Synapse Structures
The gap between the presynaptic terminal and postsynaptic region of a synapse.
What is the synaptic cleft?
These calcium-dependent proteins are essential for their adhesive properties.
What are cadherins?
This protein mediates the contraction of growth cones.
What is actin?
This process strengthens synapses and is considered the basis of learning and memory.
What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?
The region of the axon terminal at a synapse.
What is the presynaptic terminal?
This allows for more complex signaling in vertebrate synapses (ex NMDA).
What are receptor subunits?
This protein links Cadherin receptors to actin.
What is β-catenin?
TKO mice died shortly after birth due to deficits of this vital function.
What is respiratory deficits?
What are synaptic vesicles?
These proteins mediate vesicle docking.
What are SNARE proteins?
The initiated contact between the presynaptic terminal and the target cell is mediated by this (think zipper!)
What are adhesive molecules?
Based on the Perusall discussed last class, completely eliminating this protein severely impaired synapse function, despite synapse count remaining unaffected.
What is neuroligin?
Dense regions of a postsynaptic site that can detect and respond to neurotransmitters from the presynaptic terminal.
What are postsynaptic densities (PSDs)?
This family of proteins are found in presynaptic terminals; with neuroligins they induce synaptogenesis.
What is neurexin?
This sequence includes: initial contact → assembly of synaptic machinery → stabilization of synapse
What are the developmental stages of a synapse?
In the Neuroligin study, vGlut marked these synapse types; VIATT marked for another.
What are exitatory (vGLut) and inhibitory (VIATT) synapses?
This collection of various long-chain molecules form a layer outside cell membranes, and gives way for transmission.
What is the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
Prokaryotes (as a precursor to synapses) make these proteins to anchor the intracellular portion of proteins to the internal cytoskeleton.
What are scaffolding proteins?
The earliest stage of synapse formation involves contact with these tiny protrusions.
What are filopodia?
This excitatory NT is involved in synapse formation and LTP.
What is glutamate?