BIOL371 MODULE 3 EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS GRADED A++
Active Zone
The specialized part of the axon terminal where neurotransmitter release (i.e. vesicle
fusion) actually occurs - this zone usually corresponds directly to the part of the
postsynaptic cell where there post-synaptic density (see below).
Axon Terminal
A neuronal compartment, usually (though not always) found at the ends of axonal
branches, where presynaptic specializations (e.g. vesicles, active zones) are found.
Also called a 'synaptic bouton'.
Chemical Synapse
A location where two neurons make contact and are able to pass physiological
information from one cell to another in the form of chemicals known as
neurotransmitters.
- doesn't have to be neuron to neuron, can be neuron and afferent or efferent cell
Docking
The process of tethering a free synaptic vesicle to the active zone.
Electrical Synapse
A location where two neurons make contact and are able to pass physiological
information from one cell to another in the form of electrotonic current (flow of charged
particles, i.e. ions).
, End Plate Potential (EPP)
The specialized name for the (excitatory) post-synaptic potential (PSP) that occurs at a
neuromuscular junction.
Endocytosis
A fundamental cellular process where pockets of membrane are formed from the cell
membrane, creating intracellular vesicles containing small amounts of extracellular fluid.
Exocytosis
A fundamental cellular process where membranous vesicles found within the cytosol
fuse with the outer cell membrane, releasing their contents into the extracellular fluid.
Synaptic vesicle release is a highly specialized example of exocytosis, notable for its
rapidity and regulation by electrical activity.
Fusion
The process of exocytosis of a synaptic vesicle, whereby the membrane of the vesicle
fuses with the membrane of the active zone of the axon terminal.
Gap junction
Organized inter-cellular channels that connect the cytoplasm of one cell with the
cytoplasm of another. Gap junctions are formed by two connexons (one in each cell)
joining together to form a continuous pore. Each connexon, or hemi-channel is formed
from six connexin protein subunits.
Motor end plate (MEP)
The specialized name for the post-synaptic density in a neuromuscular junction.
Miniature End Plate Potential/Miniature Post-Synaptic Potential (mEPP/mPSP)
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS GRADED A++
Active Zone
The specialized part of the axon terminal where neurotransmitter release (i.e. vesicle
fusion) actually occurs - this zone usually corresponds directly to the part of the
postsynaptic cell where there post-synaptic density (see below).
Axon Terminal
A neuronal compartment, usually (though not always) found at the ends of axonal
branches, where presynaptic specializations (e.g. vesicles, active zones) are found.
Also called a 'synaptic bouton'.
Chemical Synapse
A location where two neurons make contact and are able to pass physiological
information from one cell to another in the form of chemicals known as
neurotransmitters.
- doesn't have to be neuron to neuron, can be neuron and afferent or efferent cell
Docking
The process of tethering a free synaptic vesicle to the active zone.
Electrical Synapse
A location where two neurons make contact and are able to pass physiological
information from one cell to another in the form of electrotonic current (flow of charged
particles, i.e. ions).
, End Plate Potential (EPP)
The specialized name for the (excitatory) post-synaptic potential (PSP) that occurs at a
neuromuscular junction.
Endocytosis
A fundamental cellular process where pockets of membrane are formed from the cell
membrane, creating intracellular vesicles containing small amounts of extracellular fluid.
Exocytosis
A fundamental cellular process where membranous vesicles found within the cytosol
fuse with the outer cell membrane, releasing their contents into the extracellular fluid.
Synaptic vesicle release is a highly specialized example of exocytosis, notable for its
rapidity and regulation by electrical activity.
Fusion
The process of exocytosis of a synaptic vesicle, whereby the membrane of the vesicle
fuses with the membrane of the active zone of the axon terminal.
Gap junction
Organized inter-cellular channels that connect the cytoplasm of one cell with the
cytoplasm of another. Gap junctions are formed by two connexons (one in each cell)
joining together to form a continuous pore. Each connexon, or hemi-channel is formed
from six connexin protein subunits.
Motor end plate (MEP)
The specialized name for the post-synaptic density in a neuromuscular junction.
Miniature End Plate Potential/Miniature Post-Synaptic Potential (mEPP/mPSP)
