Question 1

The loss of neurons whose main neurotransmitter is _____ is thought to be involved in the memory deficits seen in Alzheimer's disease.
A) dopamine
B) norepinephrine
C) acetylcholine
D) serotonin

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in learning and memory processes. In Alzheimer's disease, there is a significant loss of cholinergic neurons in areas of the brain important for memory, such as the hippocampus and cortex. As a result, deficits in memory formation and retrieval are observed.

Question 2

Which experimental criterion is NOT used to identify a chemical as a neurotransmitter?
A) A substance must contain an amine group.
B) The chemical can be introduced into the synapse artificially to produce a response.
C) The chemical must be synthesized in or present in the neuron.
D) The chemical must be released when the neuron is active.

Accepted Answer

Although many neurotransmitters do contain an amine group, it is not necessary for a chemical to be classified as a neurotransmitter. Other chemicals such as amino acids and peptides can also act as neurotransmitters.

Question 3

Synapses where an axon releases a neurotransmitter directly into the blood are called _____ synapses.
A) axomuscular
B) axosomatic
C) axoextracellular
D) axosecretory

Accepted Answer

Synapses where an axon releases a neurotransmitter directly into the blood are called axosecretory synapses. These synapses are found in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, where they release hormones into the bloodstream.

Question 4

Which type of postsynaptic receptor does NOT contain a pore and acts indirectly?
A) holotropic
B) ionotropic
C) second messenger
D) metabotropic

Accepted Answer

Metabotropic receptors do not contain a pore for ion flow, but instead act indirectly via intracellular signaling pathways involving G proteins and second messengers.

Question 5

The effects of the opiate drugs are MOST closely matched by _____.
A) acetylcholine
B) met-enkephalin
C) dopamine
D) histamine

Accepted Answer

The opiate drugs, such as morphine and heroin, mimic the effects of endorphins, which are naturally occurring opioids in the body. Met-enkephalin is an endorphin that binds to the same receptors as opiates, therefore the effects of the opiate drugs are most closely matched by met-enkephalin. Acetylcholine, dopamine, and histamine are neurotransmitters that have effects on different aspects of brain function, but they do not closely match the effects of opiate drugs.

Question 6

Dopamine is synthesized from _____.
A) tryptophan
B) tyrosine
C) glutamate
D) choline

Accepted Answer

Dopamine is synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine, which is converted to L-DOPA by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. L-DOPA is then decarboxylated to form dopamine by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase.

Question 7

Transmitter - activated receptors are located _____.
A) on the presynaptic membrane
B) on the postsynaptic membrane
C) on both the pre- and postsynaptic membranes
D) in the nuclear membrane only

Accepted Answer

The answer of Transmitter - activated receptors are located _____.
A)...

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is used to treat Parkinson's disease?
A) histamine
B) acetylcholine
C) dopamine
D) NO

Accepted Answer

Parkinson's disease is characterized by a lack of dopamine in the brain, so treatment typically involves drugs that increase dopamine levels or mimic its effects. Examples of such drugs include L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine, or dopamine agonists which stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain.

Question 9

During which step of neurotransmission is a neurotransmitter transported to the presynaptic membrane?
A) inactivation
B) release
C) receptor action
D) synthesis

Accepted Answer

During the release step of neurotransmission, the neurotransmitter is transported to the presynaptic membrane and released into the synaptic cleft.

Question 10

The _____ activating system is believed to be related to obsessive - compulsive disorder.
A) serotonergic
B) dopaminergic
C) cholinergic
D) noradrenergic
Answer Key

Accepted Answer

The serotonergic system is believed to be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as evidenced by the effectiveness of SSRIs, which increase serotonin levels, in treating OCD symptoms.

Question 11

Which neurotransmitter is primarily affected by the drug Viagra?
A) met-enkephalin
B) acetylcholine
C) dopamine
D) nitric oxide

Accepted Answer

The primary neurotransmitter affected by the drug Viagra is nitric oxide. Viagra works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which leads to increased levels of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the penis and results in an erection.

Question 12

The substance that Otto Loewi found to accelerate the heart was later identified as _____.
A) glutamate
B) acetylcholine
C) epinephrine
D) Vagusstoff

Accepted Answer

The answer of The substance that Otto Loewi found to...

Question 13

The number of substances now known to be peptide neurotransmitters is about _____.
A) 15
B) 24
C) 50
D) 375

Accepted Answer

As of now, the number of known peptide neurotransmitters is approximately 50. This number may change as research continues, but as of the current understanding, option C is the closest estimate.

Question 14

Which ion is mainly responsible for transmitter release? A) Ca²⁺ B) Na⁺ C) K⁺ D) Cl^-

Accepted Answer

Calcium ions (Ca2+) are primarily responsible for transmitter release. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, voltage-gated calcium channels open and allow Ca2+ to enter the cell, triggering the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. Therefore, choice A, which represents Ca2+, is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D represent Na+, K+, and Cl- ions respectively, which are not directly involved in neurotransmitter release.

Question 15

The main transmitter found in the locus coeruleus is _____.
A) norepinephrine (NE)
B) dopamine (DA)
C) serotonin (5-HT)
D) acetylcholine (ACh)

Accepted Answer

The locus coeruleus is the main brainstem nucleus associated with the norepinephrine (NE) neurotransmitter system.

Quiz 5: Extension: C - Communication Between Neurons

The loss of neurons whose main neurotransmitter is _____ is thought to be involved in the memory deficits seen in Alzheimer's disease.

Which experimental criterion is NOT used to identify a chemical as a neurotransmitter?

Synapses where an axon releases a neurotransmitter directly into the blood are called _____ synapses.

Which type of postsynaptic receptor does NOT contain a pore and acts indirectly?

The effects of the opiate drugs are MOST closely matched by _____.

Dopamine is synthesized from _____.

Transmitter - activated receptors are located _____.

Which neurotransmitter is used to treat Parkinson's disease?

During which step of neurotransmission is a neurotransmitter transported to the presynaptic membrane?

The _____ activating system is believed to be related to obsessive - compulsive disorder.

Which neurotransmitter is primarily affected by the drug Viagra?

The substance that Otto Loewi found to accelerate the heart was later identified as _____.

The number of substances now known to be peptide neurotransmitters is about _____.

Which ion is mainly responsible for transmitter release?

The main transmitter found in the locus coeruleus is _____.