Synapse: chemical vs electrical

In summary: There is evidence that neurons can directly excite each other with no need for a relay. Synapses between cells are not passive, they seek ion equilibrium. Additionally, signaling molecules can pass between cells without needing an intervening medium.
  • #1
Suraj M
Gold Member
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electric transmission between 2 neurons is way faster than by chemical neurotransmitters...
then why are there so few electric transmission based synapses in our body??
 
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  • #2
Maybe neurotransmitters are like endocrinic hormones, or is there no ink at all?
 
  • #3
An important part of neurotransmission is the capability of neurons to modulate the strength of transmission between neurons. It may be the case that it is easier to modulate the strength of transmission for chemical synapses than direct electrical connection through gap junctions.
 
  • #4
Electrical synapse strength itself is tightly regulated by connectivity (density of electrical synapses) between cells. I assume one of the primary problems with electrical synapses is that they're passive and nonselective to any particular ion. They don't always excite or always inhibit; instead, they seek charge equilibrium between the two cells they connect. Further, they allow passage beyond ions, letting signaling molecules pass between cells. So all these together likely make it difficult to regulate whole brain coordination between cells compared to chemical synapses.

During early developmental, animals have a lot of gap junctions and as the brain becomes more stable, chemical synapses take over. This suggests to me that a brain with a lot of gap junctions is more susceptible to environment (with respect to how it develops and wires itself) and once the organism is developed, much of the processing has been internalized and automated and the more functionally idiosyncratic chemical synapses take over brain function.

Gap Junctions in Developing Thalamic and Neocortical Neuronal Networks
http://cercor.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/07/10/cercor.bht175.full
 
  • #5
Suraj M said:
electric transmission between 2 neurons is way faster than by chemical neurotransmitters...
then why are there so few electric transmission based synapses in our body??

You mean like a spark gap? That would be so bad for so many reasons...
 
  • #6
Andy Resnick said:
You mean like a spark gap? That would be so bad for so many reasons...
considering the gap is 20nm wide.
 
  • #7
okay thank you guys, for these replies.
A related question. My prof. was telling us that the slow speed of chemical transmission played an important role in the extinction of dinosaurs.
He also added that it took hours for a particular signal to be relayed from their tail to their tiny little brain. Is this true?
 
  • #8
mark! said:
Maybe neurotransmitters are like endocrinic hormones, or is there no link at all?
Endocrine hormones would imply the involvement of blood.
 

1. What is the difference between a chemical and electrical synapse?

A chemical synapse is a type of connection between neurons where neurotransmitters are released from one neuron and bind to receptors on another neuron, allowing for communication between the two. An electrical synapse, on the other hand, is a direct connection between neurons through gap junctions, allowing for the flow of electrical signals between the two neurons.

2. Which type of synapse is more common in the brain?

Chemical synapses are more common in the brain, with the majority of communication between neurons occurring through this type of synapse. However, electrical synapses can also be found in certain areas of the brain and play an important role in synchronizing the activity of groups of neurons.

3. How do chemical and electrical synapses differ in terms of speed and strength of communication?

Chemical synapses have a slower speed of communication compared to electrical synapses, as the process of neurotransmitter release, diffusion, and binding to receptors takes time. However, chemical synapses allow for stronger and more specific communication between neurons, as different neurotransmitters can have different effects on the receiving neuron.

4. Can electrical and chemical synapses work together?

Yes, electrical and chemical synapses can work together to regulate the activity of neurons. For example, electrical synapses can help synchronize the firing of neurons, while chemical synapses can fine-tune the strength of their communication through the release of different neurotransmitters.

5. Are there any disorders or diseases associated with malfunctioning synapses?

Yes, there are several disorders and diseases associated with malfunctioning synapses, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. In epilepsy, abnormal electrical activity in the brain can lead to seizures. In schizophrenia, disruptions in chemical signaling between neurons can contribute to the disorder's symptoms. And in Alzheimer's disease, the loss of synapses contributes to cognitive decline and memory loss.

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