Explain the mechanism of synaptic transmission.

Synapses are the physical gaps that separate neurons from other cells. Neurons transmit information across synapses by converting the electrical signal into a chemical signal, usually neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are sent across the synaptic cleft, they bind to receptors on the post-synaptic membrane, and can trigger a variety of responses on this cell. When an action potential reaches the axon terminal at the pre-synaptic neuron, it triggers the opening of voltage-gated Calcium (Ca2+) channels. Ca2+ ions diffuse into the cell, and promote the fusion of transmitter-containing vesicles with the pre-synaptic membrane. The vesicles 'dock' with the membrane, causing the neurotransmitter to be released into the synaptic cleft via exocytosis, and diffuses across the gap to bind to the post-synaptic membrane. The binding of transmitter to the post-synaptic membrane causes a signal to be initiated in the post-synaptic cell, thus an action potential is triggered and propagated along this neuron.

LD
Answered by Lauren D. Biology tutor

4318 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain how ADH helps to maintain water homeostasis in humans.


Describe how the fluidity of the membrane and how this allows transport across it.


What is the difference between second messengers and gene regulatory proteins?


At what stage of Meiosis are the centrioles of paired chromosomes at opposite poles of the cell ?


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