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

2061 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Two species of frogs, each found on one of two neighbouring islands yet with the same genus, are identified. Scientists believe that the two species originated from a common ancestor. Explain how these species could have evolved.


What is competitive inhibition in enzymes?


What is the difference between the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?


Describe the process of DNA replication


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