Odor-Sensing Neuron (IMAGE)
Caption
Top: An odor-sensing neuron (named AWC and shown in green) in the head of the worm was unexpectedly found to respond to salt in the environment. Bottom: Higher magnification images of this neuron before (left) and during (right) salt presentation. The neuron expresses a calcium indicator that causes the neuron to light up (indicated by the white and warmer colors) when it is active; the salt exposure significantly lit up this neuron, which revealed the complexity of the worm's sensory system.
Credit
Courtesy of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
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