The Effect That a Neurotransmitter Has on the Postsynaptic Membrane

Question

The effect that a neurotransmitter has on the postsynaptic membrane depends on the
A) frequency of neurotransmitter release.
B) nature of the neurotransmitter.
C) characteristics of the receptors.
D) quantity of neurotransmitters released.
E) All of the answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

All of the factors mentioned (frequency, nature, receptors, and quantity) can affect how a neurotransmitter interacts with the postsynaptic membrane. The frequency of release can determine the degree of activation of receptors, the nature of the neurotransmitter can determine which receptors it can bind to and how efficiently it binds, the characteristics of the receptors can determine how the neurotransmitter affects ion channels or initiates second messenger pathways, and the quantity of neurotransmitter released can affect the overall strength of the signal. Therefore, all of these factors must be considered when studying neurotransmitter function.