Sensory Input & Responses (Part 3)

So how does the axon transmit a signal?

Neuron membrane becomes depolarized o Na+ allowed into cell from outside o Inside cell no longer as negative Neuron can withstand some depolarization below threshold BUT If threshold exceeded flood gates open massive Na+ influx The flood gates are voltage gated Na+ channels in membrane o if voltage across membrane is too close to zero, they open and Na+ diffuses in Result reversal of charge across membrane = action potential

But if Na+ ion channels are open, isnt the ion balance screwed up forever? o Na+ ion channels are inactivated (blocked) within 1 millisecond of opening o Na+ removed by the Na+/K+ pumps

o Membrane returns to resting potential, Na+ ion channels close But how is the impulse transmitted down the axon? o Initial depolarization, voltage gated Na+ channels open, inactivate high [Na+] in cell o Exporting Na+ takes time, some diffuses down the axon Further down the axon:

Because of Na+ diffusion

But some Na+ diffuses further down the axon

Threshold exceeded

Na+ channels inactivated, Na+:K+ pumps operate, membrane returns to resting potential

V-gated Na+ channels open, Na+ rushes in, membrane depolarizes

Why doesnt the signal go back up the axon?

o Voltage gated Na+ channels require a little time to reset (1-2 milliseconds) o Impulse speed 1-2m per second! Vertebrate system modified for speed o Schwann cells wrap axons in multiple layers of membranes myelinated, insulated Ion exchange occurs only where gaps (nodes of Ranvier) Impulse jumps down axon, from node to node, up to 120 m/s

What happens when the action potential reaches the terminus? o Voltage gated Ca++ ion channels in terminal membrane open Ca++ flows into terminus o Triggers fusion of synaptic vesicles with terminal membrane o Transmitter (e.g. acetylcholine) released to space between axon and the next cell (synaptic cleft) Transmitter binds to ligand gated Na+ channels on target cell, channels open, Na+ flows in If target is dendrite of another neuron depolarization initiated, impulse continues If target is muscle cell voltage-gated Ca++ channels activated contraction

Notice similarity to hormone:receptor signal transduction mechanism! Transmitter binds to receptor, activates protein (Na+ ion channels in cases mentioned)

Transmitter molecule must be rapidly destroyed (i.e. by acetylcholinesterase in synaptic cleft)

Sensory Mechanisms
Sensory perception based on activation of ion channels o Stimulation causes membrane depolarization, initiating action potential

Why dont plants have a nervous system?

Some (as a matter of fact most if not all) do They respond to light, touch, chemicals, and temperature (slowly) Losing a limb or part is not harmful, so a hormonal system is fast enough. Plants can sense touch, and some have adapted to hunt o Rapid movements in response to touch Based on rapid changes in membrane ion permeability Involves stretch and v-gated K+ ion channels membrane depolarization Target cells have voltage gated Ca++ ion channels efflux of water from certain cells movement