MOUSE PARTY
In this activity you will analyze several lab mice that have been exposed to a variety of drugs.
Each drug affects different neurotransmitters at the synapse in different ways. You will record
your findings in the provide data table.
Pre-Activity: Look up the following terms and define them in your own words!
Neurotransmitter:
Synapse:
Procedure:
Go to: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/
Click Play and then follow the online directions to evaluate each mouse.
DRUG
NEUROTRANSMITTER(S)
INVOLVED
ACTION OF DRUG
Heroin
Ecstasy
Marijuana
Methamphetamine
Alcohol
Cocaine
LSD
Analysis Questions:
1.
2.
3.
List three points in the neurotransmission pathway that can be affected by drugs of abuse.
How are the mechanisms of different drugs of abuse alike? How are they different?
Do you think that findings from studies of drugs and the brain functions of mice can be
applied to humans?
Sources: http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/lsps07.sci.life.gen.mouseparty/
Worksheet adapted from:
Genetic Science Learning Center (2009, March 30) Mouse Party. Learn.Genetics. Retrieved March 30, 2009, from
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/drugs/mouse.html