White, A.

BIOL 120 Spring 2012 Schedule for Griffin Lectures Griffin Lectures MWF Homework Packet B Due: 4/22/2013

Instructions: Install Electrophysiology of the Neuron (EOTN) on a Windows-based computer. If you do not have a Windows-based computer, see Dr. Griffin for access to a Windows-based laptop. 1. Installation: Go to the EOTN website (http://eotn.stanford.edu) and click on book to download the book with the exercise instructions and questions. 2. Next, download the following file: http://eotn.stanford.edu/setup.exe by clicking on Setup. 2. Once the program has downloaded, click the run button that will install the program in the default location (C:/neuron). 3. Read pages 1-7 before beginning the Resting Potential and Action Potential exercises. 4. Perform experiments 1 and 2 under Resting Potential (pages 9-12). 5. Perform experiments 4 and 5 under Action Potential (pages 15-18).

Answer the following questions after performing experiments 1 and 2: A. Identify the two driving forces that underlie ion movement across the membrane. Concentration gradient and membrane potential.

White, A.

B. Briefly explain (three sentences or less) why the potassium equilibrium potential is negative. The potassium equilibrium potential is negative because of potassium leak channels. Leak channels are always open, and potassium is always leaving the cell, making it more negative.

Answer the following questions after performing experiments 4 and 5. A. Diagram the types and number of channels opened when changing the injected current from 1.5 to 2.0 nA. (You will need to use PowerPoint or some other type of digital illustrative tool for this question). Both Na+ and K+ channels are opened.

White, A.

White, A.

White, A.

B. What types of channels are responsible for the difference seen in Figures 5A and 5D? In figure 5A, extracellular Na+ is reduced, causing the membrane potential to become significantly more negative, and reducing a chance for action potentials. This suggests the passing influx of Na+ into the cell. In figure 5D, extracellular K+,, which has no significant influence on action potentials, is reduced. It does, however, cause an increase in hyperpolarization after action potentials. This suggests that K + is higher inside the cell than it is outside the cell.

C. Would you still see the difference between Figures 5A and 5D if sodium channels did not inactivate? Support answer in three sentences or less. Yes, there will still be a difference. Reactivation of Na+ will create normal action potentials. Hyperpolarization after action potentials would still be higher in extracellular K+ reduced cells compared to normal action potential cells.