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Psych/SocQuestion 7 of 13 in Psych/Soc

MCAT Psych/Soc practice questionNeurotransmitters

In the central nervous system, neurotransmitters play crucial roles in regulating neuronal activity. Which of the following statements accurately describes the primary functions of GABA and glutamate?

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The answer

Correct answer: B. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, while glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter.

Tested concept: GABA and glutamate

Explanation

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, reducing neuronal excitability. Glutamate, conversely, is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, increasing the likelihood of neuronal firing. Distractor 1 incorrectly reverses their roles. Distractor 2 assigns incorrect primary functions to both neurotransmitters. Distractor 3 incorrectly classifies GABA as excitatory and misrepresents their relative effects.

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