How Neurons Communicate: An Introduction to Neurotransmission and Action Potential (from PDB-101)

The billions of neurons in our nervous system are constantly communicating. The signals they send to each other are responsible for our thoughts, sensations, and actions. Learn how ions, ion channels, receptors, and neurotransmitters work together to enable the neuronal signaling process.

Learn more about neuronal signaling from PDB-101:

Story:
Ethan Cartagena (Spring 2022 RCSB PDB Intern)


Story Support:
David Goodsell (RCSB PDB), Maria Voigt, (RCSB PDB)


Animation and Video Editing:
Maria Voigt


Narration:
Ethan Cartagena


Models of the Na+/K+-ATPase Intermediate States:
William Hanson (Rutgers IQB Ph.D. Student)

[Tieritta]

Im losing my mind at this animation. This is probably the best study tool I have access to. Thank you!

[hydromic]

Isn’t it crazy how something so simple and small can do such amazing things.

[JL-cyks]

10/10, best high level description + animation out there

[LordavemarkAugusto]

most close to realism animation in terms of visuals. Thank you for this. really helped visualized what I read from the textbook

[sleeplessdev]

I've always wondered, how quickly do these reactions happen? For these proteins to be responsible for thoughts and muscle contractions, which seem to happen practically instantaneously from my perspective, how quick are these ions moved across the cell membrane? It's hard to wrap my mind around the scale - both in terms of how small each individual component is, and how vast their total number in even a single cell, let alone my entire body.

[dianasanchez]

Incredible video. The brain, a perfect creation of God.

[ondinearrow]

That was great, very understandable. Ty

[Zeldafan]

Amazing to think this happens thousands of times a second

[nusiya.]

I didn't understand shit about this in school. This video helped me a lot. thanks man :>

[jiangxu]

These magic and beautiful protein bots are the proof that we are robots on another level.

[bili]

Can you do full Krebs cycle or b oxydation ?

[HominidPetro]

How was the animation made? Using YASARA?

[BrainConduit]

And somehow, all this chemical and electrical activity is supposed to create consciousness, awareness, emotions, and memory?