The brain has numerous neurotransmitters that fulfill different functions. The brain has two major transmitters that include glutamate and GABA that influences much of what people do. It is important for scientists to understand how neurotransmitters work at a molecular level because, at this level, the gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate function relatively independently. Scientists need to know what happens when activity levels change. An excitatory transmitter called Glutamate works by turning on different neurons resulting in actions is important in learning and memory. GABA inhibits potentials of transmitting information and actions. Scientists seek to understand the functioning of neurotransmitters since it is critical for them to understand how they work in concert to balance activity in the brain. Over-or under-activity of neurotransmitters can result in serious problems. By understanding the working of neurotransmitters at the molecular level, scientists have discovered that minor tranquilizers help GABA molecules to attach to specialized neurons of receptors. It is important to understand that the higher level of benzodiazepine allows more GABA to attach to neuron receptors thus making people calmer.

Agonists mimic the effects of a neurotransmitter thus increasing its activity. The drug binds to receptors and activates cellular signaling and generates the second messenger to change cellular function. Full agonists are compounds that occupy all or a fraction of receptors thus resulting in a maximal response. Conversely, partial agonists activate receptors but result in a less maximal response. Antagonists are drugs that decrease or block the release of a neurotransmitter. Antagonists bind to the receptor, but they do not activate the change in cellular function. Since antagonists occupy the space present on receptors, they can prevent the action and binding of agonists.

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