PSYBAM 4) Week - Sleep & Biological Rhythms

Recall the names of the 2 proteins and their role in maintaining the biological clock

Cells in the SCN make two proteins Clock

and Cycle (Bmal1 in mammals)

These proteins combine, enter the nucleus

and promote transcription of Per and Cry

Once translated, the Per/Cry protein complex

enters the nucleus and inhibits further

transcription of Per and Cry

The Per/Cry protein complex degrades over

time, so eventually this inhibition is lifted and

the cycle starts again

Highlight the role of the neurotransmitter acytl choline (with reference to it’s location)

• Location - Located in the basal forebrain and laterodorsal tegmental and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei.

• Increases arousal, alertness and learning

• Most active during wakefulness and REM sleep

Highlight the role of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (with reference to it’s location)

• Role - vigilance, alertness, threat detection, sensory responsiveness

• Location - within the pons

Highlight the role of the neurotransmitter seretonin (with reference to it’s location)

• Role - wakefulness, mood regulation, motor activity, sensory processing

• Location - raphe nuclei

• Serotonin from the raphe nuclei promotes wakefulness, decreases during non‑REM sleep, and shuts off almost completely during REM sleep.