Molecular Basis of Behavior

Description: Molecular Basis of Behavior Quiz
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: molecular basis of behavior genetics neuroscience
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Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system?

  1. Dopamine

  2. Serotonin

  3. GABA

  4. Glutamate


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between neurons and facilitating communication.

What is the role of ion channels in the transmission of nerve impulses?

  1. Regulating the flow of ions across the neuronal membrane

  2. Producing neurotransmitters

  3. Storing genetic information

  4. Synthesizing proteins


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ion channels are specialized proteins embedded in the neuronal membrane that regulate the flow of ions, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, across the membrane, contributing to the generation and propagation of nerve impulses.

What is the function of the myelin sheath in neurons?

  1. Protecting the axon from damage

  2. Increasing the speed of nerve impulse transmission

  3. Generating action potentials

  4. Releasing neurotransmitters


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The myelin sheath, formed by specialized cells called Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system, insulates the axon and increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission by facilitating saltatory conduction.

Which neurotransmitter is commonly associated with reward and pleasure?

  1. Acetylcholine

  2. Epinephrine

  3. Dopamine

  4. Norepinephrine


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in reward and pleasure pathways in the brain, contributing to feelings of happiness, motivation, and reinforcement.

What is the primary function of the neurotransmitter GABA in the central nervous system?

  1. Excitatory synaptic transmission

  2. Inhibitory synaptic transmission

  3. Neuromodulation

  4. Neurogenesis


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, responsible for reducing neuronal excitability and preventing overexcitation.

What is the role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission?

  1. Binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron

  2. Generating action potentials

  3. Propagating nerve impulses along the axon

  4. Releasing ions from the presynaptic neuron


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses by binding to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering various cellular responses.

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite?

  1. Serotonin

  2. Dopamine

  3. Norepinephrine

  4. Acetylcholine


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and various other physiological and behavioral processes.

What is the function of the presynaptic neuron in synaptic transmission?

  1. Releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

  2. Receiving neurotransmitters from the postsynaptic neuron

  3. Generating action potentials

  4. Propagating nerve impulses along the axon


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The presynaptic neuron is responsible for releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, which then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering a response.

What is the role of the postsynaptic neuron in synaptic transmission?

  1. Releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

  2. Receiving neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron

  3. Generating action potentials

  4. Propagating nerve impulses along the axon


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The postsynaptic neuron is responsible for receiving neurotransmitters released by the presynaptic neuron and responding accordingly, either by generating an action potential or modifying its activity.

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in regulating attention, arousal, and motivation?

  1. Norepinephrine

  2. Dopamine

  3. Serotonin

  4. Acetylcholine


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating attention, arousal, motivation, and various other cognitive and behavioral processes.

What is the role of ionotropic receptors in synaptic transmission?

  1. Gating ion channels directly

  2. Activating second messenger systems

  3. Modulating gene expression

  4. Releasing neurotransmitters


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ionotropic receptors are neurotransmitter receptors that directly gate ion channels, allowing ions to flow across the neuronal membrane and influencing the electrical properties of the neuron.

What is the role of metabotropic receptors in synaptic transmission?

  1. Gating ion channels directly

  2. Activating second messenger systems

  3. Modulating gene expression

  4. Releasing neurotransmitters


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Metabotropic receptors are neurotransmitter receptors that activate second messenger systems, which then trigger various intracellular responses, including changes in gene expression and protein synthesis.

What is the role of synaptic plasticity in learning and memory?

  1. Strengthening or weakening synaptic connections

  2. Generating new neurons

  3. Releasing neurotransmitters

  4. Propagating nerve impulses


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to activity, which is believed to be a fundamental mechanism underlying learning and memory.

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in regulating muscle contraction?

  1. Acetylcholine

  2. Dopamine

  3. Serotonin

  4. Norepinephrine


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating muscle contraction, particularly at the neuromuscular junction, where it triggers muscle contraction by binding to receptors on muscle cells.

What is the role of neurogenesis in the brain?

  1. Generating new neurons

  2. Releasing neurotransmitters

  3. Propagating nerve impulses

  4. Modulating gene expression


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Neurogenesis refers to the process of generating new neurons, which occurs in certain regions of the brain, such as the hippocampus, and is important for learning, memory, and mood regulation.

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