Study Guide for Chapter 6

1.       What does it mean to say that a cell is cholinergic or adrenergic? What does the –ergic suffix mean?

2.       What are the criteria that must be met in order to state that a particular molecule is a neurotransmitter?

3.       Provide a very brief description of immunocytochemistry. What are two other methods used for studying neurotransmitter-producing and –releasing cells?

 

4.       Can two different types of neurotransmitter bind to the same receptor? Can one type of neurotransmitter bind to different receptors?

4.       What are agonists and antagonists? (Be able to cite some examples.)

5.       What are the most common receptor subtypes?

          (Table 6.1 on page 140 provides a nice, brief summary.)

6.       We will definitely cover the synthesis and breakdown of several neurotransmitters: acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, glutamate, and GABA. You will be expected to know these. We will also cover other possible neurochemicals such as ATP, NO, CO, and other gasses.

7.       How do transmitter-gated channels operate? What are the different types of transmitter-gated channels?

8.       Again, you should be sure you understand the general concept of signal amplification by second messenger systems (i.e. G-protein-coupled receptors). The diagrams on page 158 through page 163 (Figures 6.23, 6.24, 6.25, 6.26, 6.27, 6.28, & 6.29) should be very helpful.

9.       What is the difference between divergent and convergent effects of neurotransmitters? Which is most common?

  Key terms are on page 165 and 166 and review questions are on page 166. Do them; know them.