Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Neural Control and Coordination

Question:

Which type of synapse involves in the direct flow of electrical current from one neuron to another?

Options:

Chemical synapse

Electrical synapse

Both chemical and electrical synapses

Neither chemical nor electrical synapses

Correct Answer:

Electrical synapse

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2)-Electrical synapse

A nerve impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another through junctions called synapses. A synapse is formed by the membranes of a pre-synaptic neuron and a post-synaptic neuron, which may or may not be separated by a gap called synaptic cleft. There are two types of synapses, namely, electrical synapses and chemical synapses. At electrical synapses, the membranes of pre- and post-synaptic neurons are in very close proximity. Electrical current can flow directly from one neuron into the other across these synapses. Transmission of an impulse across electrical synapses is very similar to impulse conduction along a single axon. Impulse transmission across an electrical synapse is always faster than that across a chemical synapse. Electrical synapses are rare in our system.