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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT true about synaptic transmission?
A
It involves the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron.
B
The process can be terminated by the reuptake or degradation of neurotransmitters.
C
Synaptic transmission can only occur through electrical signals and never involves chemical messengers.
D
Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of synaptic transmission. Synaptic transmission is the process by which neurons communicate with each other or with target cells, such as muscle cells, through synapses. Synapses can be chemical or electrical in nature.
Step 2: Review the role of neurotransmitters in chemical synaptic transmission. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft. They bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane to propagate or inhibit a signal.
Step 3: Understand how synaptic transmission is terminated. The process can be stopped by mechanisms such as reuptake of neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron or enzymatic degradation of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft.
Step 4: Compare chemical and electrical synapses. Electrical synapses involve direct transmission of electrical signals through gap junctions, while chemical synapses rely on neurotransmitters as chemical messengers. Both types of synapses exist in the nervous system.
Step 5: Evaluate the statement 'Synaptic transmission can only occur through electrical signals and never involves chemical messengers.' This statement is incorrect because synaptic transmission can occur through chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in chemical synapses, as well as through electrical signals in electrical synapses.