NEUROBIOLOGY EXAM 3 QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS
Which developmental layer does neural tissue develop from? - Correct Answers -
Ectoderm
Which signaling pathway is most critical in regulating neuron versus glial production in
mammals? - Correct Answers -Delta-Notch
3
Which of the following characteristics of synapse formation is unique to the central
nervous system and not seen at the neuromuscular junction.
- CNS neurons can receive input from different kinds of neurotransmitters, requiring
proper matching between pre- and post-synaptic proteins.
- Neuronal activity is an important regulator of maintaining or strengthening synaptic
connections.
- In mature synapses, synaptic vesicles are clustered at the active zone directly
opposite receptor-rich patches.
- Early in development there are many synapses formed that are ultimately eliminated
or strengthened with maturation. - Correct Answers -CNS neurons can receive input
from different kinds of neurotransmitters, requiring proper matching between pre- and
post-synaptic proteins.
What is the cellular mechanism by which axonal damage induces axonal degeneration?
- Correct Answers -Axonal damage results in the breakdown of NMNAT2, which is
involved in maintaining levels of the metabolic cofactor NAD. Loss of NAD results in an
energy crisis that results in axonal degeneration.
Which of the following processes are important in synapse formation? Select all that are
correct.
- Once formed, synapses mature and undergo rearrangements.
- After cell-cell contacts have formed the pre- and post- synaptic domains undergo
maturation processes.
- Once a synapse is formed, it cannot be altered or eliminated.
- Axons form connections only on particular target cells that can form functional circuits.
- Correct Answers -- Once formed, synapses mature and undergo rearrangements.
- After cell-cell contacts have formed the pre- and post- synaptic domains undergo
maturation processes.
- Axons form connections only on particular target cells that can form functional circuits.
& ANSWERS
Which developmental layer does neural tissue develop from? - Correct Answers -
Ectoderm
Which signaling pathway is most critical in regulating neuron versus glial production in
mammals? - Correct Answers -Delta-Notch
3
Which of the following characteristics of synapse formation is unique to the central
nervous system and not seen at the neuromuscular junction.
- CNS neurons can receive input from different kinds of neurotransmitters, requiring
proper matching between pre- and post-synaptic proteins.
- Neuronal activity is an important regulator of maintaining or strengthening synaptic
connections.
- In mature synapses, synaptic vesicles are clustered at the active zone directly
opposite receptor-rich patches.
- Early in development there are many synapses formed that are ultimately eliminated
or strengthened with maturation. - Correct Answers -CNS neurons can receive input
from different kinds of neurotransmitters, requiring proper matching between pre- and
post-synaptic proteins.
What is the cellular mechanism by which axonal damage induces axonal degeneration?
- Correct Answers -Axonal damage results in the breakdown of NMNAT2, which is
involved in maintaining levels of the metabolic cofactor NAD. Loss of NAD results in an
energy crisis that results in axonal degeneration.
Which of the following processes are important in synapse formation? Select all that are
correct.
- Once formed, synapses mature and undergo rearrangements.
- After cell-cell contacts have formed the pre- and post- synaptic domains undergo
maturation processes.
- Once a synapse is formed, it cannot be altered or eliminated.
- Axons form connections only on particular target cells that can form functional circuits.
- Correct Answers -- Once formed, synapses mature and undergo rearrangements.
- After cell-cell contacts have formed the pre- and post- synaptic domains undergo
maturation processes.
- Axons form connections only on particular target cells that can form functional circuits.
