Nerve cells, or neurons, exist to transmit signals through extensions of their nuclei-containing main cell body known as neurites. Neurons transmit signals through propagation of action potentials which are initiated in response to changes in the electrochemical gradient and potential of the neuronal plasma membrane. Action potentials open specific ion channels which will change the potential of neighboring membranes, thus sending the signal down a chain of neurons until the target organ is reached and the desired response produced. This study examined how changes in the extracellular Na+ concentration over periods of time affected the length and width of the neurites. The neurites were produced from NGF differentiated PC12 cells and it was concluded that as the concentration and time of NaCl exposure increase, the length and width of neurites decrease. This is likely caused by the hypertonic environment created by the excess Na+ ions, which induces the cells to maintain osmotic equilibrium through releasing water into the extracellular fluid, thereby decreasing the surface area of the plasma membranes that have contact with the outside environment.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Adams, Charlotte

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042424-154815
• 121549

Advisor

• Scarlata, Suzanne Frances

Year

• 2024

Date created

• 2024-04-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biochemistry

Source

• E-project-042424-154815

Rights statement

• In Copyright