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C2.1.8 (HL)—Neurotransmitter receptors and membrane potential

Neurotransmitter receptors on postsynaptic membranes control whether transmitter binding changes membrane potential or is blocked by antagonists, linking signal detection to a specific target-cell response.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
C2.1.8
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing1%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2022
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1

Recent exam appearances

November 2022Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ024[ 1 ]C2.1.8 (HL)—Neurotransmitter receptors and membrane potential
Practice this objective

Coverage 2022–2022 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Neurotransmitters bind receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
  • Receptor activation can alter ion movement and membrane potential.
  • Atropine blocks acetylcholine binding at postsynaptic receptors.
  • Blocking a receptor can interrupt synaptic signalling without stopping neurotransmitter release.
ConceptIB Biology HL