EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Instead, a given neurotransmitter can usually bind to and activate multiple different receptor proteins. Whether the effect of a certain neurotransmitter is excitatory or inhibitory at a given synapse depends on which of its receptor(s) are present on the postsynaptic (target) cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -On presynaptic cells, there can be receptor sites specific to the neurotransmitters released by that cell (see Autoreceptor), which provide feedback and mediate excessive neurotransmitter release from it. There are two major types of neurotransmitter receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic.

Detailed explanation-3: -Neurotransmitter receptors are present in the plasma membrane of postsynaptic cells (in some cases also in the presynaptic terminal), which selectively bind the transmitter. They are integral membrane glycoproteins with multiple transmembrane segments.

Detailed explanation-4: -Neurotransmitters bind to receptors, which in turn, allow different ions to flow into the neuron (e.g., K+, Na+, and Cl-). These ions affect the membrane potential of the neuron, and thus change the probability of the neurons to trigger an action potential.

Detailed explanation-5: -Ionotropic receptors (Ligand-gated receptors) Metabotropic receptors (G-protein coupled receptors).