Questions on Scientific article 2010

1. The article states that zapping neurons with a wire electrode triggers an
electrical spike. Describe how this electrical spike is created ia an action
potential !" #arks$
2. %agal nere sti#ulation can be used to treat depressed patients who don&t
respond to #edication. The article states that this can lead to side effects such
as pain' hoarseness and rapid breathing. Describe the role of the %agus nere
in the control of heart rate !( #arks$
(. )eurons in the wor#s in *iesenbock and Deisseroth&s e+peri#ents can be
actiated b, the flashing of different coloured lights. -sing ,our knowledge
rod cells in the #a##alian e,e' e+plain how light can trigger an action
potential. !. #arks$
". Draw a flow chart to show how the gene for #e#brane protein /202 can be
inserted into a fruit fl, to #ake the fl, 1u#p on e+posure to light of a specific
waelenghth !" #arks$
2. 3+plain how halohodopsin preents nere cells fro# firing !2 #arks$
.. 3+plain how 4ottschalk was able to #ake the wor#s dance !( #arks$
5. Suggest how the gene 6h72 #a, be inserted the cells of
the rats& barrel corte+ !" #arks$
8. Suggest a behaioural e+peri#ent to deter#ine whether #ice are gaining so#e
sort of useful ision !1 #ark$
9.
!b$ The article describes a trial gene therap, of 12 patients to treat /arkinsons. The,
in1ected the genes 6h72 and )p:7. Suggest how these genes are used to treat
/arkinsons !2 #arks$
!c$ Suggest wh, this sort of gene therap, is allowed in the -; where as genetic
#odification of sper# or eggs is not allowed !2 #arks$
10. :ow #ight hu#ans adapt to repeated stress< !1 #ark$
11. Describe the e+peri#ental eidence that supports and disputes the fact that
noradrenaline is responsible for the har#ful effects of stress< !2 #arks$
12. Describe the anathe#a of =on >eine&s work on painkillers and people who
had had a wisdo# tooth e+tracted !1 #ark$
1(. ?h, were wo#en not traditionall, used in the testing of phar#aceutical
co#pounds< !2 #arks$
1". 3+plain how e+citator, s,napses work !2 #arks$
12. %aliu# enhances the effects of a neurotrans#itter that naturall, occurs in the
central nerous s,ste# !6)S$ of the brain called ga##a@a#ino but,ric acid
!4ABA$. This a#ino acid #ainl, helps in naturall, rela+ing and cal#ing
down the #uscles present in the bod, b, slowing down or stopping so#e
nere signals. :ence' %aliu# is categorized as 6)S depressants' #ild
tranCuilizer or sedaties. Suggest how 4ABA works D ,ou #a, use a diagra#
to help illustrate ,our points !.#arks$
1.. Does the article support the idea Ewo#en hae a higher threshold than #en&<
-se ideas fro# the article to e+plain ,our answer !2 #arks$
15. Suggest how opioids work to reliee pain !1 #ark$