Describe what happens at a synapse in the human body. (6 marks)

Synapses are the junctions between neurons. An electrical impulse travels down the first neuron and arrives at the presynaptic membrane. The presence of an electrical impulse causes chemicals called neurotransmitters to be released into the synaptic cleft, where they then diffuse across the gap and toward the postsynaptic membrane of a second neuron. The neurotransmitter molecules then bind to receptors on the second neuron, an accumulation of bound neurotransmitters generating an electrical impulse in the neuron and allows the electrical signal to continue through the body. After the electrical signal has been generated, the neurotransmitter molecules are released from the receptors and reabsorbed back into the first neuron via the reuptake channels to avoid more impulses being generated unnecessarily.

EC
Answered by Emma C. Biology tutor

9250 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the function of enzymes and give an example of one.


Why does a mutation in the genetic code change the structure of a haemoglobin molecule?


What is the difference between an ectotherm and an endotherm?


What is the process of therapeutic cloning?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences