Post-synaptic membrane

The specific receptors of neurotransmitters are present on the post-synaptic membrane. The post-synaptic membrane is the membrane of the target cell that receives the neurotransmitter signals from the presynaptic neuron.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse, which is the junction between two neurons. They are released from the synaptic vesicles of the presynaptic neuron and diffuse across the synaptic cleft.

Receptors are proteins that are embedded in the post-synaptic membrane and are specifically designed to bind to neurotransmitters. They act like locks, and the neurotransmitters act like keys. When a neurotransmitter binds to its specific receptor, it triggers a response in the post-synaptic neuron.

Key points:
- The specific receptors of neurotransmitters are present on the post-synaptic membrane.
- Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse.
- Receptors are proteins embedded in the post-synaptic membrane.
- Neurotransmitters bind to their specific receptors, triggering a response in the post-synaptic neuron.

Why the other options are incorrect:
- Synaptic cleft: The synaptic cleft is the small gap between the presynaptic neuron and the post-synaptic membrane. Neurotransmitters diffuse across this gap but do not bind to receptors in the synaptic cleft.
- Pre-synaptic membrane: The presynaptic membrane is the membrane of the neuron that is releasing the neurotransmitters. It contains the synaptic vesicles that store and release the neurotransmitters but does not contain the receptors for the neurotransmitters.
- Synaptic vesicle: The synaptic vesicles are small sacs within the presynaptic neuron that store and release neurotransmitters. They are responsible for the release of the neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft but do not contain the receptors for the neurotransmitters.