Interactive Demo
Optogenetics & Action Potential Simulator
Optogenetics & Action Potential Simulator is a free, interactive learning demo from the Introductory Biology course on Lykke. It helps you build intuition for Action Potentials, Ion Channels, Synaptic Transmission, Neurotransmitters. Play with it directly in your browser — it features 2 sliders, 4 buttons, direct drag interaction and a live visual canvas. Try shining the blue light to trigger an action potential. This demo lives in the “Neurobiology and Optogenetics” section of the course.
How to use this demo
- Try shining the blue light to trigger an action potential.
- Drag the sliders to change the inputs and watch the visualization update in real time.
- Click and drag directly on the canvas to manipulate the scene.
- Use the “Inject Current”, “Blue Light (ChR2)”, “Yellow Light (NpHR)”, “Reset” buttons to trigger actions or reset the demo.
- Experiment freely — there's nothing to break, and every change is reversible.
What you'll explore
- Action Potentials
- Ion Channels
- Synaptic Transmission
- Neurotransmitters
- Optogenetics
Frequently asked questions
What does the Optogenetics & Action Potential Simulator demo do?
The physiology of neurons, action potentials, and modern tools for studying brain circuits. Optogenetics & Action Potential Simulator turns that idea into something you can manipulate directly and watch respond.
What Introductory Biology concept does Optogenetics & Action Potential Simulator teach?
The physiology of neurons, action potentials, and modern tools for studying brain circuits. It focuses on Action Potentials, Ion Channels, Synaptic Transmission, Neurotransmitters, Optogenetics from the “Neurobiology and Optogenetics” section.
What can I control in Optogenetics & Action Potential Simulator?
The sliders change the key inputs; you can drag elements directly on the canvas; the “Inject Current”, “Blue Light (ChR2)”, “Yellow Light (NpHR)”, “Reset” buttons run actions or reset the demo. Every change updates the visualization in real time, so you can see exactly how each variable affects the outcome.
How does Optogenetics & Action Potential Simulator fit into the Introductory Biology course?
7.016 Introductory Biology provides a comprehensive exploration of the molecular and cellular foundations of life, integrating biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. The course emphasizes the structure and regul… This demo is the interactive piece for the “Neurobiology and Optogenetics” section. Open the full Introductory Biology course wiki at https://www.getlykke.com/explore/public/introductory-biology-b36950be-aafa-4e22-9bdc-b291f812acc8 for notes, flashcards, quizzes and the other demos.
What will I understand better after using Optogenetics & Action Potential Simulator?
You'll build intuition for Action Potentials, Ion Channels, Synaptic Transmission, Neurotransmitters, Optogenetics — and, crucially, see how they behave when you change the inputs, which is hard to get from a textbook or lecture on Introductory Biology alone.
From the Introductory Biology course
This interactive demo is part of the Neurobiology and Optogenetics section. Explore the full Introductory Biology course wiki on Lykke — with notes, flashcards, quizzes and more interactive demos.
Open the Introductory Biology course →