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Pex 03 09
Pex 03 09
09/06/15
page 1
Experiment Results
Predict Question:
Predict Question 1: If you apply a very weak, subthreshold stimulus to the sensory receptor
Your answer : a. a small, depolarizing response will occur at R1, and no responses will occur at R2, R3, and R4.
Predict Question 2: If you apply a moderate stimulus to the sensory receptor
Your answer : a. a larger, depolarizing response will occur at R1, and an action potential will be generated at R2 and maybe
at R4.
Predict Question 3: If you apply a strong stimulus to the sensory receptor
Your answer : a. a large, depolarizing response will occur at R1 and R3, and action potentials will occur at R2 and R4.
Stop & Think Questions:
Observe the two neurons in the petri dish. What do you think is the resting membrane potential at the receiving end of the
sensory neuron (sensory receptor) and the receiving end of the interneuron?
You correctly answered: c. -70 mV
Why is there no response at R3 when you apply a very weak stimulus to the sensory receptor?
You correctly answered: c. The very weak stimulus does not depolarize the axon of the sensory neuron to threshold.
Why is there a larger, depolarizing response at R1 when you apply a moderate intensity stimulus?
You correctly answered: c. The stimulus induces a graded receptor potential at R1.
Experiment Data:
Stimulus
None
Weak
Moderate
Strong
Sensory Neuron
Membrane Potential
(mV) Receptor
-70
-60
-40
-25
Sensory Neuron
AP Frequency
(Hz) in Axon
Sensory Neuron
Vesicles Released
from Axon Terminal
0
16.6
33.3
0
4
6
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Interneuron
Membrane Potential
(mV) Receiving End
-70
-70
-50
-40
Interneuron
AP Frequency (Hz)
in Axon
0
5
10
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