C2.2 Neural Signalling

Open Ended

Why is neural signalling important for the interaction and interdependence of cells in the body?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the main theme of the C2.2 Neural Signalling topic?

• Interaction and Interdependence

• Genetic Variation

• Cell Division

• Photosynthesis

Open Ended

What questions do you still have about neural signalling or its role in the interaction and interdependence of cells?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the main function of neural signalling in multicellular organisms?

• To transmit information rapidly between cells

• To provide structural support to tissues

• To store genetic information

• To produce energy for cellular activities

Open Ended

How are electrical signals generated and moved within neurons?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump in neural signalling?

• It generates action potentials directly.

• It maintains concentration gradients of sodium and potassium ions.

• It releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

• It insulates axons to speed up impulse transmission.

Open Ended

What is the role of synapses in neural signalling?

Open Ended

Explain the difference between myelinated and non-myelinated axons and how this affects the speed of nerve impulses.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are key terms related to neural signalling?

• Neuron

• Resting Potential

• Photosynthesis

• Myelin

Open Ended

Outline the functions of sensory neurons, interneurons (also known as intermediate neurons), and motor neurons.

Multiple Choice

Which type of neuron transmits nerve impulses from sense receptors to the central nervous system?

• Sensory neuron

• Motor neuron

• Interneuron

• Glial cell

Open Ended

Outline the function of dendrites, the cell body and axon of a neuron.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are components of all neurons?

• Dendrites

• Cell body (soma)

• Axon

• Myelin sheath

Open Ended

Explain how the distribution of sodium and potassium ions across the plasma membrane of a neuron contributes to the generation of the resting potential.

Multiple Choice

What is the main function of the sodium-potassium pump in neurons?

• To generate action potentials

• To maintain the resting potential by using ATP to pump Na+ out and K+ in

• To transmit nerve impulses directly

• To produce neurotransmitters

Open Ended

Explain how the sodium-potassium pump maintains the resting potential of a neuron.

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements about the sodium-potassium pump are correct?

• It transports Na+ out of the axon and K+ into the axon.

• It works against the concentration gradients of Na+ and K+.

• It is an example of passive transport.

• It helps maintain the resting potential of neurons.

Multiple Choice

Which ions are primarily involved in the propagation of nerve impulses along nerve fibres?

• Sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions

• Calcium (Ca2+) and chloride (Cl-) ions

• Magnesium (Mg2+) and phosphate (PO4-) ions

• Iron (Fe2+) and copper (Cu2+) ions

Open Ended

Compare the speed of transmission in giant axons of squid and smaller non-myelinated nerve fibres. Also compare the speed in myelinated and non-myelinated fibres.

Multiple Choice

What adaptations do large animals have to increase the speed of nerve impulses?

• Wider diameter of axons and myelination of axons

• Longer axons and increased number of dendrites

• Higher concentration of sodium ions and thicker cell membranes

• Increased number of synapses and more neurotransmitters

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about the correlation between animal size and the speed of nerve impulses is correct?

• As animal size increases, the speed of nerve impulses decreases.

• As animal size increases, the speed of nerve impulses increases.

• There is no correlation between animal size and speed of nerve impulses.

• As animal size decreases, the speed of nerve impulses decreases.

Open Ended

Explain how the use of giant axons of squid contributed to our understanding of nerve impulse transmission.