BIOL 260 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Positive Feedback, Schwann Cell, Threshold Energy
Document Summary
Distinguish between graded potentials and action potentials (ap) Use the nernst and goldman equations to predict what ions are involved in the ap. Outline the molecular basis of the ap. Explain how aps are conducted across long distances. Outline the steps involved in neurotransmitter release at the synapse and use this information to predict what would happen if any of the steps of the process were altered. Grade potentials: electric signal caused by the binding of a neurotransmitter to a receptor. Can vary in both sign and magnitude. Neurotransmitter binds to a ligand-gated na+ channel. Na+ enters cell through the open channel. Strength of the signal decreases with distance. Intracellular resistance and leakage of ions across the membrane cause the signal to degrade with distance. This is why there is a short duration. Occurs only in dendrites and cell body.
