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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of biopsychology?
Which component is responsible for protein synthesis in a typical cell?
What distinguishes the central nervous system (CNS) from the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?
Which of the following best describes the structure of the plasma membrane?
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What is ATP, and why is it vital for cellular function?
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Which animal species is commonly used in biopsychology research?
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What occurs during transcription in the nucleus?
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What happens to the brain when someone acquires new information?
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Which ion is an example of a divalent cation?
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What is the role of the cranial nerves in relation to the peripheral nervous system?
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How does a neuron differ from other cell types?
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Which modern technique measures electrical activity in neurons?
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What is the role of the axon terminal in a neuron?
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What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?
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Which statement describes the neuron doctrine proposed by Ramón y Cajal?
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What is the significance of the Nodes of Ranvier in a neuron?
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Study Notes
Biopsychology
- Focuses on the biological basis of behavior
- Explores relationships between the brain, behavior, and psychological phenomena
- Also known as "Behavioral Neuroscience"
Nervous System
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Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord
- Processes and integrates information
- Controls higher brain functions (thought, emotion)
- Protected by the skull, vertebral column, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood-brain barrier
- Limited ability to regenerate after injury
- Responsible for sensory information processing and motor command generation
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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves outside the CNS (cranial and spinal nerves)
- Connects the CNS to the body
- Carries sensory information to the CNS and motor commands to muscles
- Exposed to injury; greater regenerative capacity than the CNS
Major Animal Species in Biopsychology Research
- Rodents: Rats and mice (dominant model)
- Non-human primates: Macaques and marmosets
- Aquatic vertebrates: Fish and frogs
- Squid: Used for studying neuronal communication
- Flies: Used for studying genetics and behavior
- Worms: Used for studying basic nervous system functions
Basic Cell Components
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Plasma membrane:
- Outer layer, controls what enters and exits the cell
- Composed of a phospholipid bilayer (hydrophobic tails inward, hydrophilic heads outward)
- Selectively permeable (some molecules pass freely, others need channels or active transporters)
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Nucleus:
- Contains most of the cell's DNA
- Serves as the cell's control center
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Mitochondria:
- Powerhouse of the cell
- Responsible for generating ATP (energy)
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Ribosomes:
- Sites of protein synthesis
ATP and its Importance
- ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): Primary energy source in cells
- Brain: Uses more energy than any other organ, relying heavily on ATP
- Composition: Adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups
- Energy Release: Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and a phosphate group releases energy
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Importance:
- Powers cellular processes (muscle contraction, active transport, biochemical reactions)
- Essential for metabolism, protein synthesis, and DNA replication
DNA to Protein Process
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Transcription:
- Occurs in the nucleus
- DNA is transcribed into mRNA by RNA polymerase
- mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes
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Translation:
- Takes place at the ribosome
- tRNA brings amino acids based on codons in mRNA
- Ribosome links amino acids into a polypeptide chain
- Polypeptide folds into a functional protein
Ion Terminology
- Cation: Positively charged ion (e.g., Na⁺)
- Anion: Negatively charged ion (e.g., Cl⁻)
- Monovalent: Ion with a single positive or negative charge (e.g., Na⁺, Cl⁻)
- Divalent: Ion with a double positive or negative charge (e.g., Ca²⁺, SO₄²⁻)
Understanding the Brain's Structure and Composition
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Early Observations:
- Nissl stain: Stained cell bodies, revealing the nucleus and rough ER
- Golgi stain: Darkened whole cells, but only a small percentage
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Microscopy:
- Paved the way for the Neuron Doctrine (Ramón y Cajal)
- The brain is composed of individual neurons
- Neurons connect to each other via long projections
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Modern Techniques:
- Neuroimaging (MRI, fMRI, PET scans): Non-invasive brain imaging
- Electrophysiology: Measures electrical activity in neurons
- Molecular biology: Studies the brain at the genetic and protein level
Distinct Features of Neurons
- Excitability: Ability to generate and propagate electrical impulses (action potentials)
- Synaptic Transmission: Communication via neurotransmitter release at synapses
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Unique Structure:
- Dendrites: Receive signals
- Axon: Transmit signals
- Soma (cell body): Integrates signals and contains the nucleus
- Polarity: Signals flow in a specific direction (dendrites to axon terminal)
Neuron Structure
- Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons
- Cell body (soma): Contains the nucleus and other organelles; integrates signals
- Axon: Transmits electrical impulses away from the soma
- Axon hillock: Junction between the axon and soma; where action potentials are initiated
- Myelin sheath: Insulates the axon, speeding up signal transmission
- Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated
- Axon terminal: Releases neurotransmitters at synapses
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Description
This quiz explores the biological basis of behavior through the lens of biopsychology. It delves into the structures and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the major animal species utilized in biopsychology research. Test your knowledge on how brain function relates to behavior and psychological phenomena.
