Which are ways to terminate synaptic transmission? Degradation. Absorption. Reuptake. All the above.

Analyzing the Options for Terminating Synaptic Transmission

1. Degradation: This process involves the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft by enzymes. For example, acetylcholine is broken down by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This means that once a neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors, its action can be terminated by its enzymatic degradation.

2. Absorption: While this term is not commonly used in the context of synaptic transmission, it could refer to the process by which glial cells (such as astrocytes) take up neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft. This helps to clear neurotransmitters from the synapse and thus can contribute to terminating synaptic transmission.

3. Reuptake: This is a key process whereby neurotransmitters that have been released into the synaptic cleft are taken back up into the presynaptic neuron through specific transporter proteins. This process effectively reduces the concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft and halts their action on postsynaptic receptors.

4. All the above: Given that all three processes—degradation, absorption, and reuptake—can contribute to the termination of synaptic transmission in various ways, this option suggests that each method plays a role in ensuring that neurotransmitters do not remain bound to their receptors indefinitely.

Conclusion

All the listed mechanisms are valid ways to terminate synaptic transmission. Therefore, the correct answer is "All the above."