Explain the roles that the AMPA and NMDA receptors play in long-term potentiation.
What will be an ideal response?
Both AMPA and NMDA receptors are located on the postsynaptic cells (dendrites) and require binding of the
excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate for activation. When glutamate binds to the AMPA receptor, the channel
opens and Na enters the cell. This causes depolarization of the immediate postsynaptic cell or dendrite. This
depolarization causes Mg2+ ions to be "kicked out" of the NMDA receptor channel; hence, Mg2+ is no longer acting
as a channel blocker. If at the same time glutamate is bound to the NMDA receptor then the channel gate is open
and Ca2+ enters the cell. The entry of Ca2+ triggers 2nd messenger pathways that results in an increase in the
number of glutamate receptors inserted into the post-synaptic membrane. This increases the probability of an
increase in the postsynaptic response or depolarization to glutamate that is referred to as long-term potentiation.
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The ________ carry blood away from the heart
A) arterioles B) arteries C) veins D) venules E) capillaries
Maltase is a brush border enzyme of the small intestine that digests the sugar maltose
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.
The diaphragm is attached to the inferior tip of the heart, called the ________.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).