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Education
Follow a signal across a synapse: calcium enters, vesicles release in whole quanta, transmitter crosses the cleft and opens receptors, and the postsynaptic cell sums the result. Quantal analysis shows amplitude histograms with peaks at multiples of a single quantum, release depends steeply on calcium, and short-term plasticity makes some synapses weaken and others strengthen with repeated use. Toggle toxin-, reuptake- and antagonist-like drugs to see which stage each one acts on, and pick the depth level that suits you.
Open Synaptic Transmission Simulator (synapsetransmission.apps.vtc.com)
About Synaptic Transmission Simulator
Synaptic Transmission Simulator is an interactive learning tool on VTC. Follow a signal across a synapse: calcium enters, vesicles release in whole quanta, transmitter crosses the cleft and opens receptors, and the postsynaptic cell sums the result. Quantal analysis shows amplitude histograms with peaks at multiples of a single quantum, release depends steeply on calcium, and short-term plasticity makes some synapses weaken and others strengthen with repeated use. Toggle toxin-, reuptake- and antagonist-like drugs to see which stage each one acts on, and pick the depth level that suits you. It runs in your web browser and is free to use, and suits students, teachers and self-learners.
Who it's for: Students, teachers and self-learners
Features
- Follow a signal across a synapse: calcium enters, vesicles release in whole quanta, transmitter crosses the cleft and opens receptors
- The postsynaptic cell sums the result
- Quantal analysis shows amplitude histograms with peaks at multiples of a single quantum, release depends steeply on calcium
- Short-term plasticity makes some synapses weaken and others strengthen with repeated use
- Free to use in your browser
Frequently asked questions
What is Synaptic Transmission Simulator on VTC?
Synaptic Transmission Simulator is an interactive learning tool on VTC. Follow a signal across a synapse: calcium enters, vesicles release in whole quanta, transmitter crosses the cleft and opens receptors, and the postsynaptic cell sums the result. Quantal analysis shows amplitude histograms with peaks at multiples of a single quantum, release depends steeply on calcium, and short-term plasticity makes some synapses weaken and others strengthen with repeated use.
Is Synaptic Transmission Simulator free to use?
Yes. The VTC app catalog lists Synaptic Transmission Simulator at no cost, and it runs in your web browser with nothing to install.
Who is Synaptic Transmission Simulator for and how do I start?
It is aimed at students, teachers and self-learners. To start, open https://synapsetransmission.apps.vtc.com in your browser.