NPB 110B - Foundations 2: Neurobiology

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to neurobiology concepts introduced in the lecture.

Neuron

A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.

Membrane Potential (MP)

The voltage difference across a cell membrane due to the distribution of ions, which changes as ions move in and out of the cell.

Equilibrium Potential (Eion)

The membrane potential at which there is no net flow of a particular ion across the membrane, meaning the chemical and electrical forces are in balance.

Driving Force

The net force acting on an ion resulting from the sum of electrical and chemical forces that determines the direction of ion flow.

Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)

The voltage across the membrane of a cell at rest, typically between -65 mV and -85 mV for neurons.

I-V Curve

A graphical representation of the relationship between current and voltage for a specific ion channel, used to determine channel properties.

Patch Clamp Technique

A laboratory technique used to study the ionic currents that flow through individual ion channels.

Reversal Potential (ER)

The membrane potential at which there is no net current flowing through an open channel, used as a reference point for channel activity.

Active Transport

The movement of ions or molecules across a membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (e.g., sodium-potassium pump).

Chemical Gradient

The difference in the concentration of a substance across a space, which drives diffusion.

Electrical Gradient

The difference in charge (voltage) across a membrane, which influences the movement of ions based on their charge.