1. WHICH TYPES OF ION CHANNELS ARE FOUND ON THE NERVE CELL MEMBRANES?

There are three types of ion channels that are found on the nerve cell membranes; namely the voltage-gated channel, the intracellular ligand-gated channel and the extracellular ligand-gated channel.

2. NAME THREE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VOLTAGE-GATED AND LIGAND-GATED ION CHANNELS

Voltage-gated ion channels respond to changes in the membrane potential of cell while ligand-gated ions channels on the other hand open and close due to the attachment of ions on the cell membranes or the binding of a neurotransmitter controls the gating of the channels.

3. COMPARE IONOTROPIC AND METABOTROPIC RECEPTORS 

Neurotransmitters exert their effects on neurons by binding to two distinct classes of receptors mainly ionotropic and metabotropic receptors. Ionotropic receptors, the first class of receptors, consist of multiple sub units and binding of the neurotransmitter ligand directly opens the channel, which is an integral part of the receptor complex. While metabotropic receptors are seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, where the binding of a neurotransmitter doesn't result in the direct gating of the channel but the production of second messengers that mediate intracellular signaling cascades.

4.  CLASSIFY THE CNS RECEPTORS INTO IONOTROPIC OR METABOTROPIC AND KNOW THE TRANSUCTION MECHANISM OF EACH RECEPTOR

The ionotropic receptors include the GABA receptors, nicotinic, excitatory amino acid and 5-HT3 receptors. For example, when a GABA binds the GABA receptor they change shape slightly to allow ions to pass through their central channel. This channel mainly allows negatively charged chloride ions to enter the neuron, thus reducing its excitability.

The metabotropic receptors include glutamate receptors, muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, GABA_B receptors, most serotonin receptors, and receptors for norepinephrine, epinephrine, histamine, dopamine, neuropeptides, and endocannabinoids. For example, glutamate receptors are responsible for the glutamate-mediated postsynaptic excitation of neural cells, and are important for neural communication, memory formation, learning, and regulation. 

5. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IPSP AND EPSP AND EXAMPLES OF EACH 

IPSP also known as the inhibitory postsynaptic potential is when the inhibitory pathway is stimulated, the postsynaptic membrane is hyperpolarized owing to the selective opening of chloride channels and produces a potential. Example is when the Gamma-butyric acid binds to the GABA receptors and opens the chloride channels, this results in hyperpolarization.

EPSP also known as excitatory postsynaptic potential is when the excitatory pathway is stimulated then a small depolarization is recorded. Example is when the acetylcholine bind to the nicotinic receptors and opens the sodium channels and this results in depolarization.

6. THE ROLE OF CALCIUM IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SYNAPTIC POTENTIAL

It is released from a neurotransmitter at the synaptic cleft and bind to the neuron and an effect is elicited.