MIDTERM 2 Flashcards
(183 cards)
What are ions?
Elements or molecules that are charged
How does the movement of ions affect neurons?
Changes their voltage/electric potential
What are the major ions for neuron signaling?
Sodium (Na+)
Potassium (K+)
Chloride (Cl-)
Calcium (Ca2+)
True or false: there is an equal concentration of ions inside and outside the cell
False
What is the imbalance of ions inside and outside of the cell called?
A concentration gradient
What is the purpose of a concentration gradient?
They are the major driving force for electrical signaling
Why are neurons like “bananas in the sea”
Containers of K+
In solution of salt (Na+ and Cl-) and Ca2+ is there as well
Is a high concentration of sodium (Na+) intracellular of extracellular?
Extracellular
Is a high concentration of potassium (K+) intracellular of extracellular?
Intracellular
Is a high concentration of chloride (Cl-) intracellular of extracellular?
Extra cellular
Is a high concentration of calcium (Ca2+) intracellular of extracellular?
Extracellular
True or false: cellular membranes allow ions to move in and out of the cell
False
How do ions pass across the membrane?
They depend on specialized proteins called “channels”
What are ion channels
Proteins that are folded into a spiral that leaves a pore in the middle for ions to pass through
How is electrical signaling in the ion channels primarily controlled?
Opening and closing the channels
True or false: channels are specific for a given ion
True
True or false: A K+ can pass through a Na+ channel
False: Na+ only passes through Na+ channels
What are the three major types of ion channels?
Leak
Ligand-gated
Voltage-gated
Which ion channels is always open?
Leak channels
What is the importance of a leak channel?
They maintain the membrane potential (voltage) of the cell
Keeps electrical environment constant during rest periods
What ion channels are closed by default, causing ions to be unable to flow in/out?
Ligand-gated channels
Voltage-gated channels
What is the structure of a ligand-gated channel?
Ligand binding site on the extracellar (outside) side of the protein
What is a ligand
A chemical signal that binds to the binding site of a channel/receptor
Ex: neurotransmitters, hormones, axon guidance cues
What happens when a ligand binds to a ligand-gated channel?
The protein will shift around, causing the channel to open
Ions will flow in/out of the channelT