Describe the events that take place at the synapse that enable transmission of a nerve impulse.

An action potential arrives at the synapse, triggering Ca2+ channels to open. This in turn triggers vesicles holding neurotransmitter to fuse with the presynaptic membrane, releasing the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. The neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane and triggers them, initiating an impulse on the postsynaptic membrane. Leftover neurotransmitter is either taken back up by the presynaptic membrane or degraded by enzymes in the synaptic cleft.

Answered by Shrinivas A. Biology tutor

17887 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the stages of the cardiac cycle


Describe the structure of proteins


Explain the lock and key enzyme hypothesis


What is the difference between transcription and translation?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences