Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

14. Cell Signaling

Overview of Cell Surface Receptors

Cell Biology

14. Cell Signaling

Overview of Cell Surface Receptors

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following cell surface receptors is primarily responsible for detecting neurotransmitters at the postsynaptic membrane of a chemical synapse?

Integrins

G-protein coupled receptors

Receptor tyrosine kinases

Ligand-gated ion channels

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context: Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another. At the postsynaptic membrane, specific receptors detect these neurotransmitters to propagate the signal.

Identify the receptor type: Ligand-gated ion channels are specialized receptors that open in response to the binding of a specific neurotransmitter (ligand). This allows ions to flow across the membrane, leading to changes in the postsynaptic cell's membrane potential.

Eliminate incorrect options: Integrins are involved in cell adhesion and signaling, not neurotransmitter detection. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) can detect neurotransmitters but are slower and not the primary mechanism at chemical synapses. Receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in growth factor signaling, not neurotransmitter detection.

Focus on the correct answer: Ligand-gated ion channels are the primary receptors responsible for detecting neurotransmitters at the postsynaptic membrane. They are fast-acting and directly linked to ion flow, making them ideal for synaptic transmission.

Conclude: The correct answer is ligand-gated ion channels because they are specifically designed to detect neurotransmitters and mediate rapid synaptic responses by altering ion permeability in the postsynaptic membrane.