NEUR 2201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Microarchitecture, Synaptogenesis, Neurodegeneration
2 Jan 2019
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Document Summary
The neuron has a lipid bilayer like any other cell that have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic fatty acids tails. Within the axon, there are proteins that are embedded within the bilipid layer that act as ion channels (ex. Within the dendrite, there are ion channels and ligand channels/receptors that have binding sites specific to neurotransmitters. Once the neurotransmitter is bound, the channel will allow something into the neuron: ex. Dopamine is not able to just pass through the lipid bilayer, so it needs the channel. Some hormones can also just go through the lipid bilayer easily: ex. Contains nucleus, mitochondria, er, ribosomes, golgi apparatus. Maintains the integrity of genes and controls the activities of the cell boy regulating gene expression. Has a cytoskeleton (nuclear matrix) to maintain shape (the neuron also has a cytoskeleton; microfilaments, microtubules, etc. ) Powerhouse of the cell, super important for the brain because the brain needs a lot of energy.
