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Expert: John Locke - 7/15/2007


Question
a neuron has several axonal knobs that are firing, but the neuron in question does not transmitt a pulse. Why, could you please explain????

Answer
Thanks for using AllExperts, Amy. There are several possible answers to this question, but the most likely one is that the neuron is located in the eye. Neurons in the eye work opposite of those in the rest of the body: at rest--when unstimulated by light--they are continuously pumping out neurotransmitter. The brain registers this as "no signal" and no image is recorded as a result. When light hits the eye, neurotransmitter release from the optic neurons decreases, which the brain notes and records as an image. Of course, neurons in the rest of the body work in exactly the opposite way, where release of neurotransmitter produces a signal.

Alternatively, the postsynaptic neuron might be under the effect of an inhibitor that makes it harder for that neuron to respond to the incoming signal. Some disease processes can also cause this situation: overactive enzymes in the synapse might be destroying the neurotransmitter as quickly as it get released--that, too, would result in no pulse being transmitted. As I said, there are several possible explanations, but the one that is part of normal, healthy body function is the optic neuron example above.

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John Locke

Expertise

I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo

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I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.

Education/Credentials
BS Bioengineering, Penn State University MCAT/DAT/OAT Instructor

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