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About This Simulation
Learn the basic mechanisms of sensory transduction by performing in vitro and in vivo experiments and determine which anesthetic drug will allow your friend to keep climbing a mountain without having the muscles affected.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the types of sensory neurons and their responses to different stimuli
- Describe the response of a sensory receptor to chemical stimuli at the cellular and organismal level
- Set up a voltage-clamp experiment, and measure and interpret changes in current in response to chemical stimuli
- Analyze and interpret patch clamp results to contrast how two sodium channel blockers inhibit capsaicin-induced excitability
- Collect data and analyze it on withdrawal reflex time in an acute pain model
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Latency to Withdrawal
- Voltage-clamp method
Related Standards
- Early Stage Bachelors Level
- US College Year 1
- US College Year 2
- HS-LS1-2
- No direct alignment
- A.3 Perception of stimuli
Learn More About This Simulation
How do anesthetic drugs work? In this simulation, you will learn the basics of sensory transduction by testing and comparing the mechanisms of action of two anesthetic drugs. Explore which stimuli activate different types of sensory neurons and behold the flow of ions inside an axon. Perform a patch-clamp experiment to analyze how the anesthetics impact the pain transduction in the nociceptors, and confirm the results by performing some in vivo experiments before selecting the best pain killer for your friend.
Explore sensory neurons
Which neurons are activated when you get a cut? What about when you are hit by a rock? Explore the different types of sensory neurons on the holo-table and see the impact of six different stimuli as many times as you want! Then, figure out which stimuli activate nociceptors to transduce pain, and dive into an axon to learn which transmembrane receptor makes nociceptors sensitive to pain and the flow of ions inside.
Set up your own patch-clamp experiment
You will dissect some dorsal root ganglia from a rat’s spinal cord to use for a patch clamp experiment. You will set up the equipment and use different buffers to conduct the voltage-clamp experiment. You will then be able to see and analyze the results on the virtual PC screen in a short time, avoiding long waiting times in between changes of buffers, and allowing you tol test the effect of the two anesthetics to evaluate their effect on the flow of ions and in sensory transduction.
Confirm your results with an in vivo model
After analyzing the in vitro data, you will determine if the differences in the effect of the two pain killers are confirmed in in vivo studies. This includes conducting latency to withdrawal experiments and analyzing motor function experimental results. You will finally dive one last time into the axon to see the effect of each anesthetic drug inside the nociceptors. Will you be able to determine which drug is best to give your injured friend?
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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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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.