Significant Role of Neurons in the Nervous System - Assignment Example

Homework Neural Conduction Using the diagrams above as a reference describe in detail the process of signal conduction from a neuron to its target organ. Draw a diagram and include all structures, ions, chemicals and their movements Neurons play a significant role in the nervous system. The role is accomplished through sending of electrical signals along axons. The passing of electrical signals is what is known as conduction. On the other hand, connections between neurons are accomplished at the synapses through neurotransmission (Stufflebeam 1). Conduction in the neurons is only achieved by having a potential able to move across the cell (Stufflebeam 1). The system is achieved through the flow of an ion along the neural membrane. The movement of ions across the membrane is achieved through repeated opening and discontinuation due to the presence of neurotransmitters (Stufflebeam 1). The change in concentration of the ions on the inside of the neuron triggers a change in the electrical property of the membrane (Stufflebeam 1). The entry and exit of ions leads to increased positivity on the inside of the target neuron (de-polarization). Once the depolarization reaches threshold, there is the generation of electrical signal (Stufflebeam 1). The generated signal moves across the axon until it reaches the terminal. The electric signal moves at an higher rate and its conduction end at the axon terminals. Consequently, the process of neurotransmission begins. In this end, the output is the electrical signal while at the chemical synapses; the output is the neurotransmitter (Stufflebeam 1). The process of neurotransmission now begins at this end. The process acts as a connection between neurons. At this point, input data is received from other neurons through synapses. Consequently, the information is processed and sent as output to other neurons through synapses (Stufflebeam 1). Hence, the task is accomplished through interaction of several neurons and flow of information occurs through chemical synapses. The connection of two neurons occurs through the gap junctions where changes in electrical properties take place for one neuron to affect the other (Stufflebeam 1). As a result, the electrical transmission takes place. On the other hand, the chemical transmission is achieved at chemical synapses. In the process, the presynaptic neuron and postsynaptic neuron are distinctively separated by the synaptic cleft (Stufflebeam 1). The slit is filled with extracellular fluid. The synaptic cleft plays a significant role in the electrical signal transfer. In the process, the neurotransmitter acts as agent carrying information. Works Cited Stufflebeam, Robert. “Neurons, Synapses, Action Potentials, and Neurotransmission.” Ilstu.edu. Web 03 February 2013. . Homework 2 A basic structure of a phospholipid Draw a sample section of a cell membrane. Label all of the possible components and describe their function Each component of a cell membrane plays a significant part to its function. One of the critical components is the phospholipids. First, its shape helps in acting as a barrier between the two aqueous regions. In additional, the layers allow the selective entry and exit of substances in the membrane (Cooper 1). Moreover, the viscous nature of the phospholipids helps in making the membrane soft and flexible (Cooper 1). Therefore, the nature is critical in the proper function of the membranes. The second essential element in the membrane is cholesterol. The design also plays a distinct role in the membrane structure (Cooper 1). Cholesterol plays a pivotal role on membrane fluidity (Cooper 1). As a result, it regulates the movement of phospholipids nature depending on the temperature in the membrane (Cooper 1). In extreme temperature, cholesterol affects the movement of the phospholipid fatty acid chains (Cooper 1). As a result, the membrane becomes less volatile and thus a reduced permeability to smaller molecules. In contrast, cholesterol works in the opposite direction at low temperatures and thus restricts the membrane from freezing and maintains membrane fluidity (Cooper 1). On the other hand, proteins carry out unique membrane functions. One of the main proteins is known as the integral protein. These proteins and others play a significant role in cell-to-cell communication and place for molecule transport from one part of the membrane to the other (Cooper 1). Draw an example of each of a carrier protein. Describe the function of these proteins in the membrane and why they are needed The role of carrier protein is of importance in the membrane. The proteins transport material across intracellular regions or in the intracellular fluids (Cooper 1). Moreover, the molecules may be transported across the cell membrane through the protein. Usually, the process is transport takes place through a concentration gradient out of or inside the cell. The process is usually facilitated by diffusion of active transport (Cooper 1). Describe the characteristics of phospholipids The characteristics of phospholipids are essential to its function in the cell membrane. It has two sections; the polar head and non-polar tail (SparkNotes 1). The polar head contains the phosphate group while the non-polar contains a series of carbon and hydrogen (SparkNotes 1). On the other hand, the phospholipids organize themselves in a membrane in a unique way. They organize themselves in a bi-layer to conceal their hydrophobic tail regions and expose the hydrophilic regions to water (SparkNotes 1). On the other hand, the lipid bi-layer employs selection of molecules passing through it. In fact, only water and gas can easily flow through the bi-layer (SparkNotes 1). Moreover, the layer shows the asymmetrical properties. Describe the role of the phospholipids in the cell membrane Phospholipids play a significant role in the cells of organisms. First, they form phospholipids membranes that encircle the cell and the organelles inside (Carnegie Mellon University 1). Secondly, the asymmetrical nature of the layer helps the cell membrane change shape due to physical constraints and changing cellular volumes (Carnegie Mellon University 1). On the other hand, the phospholipids membrane allows free diffusion of some small molecules (Carnegie Mellon University 1). Draw an example of the Na+/K+ ATPase. Describe its function and why it is needed in the membrane The Na+/K+ ATPase play a significant role in the function of the cell. One of the crucial role is the maintenance of the electrochemical gradient in the cell. As a result, the membrane potential is maintained by maintaining a higher concentration of sodium outside the cell that is the case in the inside (Contreras et al 4243). Additionally, through differing concentration of ions the membrane transport nutrients into the cell through active transport (Contreras et al 4243). Compare and contrast the cytoplasm and the extracellular fluid Both the cytoplasm and extracellular fluid show some similarities and differences. The cytoplasm is only located in the inside part of the cell (Naveen 1). Most, many of the processes take place through this region. Moreover, the main component is water with some few ions (Naveen 1). Additionally, the cytoplasm lacks a role in the cell, but many perform other helping roles. On the other hand, the extracellular fluid is located outside the cell. The main role of the liquid is facilitation of cell and fluid. The facilitation occurs as the cells are provided with the required nutrients through the fluid. The main component of the fluid is the ion with a smaller amount of water (Naveen 1). Draw an example of a cell in each of the following. Explain the effect of each on the cell. Hypotonic solution In the solution, water enters the cell. As a result, the cell swells significantly and may even burst (Biologyjunction 1). Hypertonic solution An animal cell placed in a hypertonic solution changes significantly. The cell undergoes a process known as crenation (Biologyjunction 1). The changes occur as the cell shrivels due to loss of water (Biologyjunction 1). Additionally, when red blood cells are placed in such a solution, they swell and burst (Biologyjunction 1). Isotonic solution In an isotonic solution, the cell experiences no changes (Biologyjunction 1).. The reason is lack of water movement in both sides of the cell. As a result, the cell remains normal. Works Cited Biologyjunction. “Effect of  Solutions on Cells.” Biologyjunction.com. Web 03 February 2013. < http://www.biologyjunction.com/effect_of_solutions_on_cells.htm>. Carnegie Mellon University. “Introduction to Lipids.” Cmu.edu. Web 03 February 2013. < http://telstar.ote.cmu.edu/biology/MembranePage/index2.html>. Contreras, R., Shoshani, L., Flores-Maldonado, C., Lázaro, A and Cereijido, M. “Relationship between Na+,K+ -ATPase and Cell Attachment.” Biologists.org. Web 03 February 2013. . Cooper, Geoffrey. “The Cell: A Molecular Approach.” Nih.gov. Web 03 February 2013. . Naveen. “Difference Between Intracellular and Extracellular Fluids.” Differencebetween.com. Web 03 February 2013. . SparkNotes. “Cell Membranes.” Sparknotes.com. Web 03 February 2013. . Read More