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About This Simulation
Dissect a squid and use its giant neuron to witness the propagation of information in the shape of an action potential created by an electric current. Use this information to identify a neurotoxin affecting a hospitalized patient.
Learning Objectives
- Calculate membrane equilibriums and membrane potential using the Nernst equation
- Learn the ionic and electrical characteristics of each phase of an action potential.
- Understand the role voltage-gated channels play in determining the shape of an action potential
- Measure the resting membrane potential and then observe an action potential.
- Record membrane current under voltage clamp
- Record membrane voltage under current clamp at different concentrations of extracellular sodium and potassium
- Observe the shape of action potentials when the neuron is exposed to different ion channel blockers
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Voltage clamp
- Current Clamp
- Nernst Equation
- Making a microelectrode
- Action potential measurement
Related Standards
- No direct alignment
- No direct alignment
- No direct alignment
Learn More About This Simulation
Did you know that nerve cells propagate an electric signal along their own membrane to transfer information? They are called action potentials, and in this simulation you will use a squid’s giant neuron to learn about the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon. You will learn to recognize the typical shape of an action potential, but also to describe the driving forces behind each of its different phases.
Identify a neurotoxin from its effect on a nerve
In this simulation your mission is to help out a hospital who just received a patient with severe food poisoning. A sample from the patient has revealed the presence of a neurotoxin, and they need you to identify it as soon as possible. To find out how, you will first dissect a giant squid to extract the neuron to use as a model, and then study the neuron membrane with electric currents. Once you understand how action potential works on the membrane of a neuron, you will compare the effect of existing neurotoxins with your sample for identification.
Observe and test a neuron with electric currents
To study the axon of a nerve, you will reproduce the historically famous experiment of Dr Hodgkin and Dr Huxley, which was rewarded with a Nobel Prize, by setting the neuron in a test chamber to trigger action potentials with electric currents. You will learn about ion flows and calculate the resulting membrane equilibrium and membrane potential. Using the current clamp and voltage clamp techniques, you will identify the mechanisms behind each stage of an action potential. Once you have a good grasp of the concept of membrane potentials, you will be transported inside an axon to define the precise chain of actions leading to an action potential. Finally, you will test three different neurotoxins and analyze their effects on action potentials to deduce their most probable mode of action.
Identify the neurotoxin by its mode of action
To uncover which neurotoxin affects the hospitalized patient, you will have to compare its effect on the neuron’s action potential with three other drugs, and come up with a hypothesis about how it deregulates the neuron’s ability to transmit a signal.
Will you be able to help out the sick patient?
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.
Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.