REFLECTION 3
This reflection was a bit more detailed than the previous. We had certain questions that we had to answer. Those questions include the following:
Below is my reflection
- What characteristics make up a neuron? What makes this cell somatic cell? Is it a Prokaryotic or Eukaryotic cell?
- How do differences in these characteristics lead to mental illness? How can disease affect the structure of a cell?
- What are the two modes of communication for neuron? Please detail the differences or similarities in these modes of communication.
- What are the main neurotransmitters described in the readings? What behaviors are linked to these neurotransmitters? Which mental illnesses are associated with neurotransmitters?
- At some point in this week, did you say "WOW! That is how that works!" or "WOW! I would love to research more about this." Share in detail something that you learned this week that was in particular interest to you.
Below is my reflection
Monica Morales
October 25, 2013
11th Grade Biology
Reflection of Learning #3
In class, we have been spending a lot of our time going over and analyzing challenging readings that give us more insight into the neurological aspects of the human body and its functions. We have specifically been focusing on the different types of neurons and cells and their affiliation with the basic behaviors of an organism. For example, we learned that a neuron is basically made up of a nucleus, the surrounding dendrites, axons, the myelin sheath, and terminal buttons. If some of these characteristics are missing, it would possible disturb the effectiveness of the neurons, therefore causing these neurons to not perform the tasks they were meant to do and send out incorrect signals to the brain.
Some of the different types of cells that we have learned about include somatic cells,which are the cells that responsible for the reproduction of living organisms. They can be eukaryotic, which means they can have more than one chromosome, or prokaryotic, meaning they only have one chromosome. We learned about the two ways in which these different neurons can communicate with other neurons in order to carry out the needed functions. Chemical signals, which send signals from one neuron to another, occur when the terminal buttons at the ends of one neuron touch that of another neuron, therefore sending messages through the synapse. They can also send electrical signals, that send signals within the neurons; so in specific, it would be when they use the neurotransmitters to send signals.
The main types of neurotransmitters that we are learning about include amino acids, acetylcholine, serotonin, norepinephrine, peptides, and dopamine. There are a lot of mental illnesses and diseases that can come about if something goes wrong with any of these neurotransmitters. For example, when an excessive amount of dopamine is released within the brain, it may lead to a shortage in these neurotransmitters. Dopamine is the chemical responsible for making you happy basically, and if you use up all of your dopamine too fast, it may result in depression or other serious mental problems.
This week, I specifically enjoyed learning about the ways in which a neurons action potential enables it to fire and send signals. All neurons can communicate with each other through the synapse, and these signals turned out to be the basis of all neuronal behavior. These signals can be carried by neurotransmitters, and fired when a neuron meets its action potential. After a neuron fires the signal, it goes into the refractory period, which is basically like a resting period when a neuron does not fire. I am looking forward to learning a lot more interesting facts about neurons this year.
October 25, 2013
11th Grade Biology
Reflection of Learning #3
In class, we have been spending a lot of our time going over and analyzing challenging readings that give us more insight into the neurological aspects of the human body and its functions. We have specifically been focusing on the different types of neurons and cells and their affiliation with the basic behaviors of an organism. For example, we learned that a neuron is basically made up of a nucleus, the surrounding dendrites, axons, the myelin sheath, and terminal buttons. If some of these characteristics are missing, it would possible disturb the effectiveness of the neurons, therefore causing these neurons to not perform the tasks they were meant to do and send out incorrect signals to the brain.
Some of the different types of cells that we have learned about include somatic cells,which are the cells that responsible for the reproduction of living organisms. They can be eukaryotic, which means they can have more than one chromosome, or prokaryotic, meaning they only have one chromosome. We learned about the two ways in which these different neurons can communicate with other neurons in order to carry out the needed functions. Chemical signals, which send signals from one neuron to another, occur when the terminal buttons at the ends of one neuron touch that of another neuron, therefore sending messages through the synapse. They can also send electrical signals, that send signals within the neurons; so in specific, it would be when they use the neurotransmitters to send signals.
The main types of neurotransmitters that we are learning about include amino acids, acetylcholine, serotonin, norepinephrine, peptides, and dopamine. There are a lot of mental illnesses and diseases that can come about if something goes wrong with any of these neurotransmitters. For example, when an excessive amount of dopamine is released within the brain, it may lead to a shortage in these neurotransmitters. Dopamine is the chemical responsible for making you happy basically, and if you use up all of your dopamine too fast, it may result in depression or other serious mental problems.
This week, I specifically enjoyed learning about the ways in which a neurons action potential enables it to fire and send signals. All neurons can communicate with each other through the synapse, and these signals turned out to be the basis of all neuronal behavior. These signals can be carried by neurotransmitters, and fired when a neuron meets its action potential. After a neuron fires the signal, it goes into the refractory period, which is basically like a resting period when a neuron does not fire. I am looking forward to learning a lot more interesting facts about neurons this year.