BIO385 Molecular Neurobiology Spring 2012
Dr. Henning Schneider
Study Guide #4: Synapse Structure and Function I

Concepts:

  1. The synapse is compsed of a pre- and a postsynaptic region.
  2. The synaptic ending (or axon terminal) of neurons is specialized for packaging, storing and releasing neurotransmitters.
  3. Synpatic potentials are generated in postsynaptic part of a synapse and are either excitatory or inhibitory.
  4. Calcium is necessary for the release of neurotransmitters.
  5. Postsynaptic potentials in a single neuron are generated by many presysnaptic neurons and are integrated in the cell body of the postsynaptic cell.

Study Questions:

  1. Describe the structure of a typical synapse.
  2. Which type of ion channels and receptors are located in pre-and postsynaptic parts of a synapse?
  3. Generate a flow diagram outlining all steps that lead to the release of neurotransmitter. Start with the arrival of action potentials in the presynaptic ending.
  4. What is the difference between amplitude modulation and frequency modulation of synaptic and action potentials, respectively?
  5. Explain why action potentials occur primarily in axons.
  6. Explain the generation of synaptic potentials in postsynaptic neurons.
  7. Explain the activation of ion channels in the postsynaptic membrane.
  8. What is the difference between the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic potentials?
  9. Explain why synaptic potentials last longer than action potentials.
  10. Explain the difference between voltage-gated and neurotransmitter-gated ion channels.
  11. Explain the how strong and weak signals are encoded in axons and synapses.
Last modified on February 5, 2012 by HS.