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Dictionary » S » Synaptic cleft

Synaptic cleft

Definition

noun

The minute gap between presynaptic cell and postsynaptic cell in a chemical synapse, across which the neurotransmitters diffuse into.


Supplement

This gap acts as a site where neurotransmitters from presynaptic cell (e.g. neuron) are released into by exocytosis and diffuses across to bind with the receptors in the cell membrane of postsynaptic cell. This gap is only a minute space allowing the concentration of neurotransmitters to be raised and lowered rapidly.


Word origin: synaptic > synapse + cleft.

See also: chemical synapse.


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PostSynaptic Neuron

As you know, postsynaptic neuron is excited by the neurotransmitter released by the presynaptic neuron at synaptic cleft. The effect of this neurotransmitter is terminated by different ways. 1. It may be degraded by the enzyme ...

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by freshbiology
Fri Jul 24, 2009 4:40 pm
 
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: PostSynaptic Neuron
Replies: 3
Views: 120

Calcium ions

That is very inaccurate. The actual mechanism is something like this: a synaptic vesicle needs to fuse with the plasma membrane in order for the neurotransmitter to be released into the synaptic cleft. When the neuron is not firing, some vesicles are tethered to the plasma ...

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by MrMistery
Fri Nov 28, 2008 4:14 pm
 
Forum: Human Biology
Topic: Calcium ions
Replies: 2
Views: 865

Overproduction of Cholinesterase

... The fact this(i think), there is already enough cholinesterase in the synaptic cleft to quickly degrade any molecules of acetylcholine that are not attached to the receptor. ...

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by MrMistery
Sun Sep 07, 2008 2:32 am
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Overproduction of Cholinesterase
Replies: 1
Views: 1171

The Fiber Disease

... as they put it and it uses the light waves, the olfactory systems, the cleft synaptic and mitochondria, as one of our fellow posters has been trying to tell us to research. ...

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by msc
Thu Nov 30, 2006 12:58 am
 
Forum: Human Biology
Topic: The Fiber Disease
Replies: 7403
Views: 748647

Simple Diffusion`

... looking for a reference: The neurotransmitters then diffuse across the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors . The receptors are broadly classified into ionotropic and metabotropic ...

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by Poison
Fri Apr 21, 2006 11:09 pm
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Simple Diffusion`
Replies: 7
Views: 1993
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