| Date | May 2012 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 12M.3.HL.TZ2.5 |
| Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 2 |
| Command term | Outline | Question number | 5 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Outline the effects of cocaine at synapses in the brain.
Markscheme
excitatory (psychoactive) drug;
effect at synapses in brain that use dopamine as transmitter;
inhibits receptors / binds to membrane proteins that pump dopamine / inhibits reuptake of dopamine;
causes build-up of dopamine in synaptic cleft/synapse;
causes continuous transmission at these synapses;
Examiners report
Most candidates could outline the effects of cocaine on synapses in the brain in (c), but many answers contained inaccuracies concerning the neurons involved, the neurotransmitter and the effect on membrane receptors; there was no provision for marks about the behavioural aspects of cocaine use.
Syllabus sections
Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour » Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour (Additional higher level topics) » A.5 Neuropharmacology
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