A focused look at two possible biological approach SAQs: Agonists and antagonists
There are two possible exam questions associated with neurotransmission. You could be asked to explain the role of one antagonist (or agonist) with reference to one study. Note that the SAQ may ask one or the other, so you need an example for both.
A study you could use to explain the role of an antagonist is Liechti et al. (2000) who investigated the psychological effects of ketanserin, a serotonin antagonist. The investigators found that MDMA (a component of the street drug Ecstasy) induced perceptual changes, emotional excitation, and acute adverse effects. This study is described in your text.
Another relevant study is Antonova et al. (2011) who researched spatial memory and the effects of scopolamine on acetylcholine.
One study you could use to explain agonists is Setiawan et al. (2013) who investigated mood and the effects of alcohol on dopamine. You could also use Vollenweider et al., (1998) who undertook research on mood and perception and the effects of psilocybin on serotonin.
If you were asked about the role of a neurotransmitter in the synapse, you would have a choice of an excitatory or an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
You are encouraged to write about Antonova et al. (2011) who investigated the excitatory function of acetylcholine on spatial memory.
Did you notice that Antonova et al. (2011) could be used for the antagonist scopolamine, as well as for the excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine? In which case, you are strongly encouraged to learn the Antonova study (which is very similar to Martinez and Kesner except that the participants were humans) and one other study for an agonist. That gives you two studies that will allow you to answer three SAQs.
Dr Swash's presentation is linked below:
Article by Laura Swash and Peter Anthony
Last updated
