Question

Please describe the pathway of guidance cues that this axon follows to reach its target. 000

Answer 1

These diagrams depict the process of Axon pathfinding. In which the Axon is sent to the target by neurons.

Axon growth during pathfinding take place by growth cones which have specific receptors for guidance cues. There are around 7 axon guidance molecules present like slits, netrins, semaphorins, ephrins, cell adhesion molecules etc. All these guidance molecules act as cues and have specific receptor in the growth cone. The growth cone moves into the direction of increased concentration of guidance molecule/cue.

1. Axon growth cone gets activated by a guidance cue.
2. Growth cone extends into the direction of nearby guidance cue gradient.
3. Growth cone extends to the nearby motor neuron,
4. 5. 6. Goes into the direction of growing gradient of guidance cue and reaches the target cell.