AP Biology : Understanding Neural Cells

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Neural Cells

When a neuron reaches threshold and fires an action potential, __________ pass through channels into the axon of the cell, causing a __________ in the charge of the cell.

Possible Answers:

potassium ions . . . increase

potassium ions . . . decrease

sodium ions . . . increase

sodium ions . . . decrease

Correct answer:

sodium ions . . . increase

Explanation:

Sodium ions are positively charged (Na+) and enter the neuron starting at the axon hillock, which is where the axon and cell body come together. An influx of positively charged ions will cause the charge of the cell to increase.

When a neuron reaches threshold, it 'fires' an action potential down the axon using charge gradient to drive the propagation towards the axon terminal, where neurotransmitters will be released to relay the signal to the next cell.

Potassium ions are also positively charged (K+), but follow a gradient that promotes efflux over influx due to the equilibrium established by the sodium-potassium pump. As such, potassium flows out of a cells following depolarization, and actually results in the hyperpolarization observed immediately following an action potential.

Example Question #74 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

When an action potential is fired in a neuron, it results in neurotransmitters being released from the axon terminal into the synapse. We know that sodium ions drive the action potential down the axon via depolarization. What causes neurotransmitters to be released into the synapse?

Possible Answers:

Potassium ion influx

Sodium ion influx

Chloride influx

Calcium ion influx

Correct answer:

Calcium ion influx

Explanation:

It is the influx of calcium ions into the axon terminal that causes vesicles to fuse with the cell membrane, releasing the neurotransmitters held within the vesicles into the synapse.

Potassium ion (K+) influx happens during the refractory period, when the neuron returns to its membrane potential via action of the sodium-potassium pump. Potassium influx requires active transport. Sodium ion (Na+) influx is most closely linked with action potential propagation down the axon. It eventually triggers the calcium influx, but is not directly linked to vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release.

Chloride (Cl-) influx occurs when the neuron receives inhibitory signals, causing the cell to be hyperpolarized and not fire an action potential.

Example Question #75 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

After an action potential occurs, the neuron goes through a refractory period, during which it cannot fire another action potential. Which of the following is not occurring during the refractory period?

Possible Answers:

Potassium ions are entering the cell

Calcium ions are leaving the cell

Sodium ions are entering the cell

Sodium ions are leaving the cell

Correct answer:

Sodium ions are entering the cell

Explanation:

The refractory period is caused by two processes: the secondary gate closing the voltage-gated sodium channel to prevent sodium influx and the hyperpolarization of the neuron caused by potassium ion efflux.

The period of potassium efflux is closely linked to action by the sodium-potassium pump, which is responsible for importing potassium and ejecting sodium from the cell. During the refractory period, then, sodium is exiting the cell and potassium is entering. The cell is also It also removing the calcium ions that entered the axon terminal, inducing the neurotransmitter release, to prepare for further neurotransmitter release. This prepares it to fire another action potential once the refractory period is over.

The influx of sodium ions is linked to the propagation of action potentials, and would not occur during the refractory period due to the secondary gate on the voltage-gated sodium channel.

Example Question #4 : Understanding Neural Cells

Which structure of the brain allows for the transfer of information between cerebral hemispheres?

Possible Answers:

Cerebellum

Purkinje cells

Hypothalamus

Cerebral cortex

Corpus callosum

Correct answer:

Corpus callosum

Explanation:

The Corpus callosum resides beneath the cortex in the brain and bridges the gap between the left and right cerebral hemispheres. It is involved in the transfer of information from these hemispheres, helping to integrate and coordinate bilateral responses.

The cerebrum is located in the cortex and is involved in higher brain function, such as thought and processing. The hypothalamus is involved in survival processes, such as the instinct to eat, drink, or reproduce. The cerebellum coordinates balance and fine-tuned movement. Purkinje cells are found in the cerebellum; Purkinje fibers are found in the heart.

Example Question #515 : Cellular Biology

Which of the following statements about neurons is incorrect?

Possible Answers:

The presence of calcium, sodium, and potassium ions is vital for the neurons of the brain to function properly

Axons transmit information to neighboring dendrites via direct contact

While the axon hillock is the part of the cell body that connects to the axon, the axon terminal is the region from which neurotransmitters can be released

Myelin is a fatty material that insulates axons, allowing faster transmission of action potentials

Correct answer:

Axons transmit information to neighboring dendrites via direct contact

Explanation:

Neuron function is highly dependent on ion concentrations. Sodium is required for depolarization, potassium for hyperpolarization and repolarization, and calcium is responsible for initiating neurotransmitter release. Vesicles of neurotransmitter are stored in the terminal end of the axon, opposite from the end with the axon hillock and cell body. When voltage-gated calcium channels open, the binding of calcium to these vesicles causes them to exocytose the neurotransmitter.

Myelin is the fatty substance that wraps around axons to create nodes of Ranvier. These nodes allow the depolarization signal to jump along the axon, rather than traveling fluidly. This method, known as saltatory conduction, allows the action potential to travel faster. Degeneration of myelin is associated with numerous neurological disorders.

It is true that the axon of one neuron transmits information to the dendrite(s) of another, but this contact is not direct. Neurons are separated by synapses, which are small gaps that neurotransmitters must cross in order to move from their original location to a new dendrite. The two neurons do not physically touch.

Example Question #78 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following occurs during depolarization?

Possible Answers:

Potassium diffuses out of the cell 

Sodium diffuses out of the cell

Sodium diffuses into the cell

Potassium diffuses into the cell

Calcium diffuses into the cell

Correct answer:

Sodium diffuses into the cell

Explanation:

Depolarization results from the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels during the initiation of an action potential. Sodium has an electrochemical gradient that causes it to enter the cell when the channels open, resulting in a net flow of positive ions into the cell that increases the membrane potential. This increase is known as depolarization.

Potassium follows a gradient opposite to sodium. When voltage-gated potassium channels open, ions flow out of the cell and cause hyperpolarization.

Example Question #81 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which part of the neuron receives information?

Possible Answers:

Cell body

Synaptic cleft

Axon

Dendrites

Axon hillock

Correct answer:

Dendrites

Explanation:

Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the dendrites, which causes an electrical signal to be sent to the cell body. The cell body then transfers this signal to the axon hillock before an action potential is sent down the axon. The axon terminates at the synaptic cleft, where it releases neurotransmitters to the dendrites of the next neuron.

Example Question #82 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

What does it mean to say that a neural cell is bipolar?

Possible Answers:

It can send signals in two opposing directions

It sends signals to two other neurons

It has two cell bodies, but only one with a nucleus

It has two projections coming off of the cell body

Correct answer:

It has two projections coming off of the cell body

Explanation:

Neurons can be unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar, depending on how many projections are coming off of the cell body. Bipolar neurons are found in the retina and inner ear, and have a single dendritic extension as well as a single axonal extension. Most neurons are multipolar; they have numerous dendrites and a single axon.

Example Question #5 : Understanding Neural Cells

Which event causes repolarization of neuronal cells during an action potential?

Possible Answers:

The opening of voltage-gated sodium channels

The closing of voltage-gated potassium channels

The opening of voltage-gated calcium channels

The opening of voltage-gated potassium channels

Correct answer:

The opening of voltage-gated calcium channels

Explanation:

During the initial phase of an action potential, voltage-gated sodium channels open and allow sodium ions to enter the cell. This causes the membrane potential to rise to a positive value, resulting in depolarization.

Next, voltage-gated potassium channels open and potassium ions rush out of the cell. This reduces the membrane potential, resulting in repolarization as the potential becomes negative.

As more and more potassium exits the cell, the membrane potential declines below the resting potential, resulting in the hyperpolarized state. The sodium-potassium pump then functions to import potassium ions and export sodium ions to reestablish the resting membrane potential.

Example Question #3 : Understanding Neural Cells

Which of the following is true about the relative refractory period?

Possible Answers:

It is easier to generate an action potential during this time

It takes place during hyperpolarization

It is possible only when the cell has a positive cell potential

It takes place during depolarization

Correct answer:

It takes place during hyperpolarization

Explanation:

The relative refractory period is a time frame near the end of an action potential where another action potential can be generated only if a larger than normal stimulus is encountered by the neural cell. The relative refractory period takes place during the hyperpolarization of the cell. Since the membrane potential during hyperpolarization is more negative than the resting potential, it requires a much larger stimulus in order to reach threshold.

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