Glial Cells and Neurogenesis Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Where are oligodendrocytes found?

  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
  • Only in the brain
  • Central nervous system (CNS) (correct)
  • Both the PNS and CNS
  • What is the main function of Schwann cells?

  • To produce myelin sheaths in the CNS
  • To generate new neurons in the PNS
  • To produce myelin sheaths in the PNS (correct)
  • To act as immune cells in the PNS
  • Which of these cells can proliferate without the need for stem cells?

  • Astrocytes
  • Oligodendrocytes
  • Microglia (correct)
  • Neurons
  • What is the primary role of microglia in the brain?

    <p>Immune response (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these locations is NOT a site of neurogenesis?

    <p>Cerebellum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of using BrdU labeling in neurogenesis research?

    <p>To visualize newly generated cells by incorporating into their DNA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the hippocampus, what happens to the daughter cells of a stem cell during neurogenesis?

    <p>One becomes a stem cell and the other becomes a new neuron (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of calcium influx in synaptic transmission?

    <p>To trigger the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the function of NMDA receptors in synaptic plasticity?

    <p>NMDA receptors allow the influx of calcium ions, which triggers intracellular signaling cascades that ultimately lead to the strengthening of synaptic connections. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key distinction between ionotropic and metabotropic receptors?

    <p>Ionotropic receptors are faster-acting because they directly open ion channels, while metabotropic receptors activate intracellular signaling cascades. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in cell signaling?

    <p>GPCRs activate G proteins, which then initiate intracellular signaling cascades that can modulate various cellular processes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the mechanism of long-term potentiation (LTP) contribute to learning and memory?

    <p>LTP strengthens synaptic connections by increasing the sensitivity of the postsynaptic neuron to incoming signals, making future responses more robust. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the conditions required for NMDA receptor activation?

    <p>NMDA receptors require the binding of glutamate and a significant level of depolarization to remove a magnesium block, allowing calcium influx. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of electrical synapses?

    <p>They are commonly found in the central nervous system, mediating complex cognitive functions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key difference between AMPA and NMDA receptors?

    <p>AMPA receptors are fast-acting and allow sodium influx, while NMDA receptors are slower and allow both sodium and calcium influx, requiring depolarization for activation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of glial cells in the nervous system?

    <p>Glial cells provide support, nourishment, and insulation to neurons, helping to maintain their function and health. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the process of BrdU labeling provide evidence for neurogenesis?

    <p>BrdU labeling marks newly formed cells, including neurons, providing evidence for the ongoing creation of brain cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best exemplifies the concept of synaptic plasticity?

    <p>The strength of a synaptic connection can change over time in response to activity, allowing for learning and memory. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Oligodendrocytes

    Glial cells in the CNS that myelinate axons, increasing conduction velocity.

    Schwann Cells

    Glial cells in the PNS that myelinate peripheral nerves, including motor and sensory neurons.

    Microglia

    Immune cells in the brain, derived from blood cell lineage, that proliferate and function like macrophages.

    Neurogenesis

    The process of generating new neurons from stem cells; occurs in specific brain regions.

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    Hippocampus (Neurogenesis)

    Region where new neurons are generated from stem cells, particularly in the dentate gyrus.

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    BrdU Labeling Method

    Experimental technique using BrdU to identify dividing cells, confirming neurogenesis.

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    Chemical Synapses

    Junctions where neurotransmitters are released, influencing post-synaptic neuron activity.

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    Calcium Influx

    Increase of calcium ions in the pre-synaptic neuron, triggering neurotransmitter release.

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    Electrical Synapses

    Direct ion flow between adjacent neurons, enabling faster communication.

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    Ionotropic Receptors

    Fast-acting receptors that open ion channels directly when neurotransmitter binds.

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    Metabotropic Receptors

    Slow-acting receptors that trigger signaling cascades upon neurotransmitter binding.

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    G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

    Receptors that activate intracellular signaling when a ligand binds.

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    NMDA Receptors

    Ionotropic receptors that require both glutamate binding and depolarization to activate.

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    Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

    Process that strengthens synaptic connections, crucial for learning and memory.

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    Role of Calcium (Ca²⁺) in LTP

    Calcium influx via NMDA receptors triggers cascades for strengthening synapses.

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    AMPA Receptors

    Ionotropic receptors that mediate fast synaptic transmission with Na+ influx.

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    Synaptic Plasticity

    Ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, affecting learning.

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    Study Notes

    Glial Cells & Neurogenesis

    • Oligodendrocytes are found in the central nervous system (CNS)
    • Oligodendrocytes wrap axons with myelin sheaths, increasing action potential conduction velocity.
    • Schwann cells are in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
    • Schwann cells myelinate peripheral nerves (motor and sensory neurons), similar to oligodendrocytes.
    • Not all neurons are myelinated.
    • Microglia function like macrophages, proliferating via mitosis.
    • Microglia are crucial for the immune response in the brain.
    • Unlike neurons, microglia do not require stem cells to proliferate.
    • They originate from blood cell lineage, not neural stem cells.
    • Exercise increases microglial proliferation in the hippocampus.
    • Neurons do not divide like other cells (skin, liver, blood).
    • Stem cells are needed to generate new neurons.
    • Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes can divide from stem cells.
    • Microglia do not originate from stem cells.

    Neurogenesis Locations

    • Olfactory Bulb: New neurons are created in the lateral ventricles and migrate to the olfactory bulb.
    • Hippocampus (Dentate Gyrus): Stem cells are in the granule cell layer.
      • Stem cells divide asymmetrically, creating one stem cell and one new neuron (granule cell).
      • New neurons stay within the hippocampus.
      • Neurogenesis slows with age.

    Experimental Evidence of Neurogenesis

    • BrdU Labeling: BrdU is used, like thymidine, to indicate cell division.
      • It's incorporated into DNA during cell division
      • Immunohistochemistry visualizes the new cells.
      • If BrdU-labeled cells also display neuronal markers, neurogenesis is confirmed.
    • Early studies (1960s) hinted at neurogenesis, but lacked evidence of neuronal differentiation.
    • Advanced double-labeling techniques (1980s) confirmed new neurons in the hippocampus.
    • Exercise boosts neurogenesis (studies in running mice).

    Synaptic Transmission & Receptors

    • Chemical Synapses: Presynaptic neurons release neurotransmitters into synapses; postsynaptic neurons' receptors determine the effect (excitation or inhibition).
    • Calcium influx triggers neurotransmitter release.
    • Electrical Synapses (Gap Junctions): Direct ion flow between adjacent neurons; faster than chemical synapses; crucial for synchronous firing (e.g., gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons).

    Types of Receptors

    • Ionotropic Receptors (Fast-acting): Neurotransmitter binding directly opens ion channels.
      • Example: AMPA receptors allow sodium influx.
    • Metabotropic Receptors (Slow-acting): Neurotransmitter binding triggers intracellular signaling cascades.
      • Example: Dopamine, serotonin, beta-endorphin receptors.
      • Utilize G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs).

    G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

    • Mechanism:
      • Neurotransmitter binds GPCR.
      • GPCR changes shape, activating G-protein (GTP replaces GDP).
      • G-protein subunits detach, initiating an intracellular signal.
      • This can lead to ion channel opening or second messenger cascades.
      • Example GPCRs: Beta-adrenergic receptors, dopamine receptors, serotonin receptors

    Neurotransmitter Receptors & Synaptic Plasticity

    • AMPA Receptors: Ligand-gated; glutamate binding causes sodium influx and depolarization; fast, simple.
    • NMDA Receptors: Ionotropic; require glutamate binding and significant depolarization to remove magnesium block.
      • Allow calcium influx, essential for learning and memory.

    Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

    • LTP strengthens synaptic connections.
    • Mechanism:
      • Initial weak stimulation opens only AMPA receptors, resulting in weak depolarization.
      • Repeated strong stimulation maintains AMPA receptor opening, increasing depolarization.
      • NMDA receptors open (Mg²⁺ removed).
      • Calcium influx triggers intracellular signals.
      • More AMPA receptors are inserted into the membrane.
      • Future weak stimuli trigger stronger responses.
    • NMDA receptors act as "coincidence detectors," registering strong and repeated activity.
    • Blocking NMDA receptors prevents LTP.
    • LTP is crucial for learning and memory (cellular level example: from no action potential to triggering one, with the same weak signal after LTP.)
    • Drugs affecting NMDA receptors can affect memory.

    Key Takeaways (for Exam prep)

    • Glial cell functions (oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, astrocytes, microglia)
    • Neurogenesis (locations, BrdU labeling)
    • Synaptic transmission (chemical vs. electrical)
    • Receptor types (ionotropic, metabotropic)
    • NMDA and AMPA receptor roles in plasticity/learning
    • LTP as the cellular basis of learning/memory.
    • Experimental techniques (BrdU labeling, immunohistochemistry).
    • Review figures (ionotropic vs. metabotropic).
    • Understand NMDA receptor function (depolarization, Mg²⁺ block).
    • Reinforce LTP concept (connecting NMDA to learning).
    • Read the electrical membrane primer.
    • Prepare for potential exam questions (comparisons, neurogenesis study, LTP, receptor differences, NMDA importance for plasticity).

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on glial cells and their role in neurogenesis. This quiz covers topics such as oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, microglia, and the origins of these cells. Challenge yourself and learn about the immune response of the brain and neurogenesis locations.

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