Cell, Molecular and Microbiology Illustrations

Synaptic Vesicles

Synaptic vesicles store neurotransmitters, that when released propagate nerve impulses between nerve cells.
This illustration shows two adjacent nerve cells and synaptic vesicles within the axon terminal of the top nerve cell. The synaptic vesicles are linked by the proteins alphasynuclein and synaptobrevin and form a complex at the presyunaptic membrane. Some of the vesicles shown are docked to the presynaptic membrane by the SNARE complex.

In a recent study, Stanford investigators have exposed the possible function of alphasynuclein in a healthy brain. Alphasynuclein has been strongly implicated in Parkinson's disease.

Created for
Stanford University, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Brunger Lab (Stanford, CA)

Decoding the Fetal Genome

Scientists at Stanford University developed a new technology that allows sequencing the entire genome of a fetus from a pregnant woman’s blood sample what enables to scan for a whole array of potential defects.

Created for
Stanford University, Department of Bioengineering (Stanford, CA)

Sperms

This editorial illustration is a combination of sperm cells and a DNA amplification chip (background) in a landscape like arrangement. Scientists sequenced the entire genetic code of individual human sperm cells. The technique used could be helpful for understanding male reproductive disorders.

Created for

Stanford University, Department of Bioengineering (Stanford, CA)