IB Biology SL C2.2.6 Neurotransmitter Release Questions

Practise IB Biology SL 2.2.6 by explaining how neurotransmitters transmit impulses across a synapse.

Exam points

Identify a neurotransmitter vesicle and its neurotransmitter contents in a synapse diagram.
Identify calcium-ion entry and exocytosis as the processes involved in neurotransmitter release.
Explain how an arriving action potential opens calcium channels, causes vesicle fusion and releases neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.

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Study C2.2.6—Neurotransmitter release conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

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The neuron is a specialized cell that exhibits a structure important to its function.

The diagram shows a neuron interacting with a muscle cell.

Figure for Question IB Biology SL C2.2.6 Neurotransmitter Release Questions question 1 — IB Biology SL

Describe how neurotransmitters are released from a presynaptic neuron membrane.

a. action potential/nerve impulse reaches the end of the presynaptic neuron;

b. impulse/action potential/depolarization of the (presynaptic) membrane causes calcium (ions)/ $\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}$ uptake/diffusion into the neuron;

c. (calcium ions) cause vesicles to move to the (presynaptic) membrane;

d. vesicles contain neurotransmitter;

e. neurotransmitter released into the synaptic gap/cleft by exocytosis/when vesicle fuses with membrane;

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IB Biology SL C2.2.6 Neurotransmitter Release Questions question 1