What does the postsynaptic membrane contain?
What does the postsynaptic membrane contain?
The postsynaptic membrane contains specific ACh receptors (AChR), concentrated opposite the active zones. These are one of the best-characterized ionic channels. Their opening allows ions to flow following the specific binding of ACh.
What are the receptors on the postsynaptic membrane?
It is now known that neurotransmitter receptors are proteins embedded in the plasma membrane of postsynaptic cells. Domains of receptor molecules that extend into the synaptic cleft bind neurotransmitters that are released into this space by the presynaptic neuron.
What is postsynaptic structure?
The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a protein dense specialization attached to the postsynaptic membrane. PSDs were originally identified by electron microscopy as an electron-dense region at the membrane of a postsynaptic neuron.
What occurs on the post synaptic membrane?
After release into the synaptic cleft, neurotransmitters interact with receptor proteins on the membrane of the postsynaptic cell, causing ionic channels on the membrane to either open or close. When these channels open, depolarization occurs, resulting in the initiation of another action potential.
What does a neurotransmitter bind to on the postsynaptic membrane?
The neurotransmitter diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to receptor proteins on the postsynaptic membrane. For example, when acetylcholine is released at the synapse between a nerve and muscle (called the neuromuscular junction) by a presynaptic neuron, it causes postsynaptic Na+ channels to open.
What does the presynaptic membrane do?
presynaptic membrane The membrane of a neuron that releases neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft between nerve cells (see synapse).
Which is protein dense specialization attached to the postsynaptic membrane?
The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a protein dense specialization attached to the postsynaptic membrane.
What is the function of the postsynaptic density?
Postsynaptic density. The postsynaptic density ( PSD) is a protein dense specialization attached to the postsynaptic membrane. PSDs were originally identified by electron microscopy as an electron-dense region at the membrane of a postsynaptic neuron. The PSD is in close apposition to the presynaptic active zone and ensures…
How many subunits are in the postsynaptic membrane?
Each receptor consists of five glycosylated protein subunits or protomers, which span the membrane from side to side and project about 6 nm into the junctional gap ( Figure 5.1a ). Two of the subunits, designated α (alpha), are identical and have apparent molecular weights of 40000.
Which is a post translationally modified membrane protein?
Peripheral membrane proteins. Integral and peripheral proteins may be post-translationally modified, with added fatty acid or prenyl chains, or GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol), which may be anchored in the lipid bilayer.
