre-synaptic cell causing depolarisation, they diffuse across the synaptic cleft in response to an action potential. The neurotransmitter causes an electrical change in the post-synaptic cell.
The signals can be excitatory (open cation channels (e.g. Na+)) or inhibitory (open Cl- or K+ channels). Excitatory signals bring the cell closer to threshold where as inhibitory signals cause the cell to move away from threshold value. When the cell reaches threshold an action potential is fired [1].
References:
- ↑ Alberts, B et al. (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell. 5th ed. US: Garland Science