Learning And Memory Prt.2

Question 1

What is the significance of the protein synthesis blocker in Larry Squire’s goldfish study?

Answer 1

It showed that memory cannot be retained if protein production is blocked after learning.

This indicates that forming long-term memory requires new proteins.

Question 2

What does the memory trace compare to in Larry Squire’s study?

Answer 2

Wet cement that must be ‘set’ using proteins to stabilize the memory.

Without these proteins, the learned information fades away.

Question 3

What is sensitization in the context of Eric Kandel’s Aplysia study?

Answer 3

A stronger response after repeated exposure to a stimulus.

In the study, repeated shocks to Aplysia led to a more pronounced gill withdrawal reflex.

Question 4

What structural changes occur in the brain during sensitization?

Answer 4

Neurons grow more branches and synapses, dendrites increase, and synapses get stronger.

This demonstrates that learning physically alters the brain’s structure.

Question 5

Why is the Aplysia study important for understanding neuroplasticity?

Answer 5

It provides proof that learning can change the brain’s structure, supporting the idea of neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to grow and adapt with use.

Question 6

What does the left diagram in the Aplysia model illustrate?

Answer 6

How touching the siphon causes gill withdrawal.

This visual representation helps understand the reflex response in Aplysia.

Question 7

What is the key takeaway regarding training duration and memory strength?

Answer 7

Short training results in short memory, while longer, repeated training leads to long-term memory.

This indicates that learning strengthens the neural circuits involved in behavior.

Question 8

What defines Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)?

Answer 8

A synapse becomes stronger and more responsive after repeated high-frequency stimulation.

LTP is crucial for memory formation.

Question 9

Where does Long-Term Potentiation primarily occur?

Answer 9

Mostly in the hippocampus, particularly between neurons in the CA3 to CA1 region.

This area is essential for memory processing.

Question 10

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in LTP?

Answer 10

Glutamate.

It is the major excitatory chemical in the brain.

Question 11

What are the two types of receptors involved in LTP?

Answer 11

• AMPA
• NMDA

AMPA allows Na⁺ ions in, while NMDA requires both glutamate and neuron activation to open.

Question 12

What is Long-Term Depression (LTD)?

Answer 12

A synapse becomes weaker after slow, low-frequency stimulation.

LTD serves to filter out unnecessary connections in the brain.

Question 13

What are some reasons the brain might induce Long-Term Depression?

Answer 13

• To filter out useless connections
• To allow new learning
• To refine motor skills or emotional responses

Question 14

What is memory consolidation?

Answer 14

The process of locking a memory into long-term storage.

This is crucial for retaining learned information over time.

Question 15

Define sensitization.

Answer 15

A stronger response after repeated stimulation.

This concept is central to understanding behavioral responses in learning.

Question 16

What is synaptic plasticity?

Answer 16

The ability of synapses to change strength with experience.

This phenomenon underlies learning and memory.

Question 17

What does increased activity in LTP lead to?

Answer 17

Stronger connections between neurons.

This enhances memory retention.

Question 18

What does decreased activity in LTD result in?

Answer 18

Weaker connections between neurons.

This process allows for the refinement of learned skills.

Question 19

What is Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)?

Answer 19

LTP = Long-Term Potentiation. It means a lasting strengthening of a synapse after repeated, strong use.

Question 20

Why is Long-Term Potentiation important?

Answer 20

LTP is one of the main ways the brain stores long-term memory. It shows that practice makes synapses stronger.

Question 21

Where does Long-Term Potentiation occur in the brain?

Answer 21

In many brain areas involved in memory, especially the hippocampus, specifically between CA3 and CA1 neurons.

Question 22

How does Long-Term Potentiation work?

Answer 22

1. Glutamate is released. 2. Glutamate binds to AMPA receptors → Na⁺ flows in → cell gets activated. 3. If the synapse is active enough, NMDA receptors open too → lets in Ca²⁺. 4. Ca²⁺ triggers enzymes like Ca/Calmodulin and Protein Kinase C (PKC). 5. These send signals back to the presynaptic neuron to strengthen the connection.

Question 23

What are the key terms related to Long-Term Potentiation?

Answer 23

• AMPA = fast-acting, opens with glutamate
• NMDA = only opens if the cell is already excited and glutamate is present
• Ca²⁺ = triggers long-term structural changes

Question 24

What happens inside the cell after Long-Term Potentiation begins?

Answer 24

Once Ca²⁺ enters through NMDA channels, it activates genes inside the postsynaptic cell, called ‘immediate early genes.’

Question 25

What is CREB?

Answer 25

CREB (cyclic AMP response element-binding protein) is a major immediate early gene that turns on other genes to make proteins to strengthen the neuron.

Question 26

Why is the activation of CREB important?

Answer 26

These proteins help build new receptors, grow new branches, and solidify the synapse, making the memory long-term and physically stable.

Question 27

What does LTP trigger in terms of gene expression?

Answer 27

LTP triggers gene expression → new proteins are made → memory consolidation happens.

Question 28

Can experience change brain structure?

Answer 28

Yes, the environment can reshape your brain.

Question 29

What types of experiences help form stronger neural connections?

Answer 29

* Learning * Stimulation (like solving puzzles, exploring, studying)

Question 30

Who was Ramon y Cajal?

Answer 30

He was the first to propose that memory formation involves physical changes in brain structure and discovered dendritic spines.

Question 31

What are dendritic spines?

Answer 31

Dendritic spines are small branches on neurons that help form synaptic connections.

Question 32

How do dendritic spines relate to learning potential?

Answer 32

More spines = more synapses = more learning potential.

Question 33

What happens to dendritic spines when you practice a skill or learn something?

Answer 33

Your neurons grow more spines, which help form and strengthen new connections with other neurons.

Question 34

What was the focus of the Eyeblink Conditioning Study by Leuner et al. (2003)?

Answer 34

The study trained rats with a classical conditioning task: eyeblink reflex (associative learning).

Question 35

What did the researchers measure in the Eyeblink Conditioning Study?

Answer 35

They checked the density of dendritic spines in a part of the hippocampus called CA1.

Question 36

What were the findings of the Eyeblink Conditioning Study?

Answer 36

The trained group had more dendritic spines than the control group.

Question 37

What does an increase in dendritic spines indicate?

Answer 37

Associative learning increases the number of dendritic spines, meaning learning physically changes the brain.

Question 38

What is neuroplasticity?

Answer 38

The brain’s ability to change its structure and function through experience.

Question 39

Fill in the blank: LTP is a long-lasting increase in _______ after high-frequency stimulation.

Answer 39

synaptic strength

Question 40

True or False: NMDA receptors allow Ca²⁺ in only when the cell is active.

Answer 40

True

Question 41

What role do dendritic spines play in synaptic input?

Answer 41

They are the main sites where neurons receive signals.

Question 42

What can alter dendritic spines?

Answer 42

Experience ## Footnote The brain's physical response to life and learning experiences affects dendritic spine growth.

Question 43

What happens to dendritic spines in a stimulating environment?

Answer 43

They grow more ## Footnote More dendritic spines lead to increased synapses and better memory.

Question 44

What was the experimental setup for studying dendritic spines in rats?

Answer 44

Three conditions: * Standard conditions * Standard + exercise * Enriched environment ## Footnote Each condition varied in stimulation and activity levels.

Question 45

What is an enriched environment?

Answer 45

One that provides more stimulation, including: * Social interaction * Physical activity * Cognitive challenges * Novelty and exploration ## Footnote Enriched environments significantly enhance learning and memory.

Question 46

How do enriched environments affect learning?

Answer 46

They speed up learning and improve memory ## Footnote Enriched environments promote the growth of new dendritic spines, increasing learning potential.

Question 47

What is synaptic plasticity?

Answer 47

Changes in synaptic strength ## Footnote Synaptic plasticity is essential for learning and memory.

Question 48

What processes are involved in synaptic plasticity?

Answer 48

Involves: * Modifying synaptic transmission * Converting activity into chemical signals * Activating genes that make proteins * Building new structures ## Footnote These processes contribute to neuroplasticity.

Question 49

What is neuroplasticity?

Answer 49

The brain's ability to change its structure and function ## Footnote Neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt based on experiences.

Question 50

What continues into adulthood that aids memory and learning?

Answer 50

Neurogenesis ## Footnote Neurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons, which supports cognitive functions.

Question 51

Fill in the blank: Dendritic spines grow in response to _______.

Answer 51

experience

Question 52

True or False: Exercise alone can enhance dendritic spine growth.

Answer 52

False ## Footnote Exercise combined with an enriched environment is necessary for significant growth.