Attn DIS biological science experts!

[NHAnn]

I'm trying to help DD (16) with an AP Bio project--- (I was a business major- I'm clueless, she's frustrated). Actually, I've never been the type to directly "help" with this stuff....just try to keep her calm as she works through it.

So, I need to have someone explain to me in layman's language....what is:

a motor end plate synaptic junction?

she has to make a a working model of one (it only has to work once) and make the "correct" neurotransmitters get across to the next tendrite, and make sure her sheaths are in place ?!?!?! Um, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. She's leaning towards crying!


She said she pretty much understands what it is (good thing!) , but is sitting here with my craft floral wire, straws, styrofoam cups, asking for playdough???

Anyone have any suggestions? I told her to "ask jeeves" - she said he didn't know LOL

 

[goofygirl]

So she is making a model of a nerve? Thats what it sounds like!


Nerves look tree-like, with a trunk and branches. Thats all the info I can offer!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Ann

three from doing a search on google.com

http://synapses.bu.edu/anatomy/nmj/nmj.stm

http://www.nda.ox.ac.uk/wfsa/html/u04/u04_017.htm

http://education.vetmed.vt.edu/Curriculum/VM8054/Labs/Lab10/Examples/exmtrplt.htm

 

[NHAnn]

Marla -

DD says "you are my hero"

That picture on the last link had her jumping up and down with conviction that she really understood.....I guess her model with styrofoam pieces and a straw and beads traveling through the straw is what is depicted there - at least she feels she can explain it ........hehehe

thanks!


(I'm going to go study now....
yea right)

 

[DocRafiki]

OK, I've had to explain how that works on essay exams umpteen times, but I still have no idea how you'd go about making a model "work" !!! How is she making the sheath? I can't believe they would make such a technical project for a HS bio class! (can't see the forest for the trees)

If you can get a digital pic, I'd love to see the final product.

Does she have to go so far as to explain action potentials? That makes my head hurt. I'm feeling stressed for her.

 

[supercarrie]

wow...i took ap bio last year and got an A in the class, and a 5 on the exam, and didn't have make a model (or any model) like that! she has my sympathy! (sorry i can't help... )

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Ann - glad to help