Available online
Description
This programme describes the basic neurophysiology of nerves and in this context explores recent work on how the nerve impulse is transmitted from nerve to muscle employing nerve chemicals as signa...ls and protein macromolecules as receptors.
This programme describes the basic neurophysiology of nerves and in this context explores recent work on how the nerve impulse is transmitted from nerve to muscle employing nerve chemicals as signa...ls and protein macromolecules as receptors.
| Module code and title: | S322, Biochemistry and molecular biology |
|---|---|
| Item code: | S322; 12 |
| First transmission date: | 18-08-1977 |
| Published: | 1977 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:25:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Roger Jones |
| Contributors: | Irene Ridge; Jean-Pierre Changeux |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Acetylcholine; Affinity chromatography; Curare; Electroplaque; Freeze fracture; Immunology; Nerve impulse |
| Footage description: | As an introduction to the programme. Dr. Ridge illustrates using experiments, micrographs and models, the essential characteristics of the nerve impulse and how if is transmitted along the nerve and beyond, to the muscle. Professor Changeux then illustrates, with dissections, micrographs and models, his own work on the electric fish Torpedo. This work explores the mechanism of the transmission of a chemical signal across the physical gap or synapse, that separates nerve ending from muscle. The chemical is called acetylcholine and it is released by the nerve and binds to protein receptors on the muscle cell membrane. Professor Changeux describes the usefulness of the electric fish in characterising these receptor proteins and the biochemical techniques that allow their purification. The receptors then can be purified and shown to be the functional, physiological receptors by further experiments he describes. Finally, he points out the relevance of this work to medicine where some autoimmune diseases affect the functioning of the receptor and result in symptoms of paralysis. The human disease of myasthenia gravis is such an example. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72530 |
| Production number: | 00525_1269 |
| Videofinder number: | 1019 |
| Available to public: | no |
