Techniques

Question 1

Nissl Stain (pros and cons)

Answer 1

pros:
-highlights neuronal cell bodies by staining rough ER
-assesses architecture and neuron arrangement

differences:
-stains all neurons w/ no differentiation
-doesn’t label axons or dendrites effectively

Question 2

Golgi Stain (pros and cons)

Answer 2

pros:
-stains neurites
-neuron structure

cons:
-stains small % of neurons
-does not provide molecular or functional information

Question 3

In Situ

Answer 3

pros:
-detects mRNA sequences
spatial localization of gene expression in neurons

cons:
lacks structural info
needs RNA probes

Question 4

Immunohistochemistry

Answer 4

pros:
-antibodies to detect proteins in neurons or glial cells
-studies protein expression

cons:
-requires specific antibodies
-limited by antibody specificity

Question 5

Genetic Labeling

Answer 5

pros:
-modifies cells to express markers
-traces neural circuits, studies gene expression

cons:
-requires genetic manipulation

Question 6

In Vivo
(optical imaging)

Answer 6

pros:
-fluorescence or bioluminescence imaging to visualize neuronal activity
-studies functional brain activity

cons:
limited depth and resolution

Question 7

Immunohistochemistry: cell types

Answer 7

red: astrocytes
-GFAP protein
green: neuron
-BIII- tubulin
blue: nucleus
-Dapi: binds to A-T regions of DNA

Question 8

Immunohistochemistry: areas of a neuron

Answer 8

red: dendrites
-MAPs
green: axon
-Na channels