Home work set 1 (sample figures)
Examine general properties of electrically excitable cells as
revealed by the Hodgkin-Huxley model of the giant axon of the squid.
The following set of equations was used by HH to summarize the
behaviors of channels in a squid axon.
A. Simulate HH equation using MABLAB and explore the implications of
the model of the following attributes of electrically excitable cells
- All-or-non
properties and threshold
- Refraction period
- The
strength-duration relationship
- Accommodation
- Repetitive
activity
B.
- What would you
predict the shape of the action potential to be in a squid axon if you could specifically
block K channels?
- The proteolytic
enzyme Pronase has been used to block the Na channel inactivation. What effects would this
block have on the shape of action potential?
- Which parameters
determine the duration of action potential? Find a set of parameters in which you can
reduce the duration of action potential without reducing the amplitude of action
potential.