How does serotonin work?

• What is the primary amino acid that serotonin is made from?

  Tryptophan
• Where is serotonin primarily produced in the body?

  In the raphe nuclei of the brainstem
• What happens when a neuron is activated regarding serotonin?

  Serotonin is released into the synaptic cleft
• What is the role of serotonin in the synaptic cleft?

  It binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron
• What effect does serotonin binding to receptors have?

  It triggers a response in the postsynaptic neuron
• What happens to serotonin after it binds to receptors?

  It is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron
• What is the process called when serotonin is taken back into the presynaptic neuron?

  Reuptake
• What is the significance of reuptake in neurotransmission?

  It stops the signal and recycles neurotransmitters
• What are the steps involved in serotonin production and release?

  1. Serotonin is produced from tryptophan.
  2. It is released into the synaptic cleft when a neuron is activated.
  3. It binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.
  4. After binding, it is reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron through reuptake.
• What is the role of tryptophan in serotonin production?

  Tryptophan is the precursor for serotonin
• What is the effect of serotonin on mood regulation?

  It helps regulate mood and emotional states
• How does serotonin affect the communication between neurons?

  It facilitates communication by binding to receptors
• What diagram can illustrate serotonin's mechanism of action?

  • Diagram of serotonin synthesis from tryptophan
  • Release into synaptic cleft
  • Binding to postsynaptic receptors
  • Reuptake into presynaptic neuron
• OCD?

  for someone who has OCD, serotonin serotonin is reabsorbed too quickly, so there is a weak signal between neurons because there isn't enough of it. This causes mental health issues such as OCD