IB Biology C2.2: Neural signalling (first exams in 2025)

This PowerPoint contains everything you need to teach the Theme/Unit C2.2 Neural signalling in the new IB Biology specification.

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This Powerpoint consists of over 100 slides and contains the followings:

All the information the IB have included in the new spec.

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C2.2.1: Describe the structure of a neuron having a cell body with elongated nerve fibres of varying length projecting from it.
C2.2.2: Describe the axon as a long single fibre helping in the conduction of electrical impulse and dendrites as multiple shorter fibres receiving and processing incoming signals.
C2.2.3: Describe how energy from ATP drives sodium ions into the membrane causing depolarisation.
C2.2.4: Explain the concept of membrane polarisation and membrane potential.
C2.2.5: Explain the reasons for resting potential being negative.
C2.2.6: Compare the speed in myelinated and non-myelinated fibres.
C2.2.7: Explain the role of synapsis in communication between neurons.
C2.2.8: Compare and contrast the mechanisms of neurotransmitter release in different types of synapses.
C2.2.9: Analyse the factors that affect the magnitude and duration of excitatory postsynaptic potentials.
C2.2.10: Describe the process of depolarisation and repolarisation during an action potential.
C2.2.11: Evaluate the importance of action potential propagation in neural communication and information processing.
C2.2.12: Explain the concept of an oscilloscope and its use in measuring neural activity.
C2.2.13: Interpret and analyse oscilloscope traces of resting potentials and action potentials.
C2.2.14: Describe the process of saltatory conduction in myelinated fibres.
C2.2.15:Compare and contrast the speed and efficiency of action potential propagation in myelinated and unmyelinated fibres.
C2.2.16: Describe the effects of exogenous chemicals on synaptic transmission, including drugs and toxins.
C2.2.17: Analyse the factors that affect the magnitude and duration of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials.
C2.2.18: Understand that multiple presynaptic neurons interact with all-or-nothing consequences in terms of postsynaptic depolarisation.
C2.2.19:Understand that nerve endings have channels for positively charged ions, which open in response to a stimulus such as high temperature, acid or certain chemicals such as capsaicin in chilli peppers.
C2.2.20:Explain that the entry of positively charged ions causes the threshold potential to be reached and propagation of nerve impulses.
C2.2.21:Explain that consciousness is another example of the consequences of interaction.