Describe how an electrical impulse travels across a synapse

A synapse is a gap between two separate neurons. When the electrical impulse from the first neuron reaches the nerve terminal of the first neuron, chemical messengers called neurotransmitters (NTs) are released into the synapse. This neurotransmitter diffuses across the gap between the two neurons to reach and bind to its specific receptor molecule-which is on the cell membrane of the second neuron. This results in an electrical impulse being started up from the second neuron.

Answered by Arushi K. Biology tutor

4484 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is an enzyme? And what things can affect them?


What happens prior to and during mitosis?


How does temperature affect enzyme activity?


An individual is seated in a darkened room. What would you expect their pupils to look like? A light is shone onto their eyes and a change in their pupils is noted, what change would you expect and why?


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