Lecture 5: Flashcards
What is one reason to study biological psychology, according to Prof. Celia Morgan?
It helps explain behavior through brain function and structure, providing motivation during difficult times.
What are the main concepts covered in the lecture?
Cells and Neurons, Microstructure of the Neuron, Chemicals in the Neuron, Electricity of the Neuron
What types of cells are involved in behavior?
Neurons and glial cells (brain), receptor cells (sensory organs), ganglion cells (peripheral nervous system)
What are the key structures in a typical animal cell?
Organelles, nucleus (with DNA), cytoplasm, cell membrane
How are neurons different from typical animal cells?
Neurons are specialized for electrical and chemical communication but have basic cell structures like a nucleus and membrane.
What are the main parts of a neuron?
Dendrites, soma (cell body), axon, axon terminals
Where are genes located in a neuron, and what do they do?
In the nucleus on chromosomes; each gene codes for a specific protein.
What are the two main phases of gene expression?
Transcription (DNA to RNA) and Translation (RNA to protein)
What are some functions of proteins in neurons?
Enzymes, messengers (e.g., hormones), structural roles (e.g., ion channels, receptors)
What separates cytoplasm from extracellular space?
A double layer of lipids (cell membrane), which regulates the movement of ions and molecules.
What are ions and how are they formed?
Charged particles formed when chemicals like salts dissolve in water (e.g., Na⁺, Cl⁻).
What is the electrical state of a resting neuron?
More negative inside the cell and more positive outside, due to ion distribution.
How do neurons generate electrical signals?
Ions move through membrane channels, creating electrical currents from changes in charge balance.
What is the function of myelin on axons?
Insulates axons and speeds up electrical signal transmission—like duct tape on wires.
What happens at the synapse?
Neurotransmitters are released to send signals to another neuron or target cell.
Name five neurotransmitters and one associated function.
Acetylcholine (motor control), serotonin (mood), glutamate (excitation), dopamine (reward), GABA (inhibition)
What roles do proteins play at synapses?
Act as receptors and ion channels, targeted by psychoactive drugs and involved in genetic mental health risks.
What are the key takeaways from the lecture?
The brain is mostly neurons, neurons contain DNA coding for proteins, electrical activity depends on ion imbalance, and proteins enable neuron function.
