Describe how a chemical synapse works.

What will be an ideal response?


When an action potential arrives at the end of an axon, the neuron releases neurotransmitter molecules into the space between the neuron and the target cell. The neurotransmitter molecules are released through exocytosis; that is, small vesicles containing the neurotransmitter molecules fuse to the neuron's cell membrane and release their contents outside the cell. The neurotransmitter molecules then diffuse across the space between the neuron and its target cell and bind to receptor proteins on the cell membrane of the target cell. The binding of neurotransmitter molecules opens ion channels, allowing ions to enter the target cell. These ions change the membrane potential of the target cell, making it either more likely or less likely to fire.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Regions with otters tend to host dense forests of kelp, a brown seaweed that anchors to the seafloor. Kelp forests provide a physical structure in which diverse marine communities find shelter and food. Sea otters prey on urchins, which consume kelp. According to James Estes, sea otter populations have dropped dramatically in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. If sea otter populations in these areas continue to decline, what might happen with populations of sea urchins and kelp?

a. Sea urchins increase and kelp increases. b. Sea urchins decrease and kelp decreases. c. Sea urchins increase and kelp decreases. d. Sea urchins decrease and kelp increases.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

What are the amphidromic points of the world ocean, and approximately how many are known to exist?

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

In the carbon cycle, atmospheric carbon dioxide is incorporated into carbohydrates in plant tissues through photosynthesis

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

An oval fold in which strata are up-arched and the younger rocks are found in the interior is a basin. Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences