Can you explain the process of synaptic transmission?

A synapse is the junction between a neurone and the next cell. At the synapse there is both a presynaptic neurone, with vesicles containing neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) and a post synaptic neuorone/cell, this has a membrane occupied by receptors specific for the neurotransmitters stored in the presynpatic neurone. When an action potential stimulates the PreS neurone, vesicles fuse with the PreS membrane - releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft ( this is the tiny gap between neurones). These neurotransmitters bind the receptors on the post synaptic membrane, here sodium channels open and an influx of sodium causes a depolarisation of the post synaptic cell. Thus, a transduction from electrical to chemical to electrical energy occurs – transmitting the message across the synapse (draw diagram).

JD
Answered by Jack D. Biology tutor

3805 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Over-watering a plant can result in the soil around a plant's roots becoming saturated with water, reducing the amount of oxygen available to the roots. Using your knowledge of aerobic and anaerobic respiration, explain how over-watering can kill a plant.


How does adrenaline, using the second messenger model, cause glycogenolysis?


What is the difference between an allele and a gene?


What are oncogenes and how do they relate to tumor formation?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning