Question

The chemical substances that can mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter on the receptor sites of the next cell are called:

• A. Agonists
• B. Antagonists
• C. Antalogist
• D. Agnologist

Hint:

Think of the prefix "ago-" in {agonist} as being "for" or "promoting" an action, like a protagonist in a story drives the plot forward. Conversely, an {antagonist} is "against" the action.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the term for a substance that mimics or increases the action of a natural neurotransmitter at its receptor site.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Agonists: An agonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a biological response. By doing so, it mimics or enhances the effect of a natural neurotransmitter. For example, dopamine agonists are drugs that mimic the action of dopamine in the brain.
(B) Antagonists: An antagonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor but does not activate it. Instead, it blocks the receptor, preventing the natural neurotransmitter or an agonist from having an effect. For example, dopamine antagonists block dopamine receptors.
(C) Antalogist: This is not a standard term in pharmacology or neuroscience.
(D) Agnologist: This is not a standard term in this context.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Chemicals that mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter are called agonists.