Biological Basis of Psychology Part 1

Multiple Choice

Why are genes considered the 'instruction manual' for an organism's physical and mental characteristics?

• Because they determine the organism's age

• Because they encode directions for inherited traits

• Because they control only physical traits

• Because they are visible under a microscope

Multiple Choice

Which part of the neuron is responsible for receiving incoming messages?

• Axon

• Dendrite

• Motor neuron

• Outer sheath

Multiple Select

Which of the following are features that neurons share with other cells?

• Nucleus

• Cytoplasm

• Cell membrane

• Axon

Open Ended

Explain how the structure of a neuron helps it perform its function of transmitting information.

Multiple Choice

What is the main function of dendrites in a neuron?

• Transmit signals to muscles

• Receive incoming messages

• Produce myelin

• Store nutrients

Open Ended

Describe the role of the soma (cell body) in a neuron and why it is important for the cell's function.

Multiple Choice

Which part of the neuron is responsible for transmitting messages away from the soma?

• Axon

• Dendrite

• Cell body

• Synapse

Open Ended

Explain how the structure of the axon supports its function in neural communication.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are functions of the myelin sheath?

• Protects and insulates the axon

• Speeds up the neural impulse

• Carries information to the next cell

• Made up of Schwann cells

Open Ended

List and briefly describe the three main types of neurons based on their location and function.

Multiple Choice

Which type of neuron acts as a middle-man between sensory and motor neurons, relaying messages in complex pathways?

• Sensory neuron

• Motor neuron

• Interneuron

• Glial cell

Open Ended

Explain the difference between resting potential and action potential in a neuron.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about the refractory period is correct?

• The neuron can fire another action potential immediately after the first one.

• The refractory period prevents the neuron from firing another action potential for a brief time.

• The refractory period allows the neuron to fire continuously without pause.

• The refractory period is unrelated to neuron firing.

Multiple Select

Select all that apply: Which statements are true about the absolute and relative refractory periods?

• Absolute refractory period is when no action potential can occur.

• Relative refractory period requires a stronger than normal impulse for the neuron to fire.

• Absolute refractory period occurs before the action potential.

• Relative refractory period occurs immediately after the absolute refractory period.

Open Ended

Describe the all-or-none principle in neuron firing and how it relates to detecting different strengths of stimuli.

Open Ended

Explain the difference between polarization and depolarization in the context of neural impulses.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the process of depolarization in a neuron?

• Positive ions leave the axon, causing a negative charge to spread

• Positive ions enter the axon, causing a neural impulse to move down the axon

• Negative ions enter the axon, causing the axon to fire

• Negative ions leave the axon, causing a neural impulse to move down the axon

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about neural communication is correct?

• Neural impulses travel toward the cell body end of the axon

• Neural impulses travel toward the axon terminals

• Neural impulses travel in both directions along the axon

• Neural impulses do not require ions to move

Open Ended

Describe the role of the synapse in neural communication and how it prevents electrical charges from racing to the next cell.

Multiple Choice

What is the function of synaptic vesicles in the process of neural communication?

• They store electrical charges

• They release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

• They block the passage of neural impulses

• They absorb neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft

Multiple Choice

What is the basic unit of the nervous system called?

• Neuron

• Gene

• Chromosome

• Cell wall

Open Ended

How do genes influence the physical and mental characteristics of an organism?