Communication between neurons in the brain occurs by two major mechanisms, which are mediated by ionotropic receptors (ligand-gated ion channels) or metabotropic receptors (modulatory G-protein-coupled receptors).
a) Why are there two such different mechanisms for information transmission? Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each mechanism.
b) Give two examples of neural circuits or functions where each mechanism will be markedly more advantageous than the other.
c) Finally, discuss how the two mechanisms can co-operate to allow neural functions that neither one alone could perform.