why do they do the extra work to make neurotransmitters, convert electrical impulses into chemical then have neurotransmitters bind and then conversion into electrical again? Couldn’t they just connect with each other like other cells form a tissue as the reticulate theory suggested? Are there any advantages to this extra effort or is it just another lack of efficiency?
In: Biology
With neurotranmitters you have much more potential for regulation at each junction. You can regulate the amount of a NT that is released, how quickly it is taken up, you can regulate number of the receiving receptors, and auto receptors can also regulate the neuronal “temperature”. And since each nerve cell has a nucleus with a copy of our DNA genes can be turned on and off the level of each individual neuron if needed to increase or decrease the production of all the receptors and ion channels in each neuronal cell wall. So it’s much more flexible arrangement since you have a mini brain (our DNA) in each neuron constantly adapting to changing local conditions as well as responding to input from other neurons.
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