Question

The deleterious effects of over-production and accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides on the target neurons include:

a. Increasing the amount of APP available to be processed.
b. Activating kinases to increase the phosphorylation of key proteins.
c. Suppressing the activity of brain immune cells so they produce less free radicals and less neurotrophic factors.
d. Promoting neuritic outgrowth leading to increased plasticity.
e. None of the above.

Answer 1

None of the options a-d accurately describe the effects of beta-amyloid peptide accumulation on neurons, which mainly lead to synaptic dysfunction and neuron damage, contributing to Alzheimer's disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The deleterious effects of over-production and accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides on target neurons do not include any of the listed options (a-d). Beta-amyloid peptides are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, where they contribute to the impairment of synaptic function and lead to neuronal death. Specifically, beta-amyloid peptides can cause excitotoxicity by impairing glutamate transporters and increasing NMDA receptor activity, which can lead to high intracellular calcium levels and subsequent cellular damage. This process also includes the internalization and loss of AMPA receptors at synapses, reduction in synaptic plasticity, and ultimately contributes to the cognitive deficits characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.