Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Control and coordination in mammals

Control and coordination in mammals — practice question

Fig. 1.1 shows an electron micrograph of a myelinated neurone in cross-section.
(a)[2]

Name the structures at A and B.

(b)[3]

Explain what is meant by saltatory conduction and describe its effect on the transmission of a nerve impulse.

(c)[5]

The sea snail Conus purpurascens produces a toxin that blocks calcium ion channels in the presynaptic knob of a cholinergic synapse. As a result, no action potentials occur in the postsynaptic neurone. Explain why the presence of this toxin results in no action potentials in the postsynaptic neurone.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: For A, write Schwann cell / myelin sheath

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