Neurotransmitter Receptor Binding — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2017Receptor sites for neurotransmitters are located on the:
Receptor sites for neurotransmitters are located on the:
Answer & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: C — Post-synaptic membrane
Neurotransmitter receptor sites are located on the post-synaptic membrane where they bind to neurotransmitters released from pre-synaptic terminals. This binding causes ion channels to open, generating electrical signals in the receiving neuron. Pre-synaptic membrane releases neurotransmitters, while post-synaptic membrane receives and responds to them.
Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ
The released neurotransmitters bind to their specific receptors, present on the post-synaptic membrane. This binding opens ion channels allowing the entry of ions which can generate a new potential in the post-synaptic neuron. The new potential developed may be either excitatory or inhibitory.
NTA tests whether students understand that neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft bind specifically to receptors on the post-synaptic membrane, not just any membrane. This binding is selective and receptor-specific, which then opens ion channels to generate new potentials. The common mistake is confusing where receptors are located or thinking neurotransmitters can bind randomly. Students must remember that this specificity is crucial—each neurotransmitter has its own receptor type, and only correct binding triggers the electrical response in the post-synaptic neuron. This mechanism is fundamental to synaptic transmission and neural signaling, making it a frequent NEET topic.
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Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 88 of 90 questions from the NEET 2026 paper were matched straight from the MedicNEET Biology question bank.
88/90MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.