Assignment 1 Lab Report

The authors created the Accelerated Sensor of Action Potentials 1 (ASAP 1) using a green fluorescent protein source on the extracellular side of the plasma membrane to highlight the membrane potential changes as demonstrated by the fluctuation in the fluorescent brightness. Neuronal action potentials generated are monitored up to 200 Hz in frequency using this device. The general purpose of this experiment was to further understand information processing in the brain and how brain activity is affected by electrical activity between neurons. A genetically modified indicator of this kind can provide a real time account of how the chemical signals are being received by the membrane and translated into action potentials during depolarization. Advancements in this field of representing membrane potential changes could lead to improved treatment for a variety of disorders affecting brain tissue and regulating electrical impulses between neurons. ASAP 1 can capture changes fluorescent brightness on a rapid basis with readings only milliseconds apart which can accurately represent the relay …show more content…
The kinetics can be captured at a quick rate of change in fluorescence in order to verify accuracy when compared to real time voltage change. The waveforms generated mimic potential changes distinctly whereas ArcLight lacks the specificity. ASAP 1 can be localized to one specific area, on the membrane to gain the most exact reading in that location where the depolarization and hyperpolarization occurs. The data in figures one through four support these claims. I agree with the author’s claims that ASAP 1 is a viable choice for experimentation of this nature because Figures one through four support the speed of data capture, dynamic range of reporting, large florescent volume, and real time results that give a clear indication of voltage