| Date | May 2011 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 11M.3.SL.TZ1.15 |
| Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | 15 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Explain the effects of psychoactive drugs on synaptic transmission.
Markscheme
psychoactive drugs may increase or decrease transmission (to the post-synaptic membrane);
may increase the release/delay the breakdown/interfere with storage/uptake/reabsorption of neurotransmitters;
may mimic the action of neurotransmitters;
inhibitory drugs may reduce the effect of excitatory neurotransmitters / increase the effect/release of inhibitory neurotransmitters;
inhibitory drugs can hyperpolarize the post-synaptic neuron;
Examiners report
This question was generally not well answered, with many candidates describing specific drugs rather than giving general effects on the synapse.
Syllabus sections
Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour » Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour (Additional higher level topics) » A.5 Neuropharmacology
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