Figure 7.

Parameters defining the configuration of a NMJ. (A) The prevailing firing pattern of a neuron sets the standard for the functional properties of its synaptic boutons. (B) In order to guarantee reliable transmission of a given firing pattern the already existing synaptic boutons may modify their genetically determined layout by adapting the here identified critical parameters such as the release probability and the bouton size (together with the number of release sites). (C) Throughout larval development individual boutons are added to the terminals of both motor neurons resulting in strings of boutons with typical morphologies.