Describe the process of an action potential travelling across a synapse

An action potenial reaches the synaptic bouton causing depolarisation which opens calcium voltage gated channels. Calcium moves into the cell and causes the movement of vesicles containing acetylcholine towards the presynaptic membrane here they fuse with the membrane via snare proteins. The acetylcholine is released into the synapse. It then moves across the synapse and binds to acetylcholine receptors on the post synaptic membrane. This causes the opening of sodium channels, the sodium move into the post synaptic neurone reaching the threshold potential causing the opening of more sodium channels resulting in the depolarisiation of the cell and the formation of a new action potential.

Answered by Ed W. Biology tutor

2357 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I get an A* in biology?


How does an action potential propagate?


Question relating to human adaptations to cold environments: In a cold environment, humans use shivering as a method of keeping warm. Describe and explain the process of shivering.


Why does oxygen bind to haemoglobin easier the second time?


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 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences