How Do Neurotransmitters "Communicate" with Postsynaptic Neurons

question 136

Multiple Choice

How do neurotransmitters "communicate" with postsynaptic neurons?

• A) Like a "key fitting into a lock," they bind with corresponding receptor sites on dendrites of the neuron.
• B) Like "water over a dam," they build up until they flood into the next neuron through sheer force.
• C) Like a "hot knife through butter," they easily penetrate right into the cell body through the dendrites.
• D) Like "throwing darts," they are propelled across the synapse and communicate with the neuron wherever they land.

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Definitions:

Asymmetric Carbon

A carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups, causing chirality in the molecule.

Chiral

Pertaining to molecules that are not superimposable on their mirror images, often leading to optical activity.

Achiral

Describes a molecule that is superposable on its mirror image and does not exhibit chirality.

Meso Compound

A molecule with multiple stereocenters and an internal plane of symmetry, making it achiral despite its stereogenic centers.