Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the relationship between tau proteins and brain damage?
A
Increased levels of tau proteins enhance synaptic plasticity, reducing the risk of brain damage.
B
Tau proteins function as enzymes that repair damaged DNA in brain cells.
C
Tau proteins are responsible for transmitting electrical signals between neurons, preventing brain damage.
D
Abnormal accumulation of tau proteins leads to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which are associated with neuronal damage in the brain.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding what tau proteins are. Tau proteins are microtubule-associated proteins that help stabilize microtubules in neurons, which are essential for maintaining the structure and function of the cell.
Step 2: Learn about the abnormal accumulation of tau proteins. When tau proteins become hyperphosphorylated, they lose their ability to stabilize microtubules and instead aggregate into insoluble clumps called neurofibrillary tangles.
Step 3: Explore the consequences of neurofibrillary tangles. These tangles disrupt the normal functioning of neurons, leading to impaired communication between brain cells and eventually neuronal death.
Step 4: Connect the formation of neurofibrillary tangles to brain damage. The accumulation of these tangles is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, where they contribute to cognitive decline and brain damage.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of the relationship is: Abnormal accumulation of tau proteins leads to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which are associated with neuronal damage in the brain.