
Concept explainers
In the human ear, how do different hair cells respond to different frequencies of sound?
a. Waves of pressure move through the fluid in the cochlea.
b. Hair cells are “sandwiched” between membranes.
c. Receptor proteins in the stereocilia of each hair cell are different; each protein responds to a certain range of frequencies.
d. Because the basilar membrane varies in stiffness, it vibrates in certain places in response to certain frequencies.

Introduction:
The human ear apart from performing the function of hearing is also responsible for the maintenance of balance in the body. The hair cells present in the ear run through the basilar membrane.
Answer to Problem 1TYK
Correct answer:
The difference in the stiffness of the basilar membrane and its vibration at some places is caused in response to certain frequencies. Hearing refers to the sensation generated by the wavelike alterations in the air pressure known as sound.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation/Justification for the correct answer:
Option (d) is given as the stiffness variation of the basilar membrane and the vibration of hair cells in response to certain frequencies. The hair cells forming the rows within the middle chamber are pierced in a tissue, which is deposited on the basilar membrane. Some portions of the basilar membrane vibrate in response to specific frequencies and this causes the bending of the hair cell stereocilia. The hair cells present in the particular region on the membrane respond to the sound of a particular frequency. Hence, Option (d) is correct.
Explanation for incorrect answers:
Option (a) is given as the movement of the waves of pressure in the cochlea through the fluid. Hearing refers to the sensation generated by the wavelike alterations in the air pressure known as sound. The sound is composed of waves of pressure in the water or air. However, it does not describe the response of the hair cells. So, it is a wrong answer.
Option (b) is given that the hair cells are sandwiched between the membranes. The hair cells are embedded in the tissue that sits atop the basilar membrane. In addition to this, the hair cells touch another small surface known as a tectorial membrane. This results in the formation of the sandwich. However, it does not describe the response of the hair cells. So, it is a wrong answer.
Option (c) is given as the generation of the response by the proteins present in the stereocilia to a certain range of frequencies only. However, it is not the mechanism of response generation by the hair cells in order to aid hearing. So, it is a wrong answer.
Hence, options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect.
Thus, the hair cells, which are present in the basilar membrane, generate response to different frequencies as a result of variation in the stiffness of the basilar membrane. Furthermore, the vibration occurs only in response to certain frequencies.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 44 Solutions
Biological Science (6th Edition)
- The following table is from Kumar et. al. Highly Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor (DR) Antagonists and Partial Agonists Based on Eticlopride and the D3R Crystal Structure: New Leads for Opioid Dependence Treatment. J. Med Chem 2016.arrow_forwardThe following figure is from Caterina et al. The capsaicin receptor: a heat activated ion channel in the pain pathway. Nature, 1997. Black boxes indicate capsaicin, white circles indicate resinferatoxin. You are a chef in a fancy new science-themed restaurant. You have a recipe that calls for 1 teaspoon of resinferatoxin, but you feel uncomfortable serving foods with "toxins" in them. How much capsaicin could you substitute instead?arrow_forwardWhat protein is necessary for packaging acetylcholine into synaptic vesicles?arrow_forward
- 1. Match each vocabulary term to its best descriptor A. affinity B. efficacy C. inert D. mimic E. how drugs move through body F. how drugs bind Kd Bmax Agonist Antagonist Pharmacokinetics Pharmacodynamicsarrow_forward50 mg dose of a drug is given orally to a patient. The bioavailability of the drug is 0.2. What is the volume of distribution of the drug if the plasma concentration is 1 mg/L? Be sure to provide units.arrow_forwardDetermine Kd and Bmax from the following Scatchard plot. Make sure to include units.arrow_forward
- Choose a catecholamine neurotransmitter and describe/draw the components of the synapse important for its signaling including synthesis, packaging into vesicles, receptors, transporters/degradative enzymes. Describe 2 drugs that can act on this system.arrow_forwardThe following figure is from Caterina et al. The capsaicin receptor: a heat activated ion channel in the pain pathway. Nature, 1997. Black boxes indicate capsaicin, white circles indicate resinferatoxin. a) Which has a higher potency? b) Which is has a higher efficacy? c) What is the approximate Kd of capsaicin in uM? (you can round to the nearest power of 10)arrow_forwardWhat is the rate-limiting-step for serotonin synthesis?arrow_forward
- Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...BiologyISBN:9781305073951Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Human Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage LearningHuman Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...BiologyISBN:9781285866932Author:Lauralee SherwoodPublisher:Cengage Learning




