Question

In a short essay (100–150 words), describe how the structure and electrical properties of vertebrate neurons reflect similarities and differences with other animal cells.

Short answer

Neurons of vertebrates are complex as compared to other animals such as invertebrate animals. Neurons of vertebrates consist of the myelin sheath, a complex shape, while an invertebrate possesses a simple shape and working. Both transmit information with the help of neurotransmitters.

Step-by-step solution

Type of organisms

The organisms are classified into two types that are vertebrates and invertebrates. Theformer consists of a backbone inside their body, whereas the latter does not contain a backbone inside their body.

Some examples of vertebrates are fishes, amphibians, and mammals. Examples of invertebrates are worms and jellyfish. Invertebrates contain either soft or hard body coverings. They both contain neurons in their body.

Similarity between vertebrate and invertebrate neurons

Both vertebrates and invertebrates transmit information in the body to generate the response. Both of them contain neurons in their body to transmit signals. Both use acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter to transmit the signals through them.

Difference between vertebrate and invertebrate neurons.

The neurons of vertebrate organisms contain outer protective covering called a myelin sheath. The invertebrate does not possess a myelin sheath around the neuron. There is no proper structure for input and output signals in invertebrate neurons.

Vertebrate neurons possess dendrites for input signals and axons for output the signals