Assessment. You may complete and submit it any time from Friday to Sunday with no late penalty.

PURPOSE: Assess student knowledge of molecular mechanisms by which various drugs disrupt the synapse. Good news! Most students like this activity.

About some of the neurotransmitters:

• DOPAMINE- the reward molecule. There are 4 major pathways for dopamine in your brain (nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, mesocortical and tuberoinfundibular systems). Each controls a different body process, but 3 of them are rewards pathways. You can increase dopamine naturally by listening to music, eating right and foods rich in tyrosine (fish, eggs, almonds, chicken), exercising (get that runner’s high).
• Most CNS neurons secrete either GABA or glutamate.
  • GABA – the anti-anxiety molecule. GABA is an inhibitory molecule that slows down the firing of neurons and creates a sense of calmness. You can increase GABA naturally by practicing yoga and meditation.
  • GLUTAMATE – the fundamental molecule. It is the main neurotransmitter in the CNS and has a key role in fundamental brain function. Glutamate is involved in forming and repairing neural networks, synaptic plasticity, and movement. I have read that nearly 4 pounds (2kg) of glutamate are in our muscles, brain, liver, kidney, and blood.
• SEROTONIN – plays many roles and is involved in regulating anxiety, happiness, and mood. Most serotonin is found outside the CNS as it is involved in cardiac function, breathing, the endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, and reproductive function. You can increase serotonin with exercise, a healthy diet, and exposure to sunlight.

TASK:

1) Download the Mouse Party Student Worksheet. Mouse Party Student Worksheet.pdfActionsMinimize File Preview

2) PLAY the activity posted at https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/

OR  WATCH  this youtube videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaLgWHfWzo4 (Links to an external site.)to answer the worksheet questions. 

3) Upload the completed worksheet.

CRITERIA:

• Neurotransmitter(s) involved is/are named.
• Action of Drug identifies (See Example):
  • Drug
  • Primary mode of action for the drug
  • Inhibitory and/or Excitatory Response at the synapse
• Summary Illustration/Sketch (See Example) includes labels for
  • the drug
  • any receptors and/or inhibitors
  • where the drug binds