What are characteristics of neurotransmitters?

Key Characteristics of Neurotransmitters

1. Chemical Structure: Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons and other cells in the nervous system. They can be amino acids, peptides, or small molecules.

2. Synthesis: Neurotransmitters are synthesized within neurons from precursor molecules. The synthesis process is regulated by enzymes and cofactors.

3. Storage: Once synthesized, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles in the presynaptic neurons. These vesicles are specialized organelles that help maintain the neurotransmitters in an active form and release them when needed.

4. Release: Neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft when action potentials reach the presynaptic terminal. The influx of calcium ions triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, leading to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

5. Receptor Binding: Neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic cell. These receptors can be located on the neuronal membrane, or on other cells within the nervous system such as glial cells.

6. Postsynaptic Effects: Binding of neurotransmitters to receptors on the postsynaptic cell can have a variety of effects. These effects can be excitatory, causing the postsynaptic neuron to generate an action potential, or inhibitory, preventing the generation of an action potential.

7. Reuptake and Recycling: After they are released into the synaptic cleft, neurotransmitters are reabsorbed (reuptaken) by transporters located on the presynaptic neuron or glial cells. Reuptake helps terminate the neurotransmitter's action and allows it to be recycled back into the neuron for future use.

8. Degradation: Some neurotransmitters are broken down (degraded) in the synaptic cleft by enzymes. This degradation process ensures that neurotransmitters do not accumulate in the synaptic space and interfere with further signaling.

9. Pharmacological Influence: Many drugs and psychoactive substances can affect the synthesis, release, reuptake, and degradation of neurotransmitters, thereby altering their effects on the nervous system.