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A.1 Neural development

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Description

Nature of science:
Use models as representations of the real world—developmental neuroscience uses a variety of animal models. (1.10)
Understandings:
  • The neural tube of embryonic chordates is formed by infolding of ectoderm followed by elongation of the tube.
  • Neurons are initially produced by differentiation in the neural tube.
  • Immature neurons migrate to a final location.
  • An axon grows from each immature neuron in response to chemical stimuli.
  • Some axons extend beyond the neural tube to reach other parts of the body.
  • A developing neuron forms multiple synapses.
  • Synapses that are not used do not persist.
  • Neural pruning involves the loss of unused neurons.
  • The plasticity of the nervous system allows it to change with experience.
Applications and skills:
  • Application: Incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube can cause spina bifida.
  • Application: Events such as strokes may promote reorganization of brain function.
  • Skill: Annotation of a diagram of embryonic tissues in Xenopus, used as an animal model, during neurulation.
Guidance:
  • Terminology relating to embryonic brain areas or nervous system divisions is not required.
 International-mindedness:
  • Cultural experiences, including the acquisition of a language, results in neural pruning.
Utilization:
  • Research into the growth of nerve tissue for regeneration of tissue for spinal cord injury patients is progressing.
Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
Biology
Topic 6.5 Neurons and synapses

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