A critical part of the signalling between neurons in the release of neurotransmi

Question

A critical part of the signalling between neurons in the release of neurotransmitter chemicals from the neuron with an incoming signal into a space between neurons (synapse) where the chemical can diffuse and be detected by a receptor on the neuron receiving the signal. A picture is shown in the figure at the right. The diagram is schematic and doesn't give an idea of the density of the molecules. Let's figure them out.

C. A typical molarity for one such neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, is 100 micromolar (10-4 molar). Given that the molecular weight of acetylcholine is ~150 D and it has a diameter of about 0.5 nm, find its specific volume, s, and separateness, d.
s =______ nm3

d = ______ nm

D. Compare these to the specific volume and separation distances you found for the molecules of water and discuss whether you think that the jiggling motion of the acetylcholine molecules are primarily driven by collisions with the jiggling water molecules or by collisions with each other?

Explanation / Answer

d= s1/3

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