VC - Molecular Neuroscience Flashcards
Where does molecular neuroscience occur?
Between the molecular and sub-cellular level
What are some key statistics about the complexity of the brain?
- 30,000 genes
- 100, 000 proteins
- 86 billion neurons
- 10-100 trillion synapses
It operates on a micro-millisecond time scale and can retain or forget information for 10 seconds to 70 years
Is the brain a vital organ?
No, the brain is not vital as you can be brain dead and still survive
What are 4 major diseases associated with the brain?
- Alzheimer’s
- Autism
- Depression
- Epilepsy
What are the major promoters controlling nerve function?
Glutamate:
- Major excitatory transmitter
- Natural amino acid
GABA:
- Major inhibitory transmitter
- Synthesised amino acid
What enzyme converts Glutamate –> GABA?
Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)
- Removes the carboxyl group on glutamate
What is the GAD gene recognised by?
Transcription factors to ensure gene is selectively expressed in GABA neurons
What is the polarity of neuronal processes?
- axon giving the presynaptic nerve terminal
- dendrite giving the postsynaptic nerve terminal
What are the basic features of microtubules, intermediate filaments and actin filaments?
Microtubules
- 25-nm diameter
- Composed of alpha/beta dimers (50kDa each)
- Dynamic structure
- Build hollow tube
- Add and subtract from each + and - end
Intermediate filaments
- 10-nm diameter
- Dimer with head and tail
- Ring like structure
Actin filaments
- 7-nm diameter
- Composed of G-actin monomers which make F-actin filaments
- G-actin monomers → F-actin filaments
How are microtubules orientated in the axon structure?
Orientated unidirectionally
- +ve end grows towards the presynaptic terminal
- -ve end grows towards cell body
How are microtubules orientated in the dendrite structure?
Orientated bi-directionally
What filament stabilises axons?
Neurofilament
What is the role of the actin cytoskeleton in neurons?
The actin cytoskeleton is often associated with a cortical network enriched in the terminal region of neurons