Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlocking Neural Synapses A Deep Dive

Word Count Emoji
449 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

The synaptic transmission party

Imagine you're at a party. The room is buzzing, and someone (let's call them the presynaptic neuron) wants to give a message to another person (the postsynaptic neuron). But they can't just shout across the room; they need to pass a secret note (neurotransmitter). 🎉

The "quick-step" across the dance floor

  • Neurotransmitters hustle and shuffle across the synaptic gap, a tiny dance floor that's super short (20-40nm). That's like moving two to four steps if you were a tiny phospholipid dancer.
  • Real-world example: It's like dropping your chip right next to the dip - it's so close, you scoop it up instantly! 🍟

The VIP access to the postsynaptic club

  • Our neurotransmitter has a VIP pass, which lets it bind to special receptors in the postsynaptic membrane's entrance.
  • These receptors are like bouncers. Some have doors (ion channels) attached to them. Others call over a separate door to let VIPs in.

The electric slide

  • Ions groove down their concentration gradient into the postsynaptic neuron.
  • This causes the neuron's membrane potential to vibe up and become less negative. We call this the excitatory postsynaptic potential.
  • If the dance energy (EPSP) is strong enough, it starts a conga line (action potential) that moves away from the synapse.

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IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlocking Neural Synapses A Deep Dive

Word Count Emoji
449 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

The synaptic transmission party

Imagine you're at a party. The room is buzzing, and someone (let's call them the presynaptic neuron) wants to give a message to another person (the postsynaptic neuron). But they can't just shout across the room; they need to pass a secret note (neurotransmitter). 🎉

The "quick-step" across the dance floor

  • Neurotransmitters hustle and shuffle across the synaptic gap, a tiny dance floor that's super short (20-40nm). That's like moving two to four steps if you were a tiny phospholipid dancer.
  • Real-world example: It's like dropping your chip right next to the dip - it's so close, you scoop it up instantly! 🍟

The VIP access to the postsynaptic club

  • Our neurotransmitter has a VIP pass, which lets it bind to special receptors in the postsynaptic membrane's entrance.
  • These receptors are like bouncers. Some have doors (ion channels) attached to them. Others call over a separate door to let VIPs in.

The electric slide

  • Ions groove down their concentration gradient into the postsynaptic neuron.
  • This causes the neuron's membrane potential to vibe up and become less negative. We call this the excitatory postsynaptic potential.
  • If the dance energy (EPSP) is strong enough, it starts a conga line (action potential) that moves away from the synapse.

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Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟