Week 2 Class Lecture
Basic Concepts of Neurotransmission
Exons: Segments of a gene that are transcribed and translated into proteins.
Terminal: Refers to the terminal end of an axon where neurotransmitters are released.
Difference: Focus on the differences in the transmission of action potentials and how they relate to synaptic communication.
Sherrington's Research
Sherrington's Validation of the Synapse:
Conducted experiments measuring speeds of transmission along individual axons.
Compared one axon against bundled axons to observe transmission differences.
Found that action potentials failed to transmit as far in certain conditions, indicating the presence of synapses.
Importance of Synapse:
The key function of the synapse is the release of neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, facilitating communication between neurons.
Key Takeaways
Understand the mechanics of synaptic communication, including neurotransmitter release and axonal transmission differences.
Focus on how Sherrington's findings contribute to the understanding of neuronal communication.