Question 1

A typical ligand-gated neurotransmitter receptor

Accepted Answer

A typical ligand-gated neurotransmitter receptor is indeed composed of multiple subunits, spans the membrane, allows passage of ions through the membrane when bound to its ligand, and may have different functions or susceptibility to toxins/drugs based on its subunit composition.

Question 2

Select the accurate characterization of neuronal communication.

Accepted Answer

Glutamate binding to AMPA receptors causes an EPSP, AMPA receptors are present along the length of an axon and regenerate the action potential, and both EPSPs and action potentials involve neuronal depolarization.

Question 3

How are neurotransmitters removed from a synapse?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters can be removed from a synapse through diffusion away from the synaptic cleft, degradation by enzymes, and reuptake into the same or nearby cells, making all of the options correct.

Question 4

Neurons may vary in all of the following ways EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Neurons, despite their variability in size, dendritic structures, neurotransmitter types, and conduction velocities, all contain endoplasmic reticulum. This organelle is essential for the synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids, which are crucial for neuron function.

Question 5

You perform a histology experiment and find that a neuron has a relatively small dendritic arbor and seems to project to adjacent cells. You might classify this cells as a

Accepted Answer

Interneurons are characterized by their relatively small dendritic arbors and their projections to adjacent cells in the nervous system, where they serve as local connectors or modulators within a particular brain region or circuit.

Question 6

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement.
-__________ post synaptic cell is hyperpolarized

Accepted Answer

IPSPs are associated with hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic cell, making it less likely to fire an action potential.

Question 7

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement.
-__________ initiates an action potential when critical threshold is reached

Accepted Answer

EPSP (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential) is associated with initiating an action potential when a critical threshold is reached, as it depolarizes the membrane, making the neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Question 8

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement.
-__________ involves passive transport of chloride ions

Accepted Answer

IPSPs (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials) often involve the passive transport of chloride ions into the cell, making the inside of the cell more negative and thus inhibiting action potential generation.

Question 9

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement.
-__________ involves passive transport of sodium ions

Accepted Answer

EPSPs (Excitatory Post-Synaptic Potentials) often involve the passive transport of sodium ions into the neuron, making the inside of the neuron more positive and thus more likely to fire an action potential.

Question 10

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement.
-__________ is generally observed when GABA is the neurotransmitter

Accepted Answer

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, and when it binds to its receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, it typically causes an influx of chloride ions (Cl-) or an efflux of potassium ions (K+), leading to hyperpolarization of the neuron. This hyperpolarization makes the postsynaptic neuron less likely to fire an action potential, which is characteristic of an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP).

Question 11

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement.
-__________ is generally observed when glutamate is the neurotransmitter

Accepted Answer

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, and when it binds to its receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, it typically leads to the generation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), making the neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Question 12

Construct a diagram of a hypothetical neural network involving 4 neurons. In the diagram, two neurons (A and B) are capable of releasing glutamate onto a post-synaptic cell (C). A fourth neuron (X) synapses onto the axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron and is capable of causing an IPSP and preventing glutamate release. There should be a total of 3 synapses. Label each synapse with a + to indicate whether it is excitatory or a - to indicate if it is inhibitory.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Construct a diagram of a hypothetical neural...

Question 13

Organophosphates are chemicals inhibit an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine in the certain synapses. Therefore you might predict that muscle contraction would (increase/decrease) as a result of organophosphate exposure.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Organophosphates are chemicals inhibit an enzyme that...

Question 14

A toxin produces paralysis in muscles. Nerve conduction appears to be normal. It is most likely that the toxin is

Accepted Answer

Botulinum toxin causes paralysis by preventing the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby inhibiting muscle contraction without affecting nerve conduction itself.

Question 15

Change the underlined words so that the sentence in italics is consistent with Dale's principle. Select the best words below to replace the underlined section. Neurons may contain several types of neurotransmitters. Each synapse uses different combinations of neurotransmitters at each synapse to communicate with post-synaptic cells.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Change the underlined words so that the...

Question 16

What is NOT the result of a metabotropic receptor being activated?

Accepted Answer

Metabotropic receptors, unlike ionotropic receptors, do not form ion channels themselves. Instead, they activate intracellular signaling pathways through G proteins or other mechanisms, which can then influence ion channels indirectly or bring about other cellular responses.

Question 17

The action of a neurotransmitter depends on its receptor. Compare and contrast the AMPA and NMDA receptors, considering both their structure and function.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The action of a neurotransmitter depends on...

Question 18

Which of the following might cause a neuron to fire?

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed can cause a neuron to fire. EPSPs (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials) can summate either temporally (C, multiple EPSPs in rapid succession at the same synapse) or spatially (A and B, activity at two synapses either at the same time or nearby), leading to the neuron reaching the threshold for action potential generation.

Question 19

Give the difference between spike rate coding and spike timing.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Give the difference between spike rate coding...

Question 20

A receptive field of a sensory neuron that responds to peripheral stimuli would best be described as

Accepted Answer

The receptive field of a sensory neuron is the specific area of the body or environment from which a sensory neuron can detect stimuli, leading to a response in that neuron.

Quiz 2: Computing With Neurons

A typical ligand-gated neurotransmitter receptor

Select the accurate characterization of neuronal communication.

How are neurotransmitters removed from a synapse?

Neurons may vary in all of the following ways EXCEPT

You perform a histology experiment and find that a neuron has a relatively small dendritic arbor and seems to project to adjacent cells. You might classify this cells as a

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement. -__________ post synaptic cell is hyperpolarized

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement. -__________ initiates an action potential when critical threshold is reached

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement. -__________ involves passive transport of chloride ions

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement. -__________ involves passive transport of sodium ions

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement. -__________ is generally observed when GABA is the neurotransmitter

Each of the concepts listed below is most associated with EPSPs or IPSPs. Classify each by writing EPSP or IPSP on the line next to the statement. -__________ is generally observed when glutamate is the neurotransmitter