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The tongue is a sense organ.

Unit 1 - Synapse

This GCSE Biology quiz explores synapses, tiny gaps between neurones where nerve impulses are transmitted using chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

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Fascinating Fact:

The neurotransmitter quickly diffuses across the gap and binds to specific receptor molecules on the membrane of the next neurone.

In GCSE Biology, you learn that synapses are junctions between neurones where information passes as chemicals rather than electricity. Neurotransmitters cross the gap, bind to receptors and start a new impulse in the next neurone.

Key Terms

Synapse: The tiny gap between two neurones where a nerve impulse is passed using chemical messengers.
Neurotransmitter: A chemical released from a neurone that carries the signal across a synapse to the next cell.
Receptor: A protein on a neurone’s membrane that specifically binds a neurotransmitter and helps start a new impulse.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is a synapse in GCSE Biology?

A synapse is the small gap between two neurones where a nerve impulse is passed using neurotransmitters instead of direct electrical contact.

How does a nerve impulse cross a synapse?

When an impulse reaches the end of a neurone, it triggers the release of neurotransmitter, which diffuses across the gap, binds to receptors and starts a new impulse.

Why must neurotransmitters be removed from the synapse quickly?

Neurotransmitters are removed or broken down quickly so the receptors are not stimulated all the time, allowing separate, controlled nerve impulses to be sent.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

What do synapses connect?

Neurons

Muscles

Tendons

Ligaments

Synapses occur within the spinal cord for the reflex arc, the brain and anywhere that two nerve cells need to be connected

2 .

The central nervous system consists of the brain and which other body part?

The heart

The liver

The spinal cord

The eyes

This is protected by the vertebrae which form a tunnel that surrounds it. That's why a broken back can often lead to paralysis of parts of the body as, in severe cases, the spinal cord is broken as well as the bones of the spine

3 .

What is the order of events at a synapse between a neuron and a muscle cell?

Nerve impulse - neurotransmitter released - muscle contraction

Muscle contraction - neurotransmitter released - nerve impulse

Neurotransmitter released - muscle contraction - nerve impulse

Neurotransmitter released - nerve impulse - muscle contraction

A reflex is a chain of events through sensory, relay and motor neurones

4 .

How does the neurotransmitter travel across the synapse?

By osmosis

By active transport

By diffusion

By taxi

Neurotransmitter molecules are small and easily diffuse across the synaptic gap

5 .

Which of the following is not a sense organ?

Eye

Ear

Tongue

Synapse

They do not detect anything - a synapse is simply the name for the gap between neurons

6 .

What do we call the chemicals which travel across the synapses?

Hormones

Enzymes

DNA

Neurotransmitters

They cross the small gap between adjacent nerve cells

7 .

Synapses are not found within which of the following?

The spinal cord

The brain

The alveoli

The heart

These are the small air sacs in the lungs where gases are exchanged with the air

8 .

What happens after the neurotransmitter has crossed the synapse?

It binds to a receptor

It triggers a hormone to be released

It increases the heart rate

It causes an increase in body temperature

This triggers an impulse in the next neuron. Enough neurotransmitter needs to be released to trigger a response in the next cell in the chain

9 .

Electrical impulses travel along which part of a neuron?

The synapse

The axon

The nucleus

The receptor

The axon is the long thin part of a neuron and is surrounded by a protective fatty layer made from the substance myelin. This also acts as an electrical insulator preventing the nerve impulses from being conducted out of the sides of the axon

10 .

Which of the following words best describes a synapse?

A gap

A bridge

A valley

A lake

The majority of synapses are chemical but electrical synapses exist too. The gap is about one-tenth of the gap in a chemical synapse and transmission of the nerve impulse is faster

Author: Donna Davidson (GCSE Biology Teacher & Examiner, Quiz Writer)