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Question

Adult neurons rely heavily on which of the following?
A. Glucose
B. Protein
C. Potassium
D. Sodium
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is
A only

Adult Neuron Energy Reliance

Adult neurons have a very high and continuous energy demand to maintain their resting potential, synthesize neurotransmitters, and perform other vital functions. This energy is primarily supplied in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Glucose as the Primary Energy Source

  • Glucose is the principal fuel source for adult neurons. Neurons metabolize glucose through cellular respiration to generate the vast majority of the ATP required for their operation. Unlike many other cells, neurons have limited energy reserves and depend heavily on a constant supply of glucose from the bloodstream.

Role of Other Options

  • Protein (B): Proteins are essential for building and repairing cellular structures and synthesizing enzymes and neurotransmitters, but they are not the primary *energy source* for neurons.
  • Potassium (C) and Sodium (D): These ions are critical for neuronal function, particularly in generating electrical signals like action potentials via the sodium-potassium pump. However, maintaining the concentration gradients for these ions actually *consumes* ATP, rather than providing energy itself.

Therefore, adult neurons rely heavily on glucose as their main energy substrate.

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Important Questions from Nervous system

  1. Which one of the following synaptic vesicle proteins is involved in tethering of the vesicle to the cytoskeletal system in the nerve terminus?

  2. In the nervous system, the action potential is generated at the axon hillock in physiological conditions and it is conducted to the terminal end of axon. The location specific origin of action potential and its direction-specific conduction are explained by a researcher in the following proposed statements:

    A. The membrane of axon hillock has highest threshold for the generation of action potential

    B. The membrane of axon hillock contains large numbers of voltage-gated Na+ channels and that makes it more excitable

    C. The propagating action potential in the middle of the axon cannot generate another action potential in the direction of cell body since a large fraction of voltage-gated Na+ channels in the preceding portion is voltage inactivated

    D. As the number of voltage-gated Na+ channels is less in the preceding portion of axonal membrane, the propagating action potential in the middle of the axon cannot generate another action potential in the direction of cell body.

    Which one of the following combinations represents both correct explanations?

  3. Which one of the following is NOT released by sympathetic preganglionic neurons?

  4. The time taken by synaptic vesicles to travel from the soma of a motor neuron in the spinal cord to its neuromuscular junction in a person’s foot by fast axon transport is about‐

  5. The release of which neurotransmitter from the rods of retina is reduced when light strikes its outer segment?

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