How Neurons Communicate

Explain how neurons communicate.  Include a description of the action potential and how the action potential is converted into a chemical signal that is received by the postsynaptic neuron. The paper should be 400- 500 words (~ 1 double-spaced, APA formatted page).  Refer to the attached document for the grading rubric. Unit 7 Neuron Rubric Unit 7 Neuron Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Describes the changes in membrane potential during an action potential. 2.0 pts Accurately describes the changes in membrane potential during an action potential. 1.2 pts Inaccurately describes the changes in membrane potential during an action potential 0.0 pts Does not describes the changes in membrane potential during an action potential 2.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Describes the role of ions and ion channels during potential during an action potential 2.0 pts Accurately identifies and describes the role of ions and ion channels during potential during an action potential 1.2 pts Identifies the ions and ion channels that play a role during an action potential, but does not accurately describe their role or sequence of opening and closing. 0.0 pts Does not identify which ions play a role during an action potential 2.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Describes action potential is converted into chemical signal 2.0 pts Accurately describes the process by which an action potential is converted into chemical signal (i.e. identifies the ions/ion channel that plays a role, identifies where this occurs, identifies the name of the chemical messenger) 1.2 pts Indicates where in a neuron that an action potential is converted into chemical signal 0.0 pts Does not indicate that an action potential is converted into chemical signal 2.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Describes how chemical signal is received by postsynaptic neuron. 2.0 pts Accurately describes how a chemical signal is received by postsynaptic neuron (e.g. indicates which molecule binds to the chemical messenger and what this does) 1.2 pts In accurately describes how a chemical signal is received by postsynaptic neuron. 0.0 pts Does not indicate how a chemical signal is received by postsynaptic neuron. 2.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Grammar, spelling, and formatting 2.0 pts The essay does NOT follow the APA format guidelines or contains more than six grammatical errors or misspellings. 1.2 pts The essay follows the APA format guidelines but contains three to six grammatical errors or misspellings. 0.0 pts The essay follows the APA format guidelines and contains no more than three grammatical errors or misspellings. 2.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Clear and professional writing 2.0 pts Writing is clear, professional, and well-organized. Essay is can be easily followed and uses effective transitions between sentences 1.2 pts Writing is organized and can be followed, The essay contains effective transitions between sentences 0.0 pts Writing is not well-organized or cannot be easily followed or understood. Uses choppy or rambling sentences. 2.0 pts Total Points: 12.0