ibo.org
Updates to Questionbank

User interface language: English | Español

DP Biology Questionbank

A.5 Neuropharmacology

Path: 

Description

Nature of science:
Assessing risks associated with scientific research—patient advocates will often press for the speeding up of drug approval processes, encouraging more tolerance of risk. (4.5)
Understandings:
  • Some neurotransmitters excite nerve impulses in postsynaptic neurons and others inhibit them.
  • Nerve impulses are initiated or inhibited in post-synaptic neurons as a result of summation of all excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters received from presynaptic neurons.
  • Many different slow-acting neurotransmitters modulate fast synaptic transmission in the brain.
  • Memory and learning involve changes in neurons caused by slow-acting neurotransmitters.
  • Psychoactive drugs affect the brain by either increasing or decreasing postsynaptic transmission.
  • Anesthetics act by interfering with neural transmission between areas of sensory perception and the CNS.
  • Stimulant drugs mimic the stimulation provided by the sympathetic nervous system.
  • Addiction can be affected by genetic predisposition, social environment and dopamine secretion.
Applications and skills:
  • Application: Effects on the nervous system of two stimulants and two sedatives.
  • Application: The effect of anesthetics on awareness.
  • Application: Endorphins can act as painkillers.
  • Skill: Evaluation of data showing the impact of MDMA (ecstasy) on serotonin and dopamine metabolism in the brain.
Guidance:
  • Examples of stimulants are nicotine, cocaine or amphetamines.
  • Examples of sedatives are benzodiazepines, alcohol or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
 International-mindedness:
  • Attitudes to drugs and the use of drugs differ globally. There are many cultures that use drugs to enhance rituals or religious experiences.
Utilization:
  • Many psychoactive drugs have been used therapeutically to treat a range of mental illnesses and psychological disorders.
Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
Chemistry
Option D Medicinal chemistry
Topic D1 Pharmaceutical products and drug action
Topic D3 Opiates
Psychology
Core: Biological level of analysis

Aims:
  • Aim 8: The social consequences of psychoactive drugs could be considered, for the user, his or her family and the wider society.

Directly related questions

Sub sections and their related questions

None
Ib logo tri med

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2018
International Baccalaureate® - Baccalauréat International® - Bachillerato Internacional®

Printed for IB Documents Team