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Mechanisms and Enzymes - Synaptic cleft & Neurotransmitters

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What are the two main mechanisms for ensuring an adequate amount of neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft? Include three enzymes in the first mechanism.

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Solution Summary

This solution discusses the two main mechanisms for ensuring an adequate amount of neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, as well as the three enzymes in the first mechanism.

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What are neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are used to relay, amplify and modulate electrical signals between a neurons and another cell. According to the dogma of the 1960's, a chemical can be classified as a neurotransmitter if it respects the following conditions:
1. It is synthesized endogenously; that is, within the presynaptic neuron
2. It is available in sufficient quantity in the presynaptic neuron to exert an effect on the postsynaptic neuron
3. Externally administered, it must mimic the endogenously released substance
4. A biochemical mechanism for inactivation must be present
However, there are other materials such as the zinc ion, which are neither synthesized nor cataboloized and are considered neurotransmitters by some. Thus, the old definitions are being revised. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurotransmitter).

What are the two main mechanisms for ensuring an adequate amount of neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft?

A variety of processes that take place during the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters and ...

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