AP Psychology: The Neuron and Neural Firing — Drill 3

About This Drill

AP Psychology: The Neuron and Neural Firing — Drill 3 is a Multiple Choice practice drill covering Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior. It contains 5 original questions created by Brian Stewart, a Barron's test prep author with over 20 years of tutoring experience.

Practice identifying the structure of the neuron and the mechanics of neural firing with these AP Psychology practice questions on the neuron and neural firing — targeted AP exam prep for Unit 1 of the course.

Questions in This Drill

1. A neuroscience student is reviewing a diagram of a neuron. She identifies a long, thin projection that carries electrical signals away from the cell body toward the terminal buttons. Which structure is she describing?
2. A researcher applies a weak electrical current to a neuron in a lab dish. The current is below the level needed to produce a response. She gradually increases the intensity. Suddenly, at threshold, the neuron fires a full-strength action potential. Which principle does this demonstrate?
3. A pharmacologist develops a drug that binds to postsynaptic receptor sites but does not activate them, effectively blocking natural neurotransmitters from binding. In a clinical trial, participants who take the drug report significantly reduced feelings of pleasure and motivation. Which of the following is the most accurate description of how this drug works and what the findings suggest?
4. A researcher records the electrical activity of a single neuron at rest and during stimulation. She reports the following: Resting membrane potential: -70 mV Threshold of excitation: -55 mV Peak of action potential: +40 mV Duration of absolute refractory period: approximately 1-2 milliseconds A student reviews the data and concludes: "If the researcher applies two stimuli in rapid succession — the second arriving 0.5 milliseconds after the first fires — the neuron will produce two separate action potentials of equal strength." Which of the following best evaluates this conclusion?
5. During synaptic transmission, vesicles in the terminal buttons release neurotransmitter molecules into the synaptic gap. Most of these molecules bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. Some molecules are then broken down by enzymes in the synapse, and others are taken back up into the presynaptic neuron. A student learns that a certain antidepressant medication works by interfering with the step in this process that returns neurotransmitters to the presynaptic neuron. What mechanism does the medication target, and what is the most direct effect on synaptic transmission?