Predict Question 2

Question

What will happen to neurotransmitter release when low amounts of calcium are added back to the extracellular solution?
• There will still be no neurotransmitter release.
• Neurotransmitter release will increase a small amount.
• Neurotransmitter release will increase to control levels.
• Neurotransmitter release will increase above control levels.

Answer 1

When low amounts of calcium are added back to the extracellular solution, the expected outcome is that neurotransmitter release will increase a small amount. This is because calcium ions are crucial for the process of neurotransmitter release at synapses, and even a low concentration can facilitate some amount of vesicle fusion with the pre-synaptic membrane and subsequent release of neurotransmitters, albeit not to the full capacity that would occur at normal calcium levels. The best answer would be:

• Neurotransmitter release will increase a small amount.