Neuron in a Ziplock
from: bmc.edu
Group 1: Anna DiColli, Mackenzie Lind, Kendra Robinson, Alyson Urniasz, Zack Weber
We are going to learn how to make a neuron out of candy. This experiment will help us learn the different parts and different types of neurons. Neurons are found throughout the body. They are cells that carry information to the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is made up of the brain and the spinal cord and the PNS is made up of all other nervous structures that do not make up the CNS. Neurons have specialized projections called dendrites and axons. Dendrites bring information to the neuron and axons take information away. Neurons send messages through electrical signals. These messages are received by the dendrites and are sent on by the axons that meet at tiny gaps called synapses. There are different types of neurons. They are multipolar, bipolar, and monopolar (unipolar). Multipolar neurons have many dendrites and one axon. Bipolar neurons have one dendrite at one end and one axon at the other. Monopolar or unipolar neurons have two axons that branch in two different directions.
Eric H. Chudler, Neuroscience for Kids http://www.dls.ym.edu.tw/neuroscience/cells.html
Parts of the Cell Body (Soma)
The Cell membrane (ziplock bag) surrounds the cell and controls what materials go in and out of it. The Cytoplasm (jello) bathes the contents of the cell, circulates through, and surrounds all organelles. The Nucleus (chocolate candy w/crème center) controls all of the processes that take place in the cell. The Nucleolus (mini M&Ms) makes ribosomes for the cell. The Golgi body Happy Birthday Golgi Body!!!! (gummy worms) helps to package proteins and other materials and then transport them to different areas within that cell as well as other cells. The Endoplasmic reticulum (fruit roll-up) helps to make proteins and also has many other packaging functions. Ribosomes (red sprinkles) help the cell to make proteins as well. Mitochondria (sour watermelon candy) provide energy for the cell so that it can carry out all of its functions. Microtubules (black licorice) are proteins that provide structural support for the cell. Neurofilaments (red licorice) are also proteins that help support the cell’s structure.
Parts of the neuron
The Soma (ziplock bag and its contents) or cell body is the center that receives and transmits information. It is also where all of the cells processes occur, such as making proteins. The Axon (pipe cleaners w/pasta) carries messages to other neurons. Axons can be myelinated—coated in special material called myelin—that makes it transmit information faster (this is represented by the pasta).
Dendrites (pipe cleaners at ends) receive input from other neurons. Materials endoplasmic reticulum -- red fruit roll up
Procedure:
1) With the help of an adult, make one package of clear Jell-o. This is so you will be able to see the other candies (organelles) later on.
2) Pour the Jell-o into a Ziploc bag, close and refrigerate until it firms.
3) Next take your fruit rollup (Endoplasmic Reticulum) and fold it in an accordion style.
4) Take the sugar crystals (Ribosome) and roll one end of the fruit roll up in them.
5) Take your half of chocolate crème filled candy (nucleus) and carefully place a mini M&M inside.
6) Carefully place the sour patch watermelon (mitochondria), half of the chocolate candy (nucleus, place towards the middle of the bag), fruit rollup (endoplasmic reticulum, place near nulceus), sugar crystals (ribosome, throughout the cell). balck licorice (microtubules), 3 pieces of pull & peel twizzlers (microfilaments), gummy worm (Golgi body) into the Ziploc bag.
7) Gently twist pipe cleaners on one or both ends of the Ziploc (depending on which type of neuron you are making)
8)
Thread the penne (myelin) down the
opposite end of the pipe cleaner and tie a knot.
Now you have your very own Neuron in a Bag!!!
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