6.2 A Potential Problem

by Julia Sabin, with image by Joseph DeVincentis

ANSWER: ISAK

 

The image depicts a group of neurons marked with numbers at the synapses. A resting membrane potential of -70 and a threshold of -40 means that a charge increase of 30 millivolts is required for each neuron to fire. Starting at the lightbulb and summing the effects felt by each neuron, results in almost all neurons firing. The ones that do not fire spell out the answer, ISAK.