Question 1

In studying an animal you observe that certain axons are myelinated. You would likely predict that

Accepted Answer

A)  these axons have 5-10X as fast conduction velocities than small axons 
B)  these axons propagate action potentials via salutatory conduction at Nodes of Ranvier 
C)  these axons have longer length constants than small axons 
D)  all of the above

Question 2

Match each scientist to the idea proposed by writing in one of the following names in the blank.
-________________ Proposed that biological tissues were composed of distinct cells

Accepted Answer

A) Ramon y Cajal 
B) Camillo Golgi 
C) Schwann/Schleiden 
D) Sherrington

Question 3

What is the resting membrane potential? Consider a cell at rest. How might you expect extracellular sodium (a positively charged ion) to behave if a small hole was opened through the neuronal membrane?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the resting membrane potential? Consider...

Question 4

Give the difference between spike rate coding and spike timing.

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Consider two sodium solutions separated by a cation-permeable membrane. One solution is 100 times more concentrated than the other. What is the voltage difference between the two solutions at room temperature? (2 pts)

Accepted Answer

The answer of Consider two sodium solutions separated by a...

Question 6

Consider an action potential. Write the letter (A - E) that corresponds to the best answer.
-______ falling phase

Accepted Answer

A)  voltage-gated potassium channels open, allowing potassium to exit the cell 
B)  voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing sodium to enter the cell 
C)  equilibrium potential of sodium is reached 
D)  equilibrium potential of potassium is reached 
E)  voltage-gated channels are closed

Question 7

Consider an action potential. Write the letter (A - E) that corresponds to the best answer.
-______ lowest point of action potential

Accepted Answer

A)  voltage-gated potassium channels open, allowing potassium to exit the cell 
B)  voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing sodium to enter the cell 
C)  equilibrium potential of sodium is reached 
D)  equilibrium potential of potassium is reached 
E)  voltage-gated channels are closed

Question 8

In studying an animal you observe that certain axons are quite large in diameter. You would likely predict that

Accepted Answer

A)  these axons have a faster conduction velocities than small axons 
B)  these axons have less surface area than small axons 
C)  these axons have shorter length constants than small axons 
D)  these axons have fewer potassium leak channels than small axons

Question 9

Which of the following is generally true when a cell is at rest?

Accepted Answer

A)  extracellular sodium and chloride are 10X that of the intracellular solution 
B)  intracellular sodium and chloride are 10X that of the extracellular solution 
C)  the intracellular calcium concentration is generally about 100X higher outside the cell than inside 
D)  the intracellular calcium concentration is generally about 1000X higher outside the cell than inside 
E)  none of the above are true when a cell is at rest

Question 10

Consider two sodium solutions separated by a cation-permeable membrane. One solution is 100 times more concentrated than the other. What is the voltage difference between the two solutions at mammalian body temperature?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Consider two sodium solutions separated by a...

Question 11

Which of the following is true of ion channels?

Accepted Answer

A)  They permit the passage of ions through a cell membrane 
B)  They are composed of proteins that form pores in the cell membrane 
C)  They are responsible for passive transport of ions through the cell membrane 
D)  all of the above

Question 12

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that decreases the amount of myelin present in neurons. You might predict that (decreased/increased) nerve conduction velocity of affected neurons is a symptom of MS.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Multiple sclerosis is a disease that decreases...

Question 13

Neurons may vary in all of the following ways EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  size 
B)  structure and number of dendrites 
C)  presence of endoplasmic reticulum 
D)  neurotransmitter type 
E)  nerve conduction velocity

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT true regarding an action potential?

Accepted Answer

A)  it cannot propogate in both directions because sodium channel remain inactive while the membrane is depolarized 
B)  it is regenerated to full strength at each point as it moves along an axon 
C)  it is often initiated by depolarization in the axon hillock 
D)  it is initiated with an influx of potassium into the neuron

Question 15

Match each scientist to the idea proposed by writing in one of the following names in the blank.
-________________ Performed early studies on the electrical function of nerves and muscles

Accepted Answer

A) Ramon y Cajal 
B) Camillo Golgi 
C) Schwann/Schleiden 
D) Sherrington

Question 16

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 17

A typical ligand-gated neurotransmitter receptor

Accepted Answer

A)  is composed of multiple subunits 
B)  spans the membrane 
C)  allows passage of ions through the membrane when bound to its ligand 
D)  may have different functions or susceptibility to toxins/drugs based on its subunit composition 
E)  all of the above

Question 18

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 19

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

A)  IPSP 
B)  EPSP

Question 20

Which factors are most associated with the speed of nerve conduction?

Accepted Answer

A)  axon length and axon diameter 
B)  myelination and axon length 
C)  myelination and axon diameter 
D)  axon diameter and resting membrane potential

Exam 2: Computing With Neurons