How come electricity is so important in life?

Question

jamesj · Answer

lectricty is the means by which brain cells communicate with each other, as well as nerve cells transmit signals.  If somehow we call turn electricity off, every animal with a brain and nervous system on the planet would be paralyzed and unable to think or take any action.

anonymous · Answer

Because it's a form of energy we are familiar enough with to convert to many different forms. Economics, the study of how we make decisions and deal with scarcity, is directly related to how efficiently we can make use and convert the materials around us.

It so happens that we can make relatively efficient conversions using electricity... to, say, light. Or mechanical energy. This efficiency allows us to better use the materials around us, to deal with the issue of scarcity.

anonymous · Answer

How come brain cells need electricity?

anonymous · Answer

To transmit information. Our consciousness, our ability to rationalize, to feel sad, happy, or angry--all of this is our brain telling us what to do. Our brain, being a machine that obeys the laws of physics, cannot know everything at once, and therefore needs to relay information to other parts of the brain.

This information is transmitted in terms of impulses along the axons (and neurochemicals in the synapses). The impulses are generated by electricity being created along a sodium-potassium gradient. The impulses then move for the release of neurochemicals.

anonymous · Answer

Lol your typeing in scientific definition that i don't understand. :(

jamesj · Answer

In short, without electricity and potential differences in the neurons of your brain, they couldn't communicate with each other and you would effectively be brain dead.  Which is as good as dead.

anonymous · Answer

Ooooo i get it.

anonymous · Answer

Alright, let me explain a bit better.

Our brain is a collection of neurons, or brain cells. Each brain cell is its own little machine. However, for us to have emotions, or to think and reason, the entire brain has to work together. So how does the brain work together? By every neuron coordinating with each other.

The coordination is done by communication generated through electricity.