Methods in neuroscience

Question 1

What light Stimulates GFP

Answer 1

Blue

Question 2

What can GFP be used for?

Answer 2

To understand morphology and function of a neurone

Question 3

How do GCamPs work?

Answer 3

GCamP binds to GFP
In presence of Ca2+, GFP becomes brighter
When neurone is active, increased Ca2+, Increased fluorescence

Question 4

Benefits of confocal microscope

Answer 4

Higher spatial resolution,

Question 5

How does channelrhodopsin work?

Answer 5

Blue light activated ion channel, induces depolarisation and action potentials in neurones

Question 6

How does Halorhodopsin work?

Answer 6

Yellow light activated ion channel, hyperpolarises neurones

Question 7

Explain how sharp electrode recordings work

Answer 7

Inject current into cell using thin electrode
Can compare difference in potential between 2 sides of the membrane

Question 8

Disadvantages of Sharp electrode recordings

Answer 8

Little control of membrane potential
Can’t measure single channels

Question 9

Explain how patch clamp recordings work

Answer 9

Part of membrane sucked into electrode - creating tight connection between membrane and electrode so no ions pass

Question 10

Cell attached patch clamp

Answer 10

Measures individual channels

Question 11

Inside out patch clamp

Answer 11

Measures individual channels - have more control over solution inside

Question 12

Whole cell patch clamp

Answer 12

Break membrane, records current through rest of membrane