Chemistry 104

Lecture #11: Drugs and the Brain: Structure and Function

Read: pg 439-444 and 461-471

HW (DUE Feb. 29): pg. 445 (2,4,6,7,11,12,13) and

pg. 471-472 (1,9,14,19,20)

Posters are due Next Class, Thursday Feb. 24.

Posters should be on display (2nd floor NSF) before class starts.

Objectives:

  1. Know what neurons, synapses and neurotransmitters are.
  2. Know that neurons use small (typically organic) molecules (neurotransmitters) to communicate.
  3. Know that classes of drugs can be distinguished by their similar molecular structures and by the neurotransmitter system they affect.
  4. Recognize names of the following neurotransmitters: dopamine, GABA, serotonin (or 5-HT for 5 hydroxytryptamine), acetylcholine, substance P, endorphins, histamine).
  5. Know that neurotransmitters bind with receptors to produce their effects. (Receptors are typically protein molecules embedded in membranes of neurons and other types of cells).
  6. Know the difference between an agonist and an antagonist.