Which one of the following is NOT a function of the glial cells in the brain?
Which one of the following is NOT a function of the glial cells in the brain?
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
Axonal transport of neurotransmitter vesicles:Neurotransmitter-containing vesicles are synthesised in the neuronal cell body (soma) and must be transported to the nerve terminal (axon terminus) along the axon, which can be up to 1 metre long in humans.Transport mechanism:• Anterograde (soma → terminal): performed by KINESIN motor proteins moving along microtubules (+ end-directed).• Retrograde (terminal → soma): performed by DYNEIN motor proteins.Key point: This transport occurs WITHIN the neuron itself via its own cytoskeletal machinery — it is NOT performed by glial cells. Glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells) provide support functions (myelination, metabolic support, ionic balance) but do NOT transport neurotransmitters within neurons.Answer: Axonal transport is done by kinesin motor proteins along microtubules within the neuron.