Synaptic Communication-Electrical Synapses Flashcards
Where do synapses occur?
Synapses are specialized contact sites between neurons or between neurons and other cells.
What are synapopathies?
Synapopathies are conditions related to synaptic dysfunction.
Channelopathies:
Diseases that develop because of defects in ion channels caused by either genetic or acquired factors.
What is the cause of channelopathies?
Mutations in genes encoding ion channels, which impair channel function,
How to silence a neuron?
To silence a neuron’s activity, you can use drugs or techniques to block electrical synapses (gap junctions) or chemical synapses temporarily.
What is the whole-cell patch clamp method
Measures cell’s electrical activity by attaching a pipette to its cell membrane to record ion flow.
Cell-Attached Patch Clamp
Measures the current that flows through a single ion
channel
Inside-Out Patch Clamp
You take a piece of membrane, flip it inside-out, and attach it to the electrode to investigate how channels are regulated from the inside.
Outside-Out Patch Clamp
Involves pulling pulling a piece of membrane from the cell, flipping it outside-out, and attaching it to the electrode to study ion channels’ react to changes in their environment..
Gap junctions
Specalized protein channels that allow direct electrical and chemical communication between adjacent cells, enabling the rapid exchange of ions and small molecules.
Why do action potentials (AP spikes) in electrical synapses occur faster in the postsynaptic neuron compared to chemical synapses?
In electrical synapses, action potentials occur faster in the postsynaptic neuron because electrical signals pass directly through gap junctions, without the delay of chemical neurotransmitter release and binding.
How do astrocytes contribute to brain homeostasis?
Astrocytes distribute glucose and ions, balance ion levels, and support active neurons in the brain.
Common Features of ODDD
eye, dental, digits abornomalities
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type X (X linked chromosomal disease)
Develop severe deformations of legs and limbs, possibly develop MS and breathing problems/hearing loss
