Question 1

Any drug molecule that binds to a neurotransmitter receptor site and mimics the neurotransmitter's excitatory or inhibitory effects is a(n)

Accepted Answer

A drug molecule that binds to a neurotransmitter receptor site and mimics the neurotransmitter's excitatory or inhibitory effects is called an agonist. Glutamate is a specific neurotransmitter, not a general term for agonists. Steroids are a type of hormone, not a type of agonist. Action potential refers to the electrical signaling process in neurons, not to drug molecules that bind to neurotransmitter receptors.

Question 2

Curare is a paralyzing poison that functions as a(n)

Accepted Answer

Curare functions as an acetylcholine (ACh) antagonist, which means that it blocks the action of ACh at the neuromuscular junction, leading to paralysis. It does not function as a GABA agonist or antagonist.

Question 3

Steven jogs more than two miles every day.When asked why,he states that it makes him feel good.This feeling can be explained by the release of

Accepted Answer

Endorphins are natural chemicals produced by the body that can help to relieve pain, reduce stress, and enhance overall mood. Exercise can trigger the release of endorphins, leading to feelings of happiness and well-being.

Question 4

After three hours of playing a physically exhausting professional tennis match,Chitra began to experience feelings of exhilaration and pleasure.It is likely that her feelings were most directly linked to the release of

Accepted Answer

Endorphins are natural painkillers produced by the brain during physical exertion. They are also known to produce feelings of pleasure and euphoria, which is likely what Chitra experienced after her tennis match.

Question 5

Mr.Averro's symptoms of confusion and memory loss have led his physicians to conclude that he suffers from Alzheimer's disease.His symptoms are most likely to be linked with a deterioration of brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a decrease in the production and activity of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is involved in learning, memory, and communication between nerve cells. As brain cells deteriorate, less acetylcholine is available, leading to symptoms such as confusion and memory loss.

Question 6

Endorphins are neurotransmitter molecules similar to

Accepted Answer

Endorphins are similar in structure and function to morphine, as they both act as painkillers and produce feelings of pleasure and euphoria. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, just like morphine does. While dopamine and serotonin are also neurotransmitters that play key roles in mood and pleasure, they are not structurally similar to endorphins in the same way that morphine is. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction and cognitive function, but it does not play a significant role in pain relief or pleasure.

Question 7

Agonists are chemical molecules that increase the activity of

Accepted Answer

Agonists are chemical molecules that increase the activity of neurotransmitters. They bind to the receptor site of a neurotransmitter and mimic the action of the neurotransmitter, thus increasing its effect.

Question 8

Morphine and heroin are

Accepted Answer

Morphine and heroin are drugs classified as opiates, which are known for their pain-relieving and euphoric effects. They work by binding to specific opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system.

Question 9

James is being treated for depression with a drug that blocks the reuptake of serotonin.This antidepressant drug functions as a(n)

Accepted Answer

The drug that James is being treated with blocks the reuptake of serotonin, which means that more serotonin is available in the brain's synapses. This leads to an increase in the activation of serotonin receptors, which can have antidepressant effects. The drug is therefore functioning as an agonist, which is a substance that activates a receptor in the brain to produce a biological response.

Question 10

When the transmission of ACh is blocked,the result is

Accepted Answer

When the transmission of ACh is blocked, it can result in muscular paralysis. This is because ACh is a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction and without it, muscles cannot move. Depressants such as alcohol and certain drugs can block the transmission of ACh and result in muscle weakness and paralysis.

Question 11

Acupuncture may be effective due to the release of

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. This can help to relieve pain and improve mood.

Question 12

Endorphins are most directly involved in the control of

Accepted Answer

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are released in response to stress or pain and act as natural painkillers. They bind to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals from being transmitted to the rest of the body.

Question 13

The tremors of Parkinson's disease result from the death of nerve cells that produce the neurotransmitter

Accepted Answer

Parkinson's disease is caused by the death of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which produces dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in controlling movement and coordination, and a deficiency of dopamine leads to the tremors and other symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. Treatment often involves administering medications that stimulate dopamine production in the brain or mimic its effects.

Question 14

The reabsorption of excess neurotransmitter molecules by a sending neuron is called

Accepted Answer

The reabsorption of excess neurotransmitter molecules by a sending neuron is called reuptake. Option A refers to the electrical signal that travels along a neuron. Option B refers to the fact that a neuron either fires or does not fire, there is no in-between. Option C refers to a brief period of time after a neuron fires when it cannot fire again due to the resetting of ion channels.

Question 15

After ingesting a poisonous substance,Alex experienced a temporary muscular paralysis.The poison most likely interfered with the normal functioning of the neurotransmitter

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the transmission of signals between neurons and muscle cells. Poisoning with certain substances can interfere with the release or binding of acetylcholine, leading to temporary muscular paralysis. Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are involved in other functions in the brain and body, but not specifically related to muscle function.

Question 16

Botulin blocks the release of ACh.Botulin is best described as a(n)

Accepted Answer

Botulin is an antagonist because it blocks the release of ACh.

Question 17

The pain of childbirth is most likely to be reduced by the release of

Accepted Answer

Endorphins are natural pain relievers produced by the body. During childbirth, endorphins are released to help ease the pain of contractions and delivery.

Question 18

Transferring messages from a motor neuron to a leg muscle requires the neurotransmitter known as

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting messages between motor neurons and muscles. Dopamine and epinephrine are responsible for different functions in the brain and body, whereas insulin regulates blood sugar levels in the body.

Question 19

A drug molecule that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitter's action is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

A drug molecule that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitter's action is called an antagonist. Option A, opiate, is a type of drug that binds to specific receptors in the brain and can have pain-relieving effects. Option B, agonist, is a drug molecule that activates or enhances the action of a neurotransmitter. Option D, glutamate, is a neurotransmitter involved in excitatory signaling in the brain. None of the options except for C accurately describe a drug that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitter's action.

Question 20

The brain's own natural production of endorphins is likely to be suppressed by

Accepted Answer

Heroin use can suppress the brain's natural production of endorphins because the body becomes reliant on the drug to stimulate endorphin receptors, reducing the need for the brain to produce these natural painkillers and mood enhancers on its own.

Quiz 2: The Biology of Behavior