Discussion: Advantages of Chemical Synapses and Neuron Function

This discussion post examines the advantages of chemical synapses in the brain's signal processing and neuron communication. The author reiterates the importance of synapses in signal transmission, highlighting how chemical signals operate in both inhibitory and excitatory receptors. The post discusses excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, emphasizing their role in influencing the firing of action potentials. The author also touches upon the coexistence and independent functioning of chemical and electrical synapses, referencing studies on the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis. Furthermore, the discussion mentions signal amplification and computation advantages of chemical synapses, and touches on the comparative speed of electrical synapses. The post concludes with a question about the relative importance of the two synapse types.

Running head: CHEMICAL SYNAPSE 1
Advantages of Chemical Synapse
Name
Institution

CHEMICAL SYNAPSE 2
Advantages of Chemical Synapses
The proper functioning of the brain indeed relies on the interaction between neurons and the
coexistence of chemical and electrical synapses. Studies have revealed that chemical and
electrical synapses normally coexist in an organism’s brain (Pereda, 2014). Synapses are
therefore very important in signal processing and the transmission of neurons and impulses just
as Blessings has described in her paper. I would wish to reiterate Blessings’ point that chemical
signals operate at both the inhibitory and excitatory receptors. An excitatory postsynaptic
potential occurs when neurotransmitters bind to the receiving receptor cells thus increasing the
chances of the target cell to fire its action potential. However, when the likelihood of the target
cell to fire its action potential are low after the binding, inhibitory postsynaptic potential occurs
(Purves et al., 2001). I also believe that the two synapses work independently in the brain
because most studies have confirmed so. According to Jabeen & Thirumalai (2018), the
molecular mechanisms that enhance the interactions between the two synapses during
development are yet to be fully understood.
Blessings has properly described the advantages of chemical synapses in signal amplification and
signal computation. Lodish et al. (2000) describe how an action potential in one neuron causes a
contraction of several muscle cells to enhance signal amplification. After reading Blessings'
paper, I would love to know which of the two synapses is the most important in the body or if
they are both equally as important. I would also love to state that studies have revealed that
electrical synapses are faster than chemical synapses thus aiding in reflex actions (Veenstra,
2012). This is one of the importance of electrical synapses.

CHEMICAL SYNAPSE 3
References
Jabeen, S., & Thirumalai, V. (2018). The interplay between electrical and chemical
synaptogenesis. Journal of neurophysiology, 120(4), 1914-1922.
Lodish, H., Berk, A., Zipursky, S. L., Matsudaira, P., Baltimore, D., & Darnell, J. (2000).
Neurotransmitters, synapses, and impulse transmission. In Molecular Cell Biology. 4th
edition. WH Freeman.
Pereda, A. E. (2014). Electrical synapses and their functional interactions with chemical
synapses. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(4), 250-263.
Purves, D., Augustine, G., Fitzpatrick, D., Katz, L., LaMantia, A., McNamara, J., & Williams, S.
(2001). Neuroscience 2nd edition. sunderland (ma) sinauer associates.
Veenstra, R. D. (2012). Biology of Gap Junctions. In Cell Physiology Source Book (pp. 409-
429). Academic Press.