Aplysia
From Health Encyclopedia
Contents |
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Used for
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See for
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Broader Terms
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Related Terms
alternatives to animals in research, aquatic organism
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Scope Note
genus of motile gastropods with a poorly developed or missing shell; used in neurobiology studies because it possesses a simple nervous system with large, individually identifiable neurons.
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Facts (generated by robot; please edit if you find it inaccurate)
- Motor neuronal function in old Aplysia is improved by long-term stimulation of the siphon/gill reflex.
- An autonomous kinase generated during long-term facilitation in Aplysia is related to the Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase C Apl II.
- Aplysia is as good an example as any of the very heterogeneous opisthobranchs.
- Without known specialized predators and an effective ink defense against the occasional generalist, Aplysia is a sluggish snail with a limited behavioral repertoire.
- Also known as the sea hare, Aplysia is a common preparation used in neurobiology labs; it's a good sized beastie with the interesting defense mechanism of spewing out clouds of mucusy slime and purple ink when agitated.
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