Vertebrates 3 - Techniques

Question 2

Physiology is Multidisciplinary

Answer 2

Need to understand gravity, circuitry, etc.

Question 3

Why study physiology

Answer 3

Scientific curiosity, Commercial/Agricultural, Human/Medical

Question 4

Epithelia - why different types?

Answer 4

Squamous is protective layer, little volume; cuboidal has more volume therefor can have higher metabolic activity

Question 5

General themes

Answer 5

Structure/Function, adaptation/evolution (eg whales), acclimatization (in response to environment), homeostasis

Question 6

Tracing molecules

Answer 6

Fluorescent or radioactive tags (P32, I125, Ca45, H3) eg glucose; also use antibodies

Question 7

Genetic engineering

Answer 7

cloning genes (insulin); transgenic knockouts or knockin

Question 8

Reading: How do you test for fear in a mouse?

Answer 8

Classical conditioning to observe response. They freeze in their movements. (evolutionary - freezing makes it harder fro predator to see). The shock does not cause the freeze.

Question 9

Reading: What part of brain is used in fear memories? How do we know?

Answer 9

Amygdala. Part of limbic system with the hippocampus. We know that by electrode stimulus, studying brain damage/lesion animal studies, functional MRI to image blood flow to brain regions.

Question 10

Reading: Why do GRPR-/- mice have greater and more persistent fearful memories?

Answer 10

GRPR on in amygdala. KO mice froze more than nonKO. Controlled by testing general memory with mazes. Principle neurons are not modulated by interneurons in KO.

Question 11

Reading: What implications does the GRP study have for human treatment?

Answer 11

Some people might have less GRP/GRPR, could increase GABA to help calm fear of people with post-traumatic stress.

Question 12

Cellular techniques

Answer 12

microelectrodes/micropipettes (electricity in neurons, ions, gases, pH, pressure, microinjection), structural analysis of cells (histology, microscopy), cell culture (simulate internal environment)

Question 13

Biochemical analysis

Answer 13

Chromatography, electrophoresis

Question 14

Isolated organ and organ systems

Answer 14

study and isolated organ in a nutrient environment; can test drugs; tests done on heart, pineal gland

Question 15

Observation techniques

Answer 15

Dissection, autopsy; observe (video) behaviours in breeding, diet, etc.; experimental setups

Question 16

Imaging techniques

Answer 16

CAT (computer assisted tomography), MRI, PET (positron emission tomography)

Question 17

Physiological state of animal research

Answer 17

Scientists MUST consider animal’s state before experimenting, day/night cycles affect behaviour in lab which can affect physiology (hormones, anxiety, immune function)