Skip to main content
Ch. 48 - Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling
Chapter 48, Problem 3

Where are neurotransmitter receptors located? a. the nuclear membrane b. the nodes of Ranvier c. the postsynaptic membrane d. synaptic vesicle membranes

Verified Solution

Video duration:
47s
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Neurotransmitter Receptors

Neurotransmitter receptors are specialized proteins located on the surface of neurons that bind to neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers released by neurons. These receptors play a crucial role in transmitting signals across synapses, influencing various physiological processes and behaviors.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:28
Intracellular Receptors

Postsynaptic Membrane

The postsynaptic membrane is the part of a neuron that receives signals from the presynaptic neuron. It contains neurotransmitter receptors that, when activated by neurotransmitters, initiate a response in the postsynaptic neuron, such as depolarization or hyperpolarization, thereby propagating the neural signal.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:33
Postsynaptic Potentials and Summation

Synaptic Transmission

Synaptic transmission is the process by which signaling molecules (neurotransmitters) are released from the presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. This process is essential for communication between neurons and is fundamental to the functioning of the nervous system, affecting everything from reflexes to complex behaviors.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:50
Synaptic Cell Signaling
Related Practice
Textbook Question

What happens when a resting neuron's membrane depolarizes? a. There is a net diffusion of Na+ out of the cell. b. The equilibrium potential for K+(EK) becomes more positive. c. The neuron's membrane voltage becomes more positive. d. The cell's inside is more negative than the outside.

1472
views
Textbook Question

A common feature of action potentials is that they a. cause the membrane to hyperpolarize and then depolarize. b. can undergo temporal and spatial summation. c. are triggered by a depolarization that reaches threshold. d. move at the same speed along all axons.

1030
views
Textbook Question

Why are action potentials usually conducted in one direction? a. Ions can flow along the axon in only one direction. b. The brief refractory period prevents reopening of voltage-gated Na+ channels. c. The axon hillock has a higher membrane potential than the terminals of the axon. d. Voltage-gated channels for both Na+ and K+ open in only one direction.

2116
views
Textbook Question

Which of the following is the most direct result of depolarizing the presynaptic membrane of an axon terminal? a. Voltage-gated calcium channels in the membrane open. b. Synaptic vesicles fuse with the membrane. c. Ligand-gated channels open, allowing neurotransmitters to enter the synaptic cleft. d. An EPSP or IPSP is generated in the postsynaptic cell.

974
views
Textbook Question

Suppose a particular neurotransmitter causes an IPSP in postsynaptic cell X and an EPSP in postsynaptic cell Y. A likely explanation is that a. the threshold value in the postsynaptic membrane is different for cell X and cell Y. b. the axon of cell X is myelinated, but that of cell Y is not. c. only cell Y produces an enzyme that terminates the activity of the neurotransmitter. d. cells X and Y express different receptor molecules for this particular neurotransmitter.

728
views