In: Biology
How is a neurotransmitter generally defined? Your answer will list 3 primary elements and two approaches used to define a neurotransmitter
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1) Neurotransmitter is the chemical transmitter or chemical messenger, any of a group of chemical agents released by neurons
2) They are stored in vesicles, which normally are located in the axon’s terminal end, also known as the presynaptic terminal
3) When a nerve impulse arrives at the presynaptic terminal of one neuron, neurotransmitter-filled vesicles fuse with the presynaptic terminal membrane, and released through the presynaptic membrane into the synaptic cleft.
4) Binding of neurotransmitters influence the postsynaptic neuron in either an inhibitory or excitatory way. If the total of excitatory influences is greater than those of inhibitory influences then the neuron will fire. A mechanism should exist for removing the chemical from its site of activation after its work is done.
5) The chemical must be synthesized in the neuron or otherwise be present in it. When the neuron becomes active, the chemical must be released and produce a response in some target.