Question

The single-cell recording technique that might be used if a researcher wanted to:

a) Study brain activity using functional MRI
b) Record electrical activity from a specific neuron
c) Measure blood flow in the brain
d) Observe brain structure using a PET scan

Answer 1

Single-cell electrophysiological recording is used to record activity from specific neurons, fMRI to study brain activity and measure blood flow, and PET scans to observe brain structure and function with less detail.

Step-by-step explanation:

The single-cell recording technique used to record electrical activity from a specific neuron is single-cell electrophysiological recording. This method involves inserting a microelectrode into a single neuron to study its electrical activity. For studying brain activity using functional MRI, researchers use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which tracks changes in blood flow and oxygen levels to create a detailed map of brain activity. To measure blood flow in the brain, fMRI or PET scans can be utilized, with fMRI providing more detailed images of the brain's structure and activity. PET scans, requiring the introduction of a radioactive tracer, are used to observe brain structure and function but are less detailed and expose the brain to radiation.