Question

Escape from Planet Soma Mastering the Physiological Principles of Neuronal Signaling After a valiant but doomed battle in the distant Purkinje Galaxy, you are captured by the Glialiens, the most evil beings in all of the Cerebral Hemisphere. They imprison you in their outpost on known to escape. Chief Oligodendrog eyes you with glee, "Well, well, if it isn't the intrepid space alter ego). I've heard of your daring deeds, and I must say your bravado impresses even me. However, bravado is nothing if your little earthling neurons can't produce some obvious intelligence to go along with it. I've yet to meet an earthling who possesses both." (make up a name for your You shrug nonchalantly. "There's always a first time." The chief laughs. "Oh, you've got an attitude as well! His yellow eyes gleam as he leans closer. "Would you care to prove the extent of your intelligence?" You warily eye his neuron incapacitator gun. "Sure, if it's a fair test. And if I pass, you have to release me. Oligodendrog considers for a moment. "Very well. Let me explain the test. When prisoners try to escape, we use a variety of methods based on neurophysiology principles to, uh, discourage them from trying again. My assistant will select several methods at random and you must predict the terrible effects produced when that method is used. Predict correctly and you earn your release. Predict incorrectly and you experience the effects firsthand." He smiles and taps his tentacles on the floor. Fervently hoping you remember something from those dreaded neurophysiology lectures, you agree. Excellent!" Chief Oligodendrog grins. "Here's the first method." He barks into a small radio and a small Glialien enters with an enormous syringe. Oligodendrog explains that it contains a mutant gene for a voltage-gated sodium channel in nociceptive (pain) sensory neurons; injection of the gene will produce channels that will not open, with disastrous consequences. He then hands you the card below. "Kindly transcribe your answers so there is no dispute about what you said." How will the non-functional sodium channels affect the signaling capabilities of a neuron? (Be specific in terms of its impact on Action Potential) Why would having this mutant gene be so terrible?

Answer 1

How will the non-functional sodium channels affect the signaling capabilities of a neuron?

Ans-

When the functional sodium channel enters the neuron then depolarize it. As a result, the neuron becomes positive. This causes the neuron to reach threshold and generate an action potential. But non-functional sodium channel cannot enter and depolarize the neuron. Therefore, no action potential is generated and it prevents to feel pain.

Why would having this mutant gene be so terrible?-

Ans- This mutant gene is so terrible because it could produce either unbelievable pain or completely remove the sense of feeling.