Q301

Instructions for Neurodule

You can download Neurodule by accessing this like using netscape at any mac. It does not work on a PC. Go to the class web page:

and click on the Neurodule selection under the Unit #1 link. The program should download to your hard disk and then automatically run stuffit expander to expand the program.

Once you get it open on your hard disk, double-click on the Vue d'ensemble icon. This will start the program.

Drag the magnifying glass onto the brain. Then drag it again onto the axon of the neuron. Click on the Influx button. You can now view the axon from different scales. To send an action potential, insert the Stimulateur Electric from the Apparels menu. By setting the voltage to different levels you can cause enough depolarization to cause an action potential when you click the impulsion button. Experiment with different voltage values.

Go into the laboratoire to see how the ions exchange. Click on the red button in the upper left to start an action potential; you'll have to drag ions to finish the action potential. Drag the sodium ions (Na+) in and watch the voltage change. Then drag the potassium ions (K+) out. Reset the system by dragging the ATP pump to the large mass between the channels.

The synapse works the same way, except you need to drag the magnifying glass onto the neuron cell body instead of the axon.

In the synapse, try different substances that block different actions. What results do they have?

In the axon, try adding an oscilloscope to watch the action potential go by. You can also experiment with mylination to see what effect that has.