Essential idea: Communication between neurons can be altered through the manipulation of the release and reception of chemical messengers.
Understandings, Applications and Skills
| A.5.U1 | Some neurotransmitters excite nerve impulses in postsynaptic neurons and others inhibit them. |
| A.5.U2 | Nerve impulses are initiated or inhibited in post-synaptic neurons as a result of summation of all excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters received from presynaptic neurones. |
| A.5.U3 | Many different slow-acting neurotransmitters modulate fast synaptic transmission in the brain. |
| A.5.U4 | Memory and learning involve changes in neurones caused by slow-acting neurotransmitters. |
| A.5.U5 | Psychoactive drugs affect the brain by either increasing or decreasing postsynaptic transmission. |
| A.5.U6 | Anesthetics act by interfering with neural transmission between areas of sensory perception and the CNS. |
| A.5.U7 | Stimulant drugs mimic the stimulation provided by the sympathetic nervous system. |
| A.5.U8 | Addiction can be affected by genetic predisposition, social environment and dopamine secretion. |
| A.5.A1 | Effects on the nervous system of two stimulants and two sedatives. [Examples of stimulants are nicotine, cocaine or amphetamines. Examples of sedatives are benzodiazepines, alcohol or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).] |
| A.5.A2 | The effect of anesthetics on awareness. |
| A.5.A3 | Endorphins can act as painkillers. |
| A.5.S1 | Evaluation of data showing the impact of MDMA (ecstasy) on serotonin and dopamine metabolism in the brain. |
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Nature of science
Assessing risks associated with scientific research - patient advocates will often press for the speeding up of drug approval processes, encouraging more tolerance of risk. (4.5)
International-mindedness
Attitudes to drugs and the use of drugs differ globally. There are many cultures that use drugs to enhance rituals or religious experiences.
