Question

Which of these is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain?

• A. GABA
• B. Glycine
• C. Glutamate
• D. Aspartate

Answer 1

The correct option is C Glutamate

Neurotransmitters may be either excitatory or inhibitory in their effect (some may be both depending on the receptor they bind to). Excitatory neurotransmitters trigger depolarisation, increasing the likelihood of a response. Inhibitory neurotransmitters trigger hyperpolarisation, decreasing the likelihood of a response. Glutamate is the main excitatory transmitter in the central nervous system including the brain. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult vertebrate brain. Glycine is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord.