OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Which medication is commonly used to aid in depression and how does it function?

Prozac; blocks the release of serotonin
Prozac; enhances the re-uptake of serotonin
Prozac; blocks the re-uptake of serotonin
Prozac; increases the production of dopamine

The correct answer is: Prozac; blocks the re-uptake of serotonin

Prozac, a commonly prescribed medication for depression, functions by blocking the re-uptake of serotonin in the brain. This is significant because serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood regulation. When serotonin is released into the synaptic cleft—the space between neurons—it binds to receptors on the receiving neuron. Normally, after serotonin has transmitted its signal, it is reabsorbed by the sending neuron in a process known as re-uptake. By blocking this re-uptake, Prozac increases the amount of serotonin available in the synaptic cleft, which can enhance mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. This mechanism is central to the action of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the class of drugs to which Prozac belongs. The increase in serotonin levels can help improve communication between neurons, leading to better mood regulation and a reduction in depressive symptoms.