Amino acids are organic compounds that play a key role in neurotransmitter synthesis. Tyrosine, for instance, is a precursor for catecholamines.
Neurotransmitters derived from amino acids include:
- Glutamate: The most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, essential for synaptic plasticity.
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, important for reducing neuronal excitability.
- Glycine: Functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord.
These amino acid-derived neurotransmitters affect various functions such as mood, arousal, and motor control.
Understanding these neurotransmitters helps in grasping how the nervous system regulates numerous physiological processes.