Neurotransmitter transporterNeurotransmitter transporters are a class of membrane transport proteins that span the cellular membranes of neurons. Their primary function is to carry neurotransmitters across these membranes and to direct their further transport to specific intracellular locations. There are more than twenty types of neurotransmitter transporters. Vesicular transporters move neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles, regulating the concentrations of substances within them.
Membrane transport proteinA membrane transport protein is a membrane protein involved in the movement of ions, small molecules, and macromolecules such as another protein, across a biological membrane. Transport proteins are integraltransmembrane proteins, that is: they exist permanently within and span the membrane, across which they transport substances. The proteins may assist in the movement of substances by facilitated diffusion, active transport, osmosis, or reverse diffusion.
ReuptakeReuptake is the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by a neurotransmitter transporter located along the plasma membrane of an axon terminal (i.e., the pre-synaptic neuron at a synapse) or glial cell after it has performed its function of transmitting a neural impulse.Extracellular spaceExtracellular space refers to the part of a multicellular organism outside the cells, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid. This is distinguished from intracellular space, which is inside the cells. The composition of the extracellular space includes metabolites, ions, proteins, and many other substances that might affect cellular function.
Protein kinaseA protein kinase is a kinase which selectively modifies other proteins by covalently adding phosphates to them (phosphorylation) as opposed to kinases which modify lipids, carbohydrates, or other molecules. Phosphorylation usually results in a functional change of the target protein (substrate) by changing enzyme activity, cellular location, or association with other proteins.
NeurotransmitterA neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse. The cell receiving the signal, or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell. Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft where they are able to interact with neurotransmitter receptors on the target cell. Some neurotransmitters are also stored in large dense core vesicles.
NeuronPrimary cell of the nervous systemA neuron (American English), neurone (British English), or nerve cell, is a cell that is excitable, firing electric signals called action potentials. Neurons form neural networks in the nervous system, mainly in the central nervous system. Neurons receive and conduct impulses.
CytosolThe cytosol, also known as cytoplasmic matrix or groundplasm, is one of the liquids found inside cells (intracellular fluid (ICF)). It is separated into compartments by membranes. For example, the mitochondrial matrix separates the mitochondrion into many compartments.
ProteinBiomolecule consisting of chains of amino acid residuesA representation of the 3D structure of the protein myoglobin showing turquoise α-helices. This protein was the first to have its structure solved by X-ray crystallography. Toward the right-center among the coils, a prosthetic group called a heme group (shown in gray) with a bound oxygen molecule (red).Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acidresidues.
PhosphorylationIn biochemistry, phosphorylation is described as the "transfer of a phosphate group" from a donor to an acceptor or the addition of a phosphate group to a molecule.
EnzymeLarge biological molecule that acts as a catalystThe enzyme glucosidase converts the sugar maltose into two glucose sugars. Active site residues in red, maltose substrate in black, and NADcofactor in yellow. (PDB: 1OBB)An enzyme is a biological macromolecule, usually a protein, that acts as a biological catalyst, accelerating chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
PhosphateNames IUPAC namePhosphateOther names OrthophosphateTetraoxophosphate(V)Tetraoxidophosphate(V)Identifiers CAS Number14265-44-23D model (JSmol)hypervalent form: Interactive imageionic form: Interactive imageBeilstein Reference3903772 ChEBICHEBI:18367ChemSpider1032Gmelin Reference1997 MeSHPhosphatesPubChemCID1061UNIINK08V8K8HRInChIInChI=1S/H3O4P/c1-5(2,3)4/h(H3,1,2,3,4)/p-3Key: NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-KSMILEShypervalent form: [O-]P([O-])([O-])=Oionic form: [O-][P+]([O-])([O-])[O-]Properties Chemical formulaPO4Molar mass94.9714 g mol Conjugate acidMonohydrogen phosphateExcept where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).Yverify ( ?)*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.