1. Which types of ion channels are found on the nerve cell membranes?

The two types of ion channels are voltage gated ion channels and ligand-gated ion channels. The Ligand-gated ion channels are then further sub-divided into Ionotropic and Metabotropic.

2. Name 3 differences between voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels.

Voltage gated ion channels open due to changes in the membrane potential of a cell, whereas Ligand gated channels open when a neurotransmitter binds to the channel.

Voltage gated channels typically only allow the entry of 1 type of ion into the membrane of the cell, whereas the Ligand gated channels are not as selective and normally allow the entrance of 2 or more types of ions.

There are 3 examples of voltage gated channels, namely: Sodium, Potassium and Calcium. Ligand gated channels consist of 4 examples, including: GABA-A, 5-HT3, Nicotinic and then finally EAA.

3. Compare ionotropic and metabotropic receptors.

Ionotropic

-Are responsible for the opening of ion channels

-Neurotransmitters bind to the receptor on the neuronal surfaces.

-The effects of these receptors do not last as long as metabotropic.

Metabotropic

-Are responsible for metabolic changes.

-Neurotransmitters bind to the G-proteins, which results in production of 2nd messengers.

-Due to the involvement of G-proteins the effects of these receptors last much longer.

4. Classify the CNS receptors into ionotropic and metabotropic and know the transduction mechanism of each receptor.

Ionotropic receptors include: GABA_A, Nicotinic receptors, Excitatory Amino Acid(EAA) and lastly the 5-HT₃ receptors.

Metabotropic receptors are sub-divided into 2 types of transduction systems, this includes the Adenylyl Cyclase system and also the Phospholipase C system. 

The Adenylyl Cyclase system is activated when receptors that are positively bound, such as β₁₊₂ and D₁, result in converting ATP to cAMP through Adenylyl cyclase when stimulated. But the formation of the 2nd messenger c-AMP can be inhibited when the receptors that are negatively bound, such as D₂, α₂, 5-HT_1A+B  and M₂ are stimulated to react. 

In the Phospholipase C system, positively bound receptors, such as α₁, 5-HT_2, M₁ and H₁, result in the formation of Inositol Triphosphate (IP₃) and also Diacylglycerol (DAG) from Phosphoinositol diphosphate (PIP₂).

5. Explain the difference between an EPSP and an IPSP and give and example of each.

An Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential (EPSP) facilitates the generation of an action potential on the postsynaptic membrane. For example, the Nicotinic receptor when Acetylcholine binds, opening the Sodium channels resulting in a depolarization.

An Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP) results in the inhibition of the action potential on the postsynaptic membrane. For example, GABA_A when Gamma - butyric acid binds and opens the Chloride channels, it results in a hyper polarization. 

6. What is the role of Calcium in the development of a synaptic potential?

When calcium is released from the neurotransmitter at the synaptic cleft, the neurotransmitter will then bind to the neuron which will induce a specific reaction depending on the neurotransmitter that has bound.