Episodes
Friday Nov 30, 2012
Episode 38: Neurons and Synapses
Friday Nov 30, 2012
Friday Nov 30, 2012
A discussion of the neuron, the fundamental cell of the brain and the nervous system, including an overview of its morphology and physiology. I also discuss the generation and propagation of action potentials, including the role of graded potentials, voltage-dependant ion channels, and myelination. The episode concludes with an overview of synapses and the important role of neurotransmitters.
Friday Nov 23, 2012
Episode 37: Oxidation and Reduction
Friday Nov 23, 2012
Friday Nov 23, 2012
An overview of oxidation, reduction, and redox reactions, including a discussion of the definitions of these basic concepts, and an explanation of how they relate to oxidation number and electronegativity. We then apply these concepts to several common examples of redox reactions, including combustion, rust, batteries, fuel cells, and respiration.