Describe the steps following the arrival of an action potential to the pre-synaptic bulb allowing for transmission of a signal across a synapse.

Depolarisation of plasma membrane opens voltage-gated calcium channels, allowing calcium ions to move into pre-synaptic bulb down the concentration gradientHigh intracellular calcium results in the mobilisation of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles to fuse to the pre-synaptic membrane and release the neurotransmitter via exocytosisNeurotransmitter diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to cell surface receptors on the post-synaptic membrane which activates the receptors, causing them to open a channel, allowing sodium ions into the post-synaptic bulbIf sufficient receptors are activated and sufficient sodium is released into the post-synaptic neuron, the membrane will become depolarised and the transmission of the action potential can continue

WT
Answered by William T. Biology tutor

2029 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the Krebs cycle?


What are enzymes and how do they work?


DNA helicase is important in DNA replication - explain why.


Describe the cardiac cycle, including the role that valves and pressure differences play in this process.


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