DP Biology (last assessment 2024)
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A.5 Neuropharmacology

Description

Nature of science:
Assessing risks associated with scientific research—patient advocates will often press for the speeding up of drug approval processes, encouraging more tolerance of risk. (4.5)
Understandings:
  • Some neurotransmitters excite nerve impulses in postsynaptic neurons and others inhibit them.
  • Nerve impulses are initiated or inhibited in post-synaptic neurons as a result of summation of all excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters received from presynaptic neurons.
  • Many different slow-acting neurotransmitters modulate fast synaptic transmission in the brain.
  • Memory and learning involve changes in neurons caused by slow-acting neurotransmitters.
  • Psychoactive drugs affect the brain by either increasing or decreasing postsynaptic transmission.
  • Anesthetics act by interfering with neural transmission between areas of sensory perception and the CNS.
  • Stimulant drugs mimic the stimulation provided by the sympathetic nervous system.
  • Addiction can be affected by genetic predisposition, social environment and dopamine secretion.
Applications and skills:
  • Application: Effects on the nervous system of two stimulants and two sedatives.
  • Application: The effect of anesthetics on awareness.
  • Application: Endorphins can act as painkillers.
  • Skill: Evaluation of data showing the impact of MDMA (ecstasy) on serotonin and dopamine metabolism in the brain.
Guidance:
  • Examples of stimulants are nicotine, cocaine or amphetamines.
  • Examples of sedatives are benzodiazepines, alcohol or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
 International-mindedness:
  • Attitudes to drugs and the use of drugs differ globally. There are many cultures that use drugs to enhance rituals or religious experiences.
Utilization:
  • Many psychoactive drugs have been used therapeutically to treat a range of mental illnesses and psychological disorders.
Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
Chemistry
Option D Medicinal chemistry
Topic D1 Pharmaceutical products and drug action
Topic D3 Opiates
Psychology
Core: Biological level of analysis

Aims:
  • Aim 8: The social consequences of psychoactive drugs could be considered, for the user, his or her family and the wider society.

Directly related questions

Sub sections and their related questions

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