Neurodevelopment - Axon Guidance
Professor David Van Vactor describes how axons grow during neurodevelopment.
Axons navigate across long distances to reach their targets in the nervous system very much like a driver navigating to a distant destination without having ever seen the terrain. They express a defined set of receptor molecules that essentially give them a way of reading road signs along the way to their targets, but they rely upon these signposts along the way in order to make those decisions and choose the correct path.
axon, growth, guidance, neurodevelopment, development, receptor, molecules, david, van, vactor
- ID: 1064
- Source: DNALC.G2C
- Download: Theora Video Windows Media Video MPEG 4 Video
Related Content
1065. Growth Cones (1)
Professor David Van Vactor explains how growth cones guide axons during neurodevelopment.
1066. Growth Cones (2)
Professor David Van Vactor discusses how growth cones read molecular 'signposts,' which help axons find the correct path.
1067. Growth Cones (3)
Professor David Van Vactor discusses what happens during neurodevelopment when an axon reaches its final destination.
1263. What are Model Systems? (2)
Professor David Van Vactor explains that model systems are simple organisms that allow us to study and manipulate gene function and development.
1069. Receptor Molecules
Professor David Van Vactor describes the role of receptor molecules, which receive signals from outside the cell, passing the signal to the inside.
1062. What are Model Systems? (1)
Professor David Van Vactor provides a simple explanation for why researchers work with model systems (model organisms).
1063. Drosophila as a Model System
Professor David Van Vactor discusses the properties that make the fruit fly (drosophila) a powerful model system.
1068. The Cytoskeleton
Professor David Van Vactor describes the structure of the cytoskeleton, which acts as a scaffold for the cell.
1228. Neurodevelopment and Experience
Professor Pat Levitt likens the brain to a rosebush, where the developing nervous system needs pruning and maintenance to function optimally.
1018. Pathways, At the cell surface
In this section learn that a signaling pathway begins with the arrival of a chemical signal – such as a hormone or growth factor – at the cell surface.