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.

EW
Answered by Ed W. Biology tutor

2944 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the stages of mitosis?


Describe how fertiliser run-off can cause damage to a lake's ecosystem.


What is the link between electrical activity of the heart and its contraction?


Describe how the hormone glucagon helps a healthy individual to maintain their blood glucose concentration correctly.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning