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A Model of Information Carried over a Neuron Soma

Lemont B Kier¹, Lowell H Hall²

¹Life Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. lbkier@vcu.edu.

Chemistry & Biodiversity

|February 17, 2016

Summary

Cellular automata models reveal water wires formed by amino acid side chains on neuron membranes. These pathways facilitate proton hopping, transmitting neural information across the soma.

Area of Science:

Computational neuroscience
Biophysics
Molecular modeling

Background:

Neuron soma membranes are crucial for signal transmission.
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of information transfer is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

To model amino acid side chain interactions on neuron soma membranes.
To investigate the role of hydropathic influences on water molecules.
To identify potential pathways for information transfer.

Main Methods:

Development of cellular automata models.
Simulation of amino acid side chain behavior.
Analysis of water molecule interactions and pathway formation.

Main Results:

Identification of specific pathways, termed 'water wires'.
Demonstration of water wires facilitating proton hopping across the soma.
Correlation between hydropathic influences and pathway existence.

Conclusions:

Water wires represent a novel mechanism for neural information transmission.
Proton hopping through these pathways may carry signals from dendrites to the axon hillock.
Cellular automata models provide valuable insights into neuronal biophysics.

Keywords:

Cellular automata models Neuron information Proton hopping Soma pathways

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