1. Electrophysiology of the Nerve Cell

Question 1

Why are nongated ion channels important?

Answer 1

Important for establishment of resting potential “Na+ influx and K+ efflux in resting state”

**they are always open

Question 2

What are ligand-gated ion channels activated by?

Answer 2

neurotransimitter binding

Question 3

Where are ligand-gated ion channels located? Give examples

Answer 3

at synaptic contact
Ex: dendritic spines, dendrites, and somata

Question 4

True or False: Voltage gated ion channels are typically closed in resting state

Answer 4

True

Question 5

What are voltage gated ion channels sensitive to?

Answer 5

sensitive to voltage differences across membranes

Question 6

Where are voltage gated ion channels predominatly on?

Answer 6

axons and axon terminals

Question 7

What are the three electrical features of membranes?

Answer 7

1. Conductance
2. Resistance
3. Capacitance

Question 8

Conductance

Answer 8

Ease with which ions flow across membrane

Question 9

Restistance

Answer 9

Inverse of conductance (measured in ohms)

Question 10

Capacitance

Answer 10

Membrane’s ability to store an electric charge

Question 11

In most neurons, what is the trigger zone for action potential?

Answer 11

axon hillock