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neuron — as precisely as a key fits a lock. For an instant, the neurotransmitter unlocks tiny
reuptake a neurotransmitter’s channels at the receiving site, and electrically charged atoms flow in, exciting or inhibiting
reabsorption by the sending the receiving neuron’s readiness to fire. The excess neurotransmitters finally drift away, to
neuron.
be either broken down by enzymes or reabsorbed by the sending neuron — a process called
.

reuptake Some antidepressant medications partially block the reuptake of mood-enhancing
neurotransmitters ( Figure 1.3-4 ).
Message is sent across synaptic gap. Message is received; excess serotonin Prozac partially blocks normal reuptake of the
molecules are reabsorbed by sending neuron. neurotransmitter serotonin; excess serotonin
in synapse enhances its mood-lifting effect.
Sending
neuron
Action
potential
Reuptake
Synaptic gap

Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Not for redistribution.
Receiving neuron
Serotonin Serotonin Prozac
molecule Receptor
(a) (b) (c)

Figure 1.3-4
Biology of antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are popularly prescribed antidepressants. They relieve depression by partially blocking the reuptake
PRACTICE of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Shown here is the action of the SSRI fluoxetine, which is marketed under the brand name Prozac.
Argumentation (SP 4)
(Out of class) To help your students
®
AP Science Practice Check Your Understanding
understand how neurotransmitters
influence behavior, ask them to Examine the Concept Apply the Concept
research a neurological disorder ▶ Explain reuptake . What two other things can happen to ▶ How would you explain neural communication to a friend?
Why was the discovery of neurons’ communication mechanism
excess neurotransmitters after a neuron reacts?
(for example, myasthenia gravis, ▶ Explain what happens in the synaptic gap . so important?
which results from the depletion Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.

Answers to the Examine the Concept questions can be found in Appendix C at the end of the book.

of acetylcholine, or Parkinson’s
disease, which results from too little
dopamine). Ask them to provide How Neurotransmitters Influence Us
scientifically derived evidence of the 1.3-3 How do neurotransmitters influence behavior, and how do drugs and other
How do neur

, and how do drugs and other
otransmitters influence behavior

1.3-3
chemicals affect neurotransmission?
role the neurotransmitter plays in the chemicals affect neurotransmission?
disease. Learning to use scientifically In their quest to understand neural communication, researchers have discovered several
derived evidence to support, refute, dozen neurotransmitters and almost as many new questions: Are certain neurotransmitters
or modify a claim is key to finding found only in specific places? How do neurotransmitters affect our moods, memories, and
®
success on the AP Psychology mental abilities? Can we boost or diminish these effects through drugs or diet?
Exam. Use students’ findings as the 32 Unit 1 Biological Bases of Behavior
basis for class discussion.
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32 Unit 1 Biological Bases of Behavior

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