Re: What is the purpose of the synaptic gap?

ID = 985190373.Ns
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The synaptic gap can vary among sites of chemical transmission.

For example in the case of neural innervation of the autonomic nervous 
system, the nerve terminals maybe some distance from the receptor array on 
the postsynaptic target tissue. This allows a more global action of the 
neurotransmitter on the target tissue.

In cases of the synapses between neurons or in the general skeletal 
neuromuscular junctions the gap is small. This can direct neurotransmitters 
more precisely to the target of interest rapidly and with minimal loss due 
to diffusion away from the targeted receptors.

Yes, the gap does effect the resistance. A larger gap will provide a 
greater leak resistance between the two synaptic endings.

One should also realize that many processes go on in this gap. For example 
there are enzymes that are used to degrade the neurotransmitter so to stop 
a rebinding of the transmitter to receptors which otherwise might lead to 
inactivate receptors.

There are proteins on the surface of the presynaptic terminals and 
postsynaptic membrane that are thought to aid in communication between the 
two cells.

Hope that helps.
Yours, Robin Cooper