Understanding how cell semaphorins and plexins interact
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 - 10:00
in Biology & Nature
Axons are the communication channels of the body. Up to a metre in length, they connect parts of the body to the brain, carrying signals from muscles, organs and tissues. As the central nervous system develops these axons must follow very precise paths through the body. The route that they take is guided by proteins, which signal paths that the axon should and shouldnt take. A group of proteins called semaphorins are known to be responsible for directing axons away from inappropriate areas.