Name _____________________________________________
Kaede Chung
LS7C Week 2A Pre-Class Reading Guide
Fill out this worksheet as you complete your pre-class assignments. Bring your completed worksheet to class to use as a
reference for in-class activities.
After completing your pre-class assignments, you should be able to:
• Describe the general structure of a neuron
• Relate the structural features of a neuron (i.e., dendrites, axons) to their functions
• Explain membrane potential and how it arises in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells
• Explain the process by which an action potential is generated and propagated
• Compare and contrast ligand-gated and voltage-gated ion channels with respect to their role in signal
transduction in a neuron
1. The figure below shows a diagram of a single neuron. Label the following on the diagram and briefly define each
term: pre-synaptic cell, post-synaptic cell, synapse, axon hillock, axon, axon terminal, dendrites, cell body, myelin
sheath, nodes of Ranvier. You may find it helpful to refer to figures 35.3 and 35.8 in your textbook.
dendrites:
branches that extend from the
soma ends that receive
signals from synapses
(junction) nodes of Ranvier:
It is the myelin sheath gaps
where action potential is
cell body/soma:
regenerated.
houses nucleus and organelles
for cellular function
axon:
it is wrapped in fatty myelin post-synaptic cell:
sheath gila to support cells, Where neurons typically
has the insulator, and receive inputs from and is
maintains the electrical apart of the synaptic cleft.
signal
pre-synaptic cell:
end of axon,
vesicles with
myelin sheath: neurotransmitters
insulator, maintains
electrical signal
axon hillock:
where the cell body meets the
axon, it generates action
potential, and transmits it axon terminal:
to other neurons and cells. synaptic vesicles with
neurotransmitter molecules
synapse: it is the point
which a neuron makes a
connection to another cell
and neurons receive inputs
primarily at postsynaptic
terminals
2. Define the term “resting membrane potential” and explain what contributes to a cell’s resting membrane potential.
Resting membrane potential is membrane permeability plus the large intracellular concentrations. It is determined by
potassium movement, which also therefore relies on sodium.
3. Refer to figure 35.6 in your textbook. For each of the regions of the action potential diagram below (1-5) explain
what happens to the membrane potential of the neuron and what causes the change in membrane potential to
occur. In your explanation, be sure to use the terms depolarization, threshold potential, repolarization, and
hyperpolarization.
1. Summed input depolarizes
the cell membrane at the axon
hillock above the threshold
potential.
2. Voltage gated Na+ channels
open and Na+ rapidly enters
the cell, causing a positive
spike in membrane potential.
This is since K+ channels
open more slowly as well.
3. As the voltage rises to
+40 mV, Na+ channels close
and are inactivated, and
2
voltage gated K+ channels
3
remain op[en, allowing K+
ions to leave the cell and
causing the membrane
potential to become more
negative.
1 4. An overshoot in the amount
of K+ ions that leave the
cell causes the cell membrane
to be hyperpolarized. This
5 results in a refractory
4 period.
5. Gradually the membrane
returns to resting. Excess K+
ions are returned to the
cell, assisted by Na+ - K+
pumps.
4. What is the difference between a voltage-gated ion channel and a ligand-gated ion channel? How are each of these
kinds of channels important for the function of a neuron?
Voltage-gated channels open and close in response to changes in membrane potential. It showcases positive feedback
and the shift in the voltages and membrane potential, from rising phases to rapid deplorization to falling phase of
rapid repolarization. A ligand gated ion channels are integral membrane proteins that have a pore that allows
regulated flow of selected ions across the plasma membrane. It is passive and driven by the electrochemical gradient
for permeant ions. It is essential for synaptic transmission because it converts a chemical signal into an ion flux
through the post-synaptic membrane and helps in attention, learning, and memory.
