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2018 · Paper 2 · Question 7 · 8 marks

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7.1

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter released in some synapses in the brain. The transmission of dopamine is similar to that of acetylcholine.

Dopamine stimulates the production of nerve impulses in postsynaptic neurones.

Describe how.

Do not include in your answer the events leading to the release of dopamine and the events following production of nerve impulses at postsynaptic neurones.

3 marks
7.2

Dopamine has a role in numerous processes in the brain including pain relief. The release of dopamine can be stimulated by chemicals called endorphins produced in the brain. Endorphins attach to opioid receptors on presynaptic neurones that release dopamine.

Morphine is a drug that has a similar structure to endorphins and can provide pain relief.

Explain how.

2 marks
7.3

GABA is a neurotransmitter released in some inhibitory synapses in the brain. GABA causes negatively charged chloride ions to enter postsynaptic neurones.

Explain how this inhibits postsynaptic neurones.

3 marks