Failure of an Embryonic Neuron to Establish a Synaptic Connection

Question

Failure of an embryonic neuron to establish a synaptic connection to another cell
A)converts that neuron to an ependymal cell.
B)causes the neuron to migrate to another part of the brain.
C)converts that neuron to a glial cell.
D)leads to Alzheimer's disease.
E)results in the programmed cell death of that neuron.

Accepted Answer

Failure of an embryonic neuron to establish a synaptic connection to another cell leads to the programmed cell death of that neuron. This process, called apoptosis, is a normal part of neural development, as it helps to refine and shape the connections between neurons. However, if too many neurons undergo apoptosis, it can contribute to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.