synaptic cleft
What synaptic cleft means in Biology A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of synaptic cleft
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Reference: OCR
The gap, about 20 nm wide, that separates the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes and across which neurotransmitter diffuses.
A gap of about 20 nm between the two membranes.
Topics that use synaptic cleft
- Synaptic transmission (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Neuronal communication (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- acetylcholinesterase inhibition
- agonists and antagonists
- All-or-nothing law and impulse frequency
- Calcium-triggered exocytosis
- Excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic effects
- excitatory only at the neuromuscular junction
- generator potential
- Inhibitory synapses and hyperpolarisation
Using synaptic cleft in the exam
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