Synaptic Plasticity Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is synaptic plasticity?
Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity.
True or False: Synaptic plasticity is essential for learning and memory.
True
Fill in the blank: The two main types of synaptic plasticity are _____ and _____ plasticity.
long-term, short-term
What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a lasting increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation of a synapse.
What is long-term depression (LTD)?
Long-term depression (LTD) is a lasting decrease in synaptic strength following low-frequency stimulation of a synapse.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a mechanism involved in LTP? A) Calcium influx B) Sodium efflux C) Potassium influx
A) Calcium influx
What role do NMDA receptors play in synaptic plasticity?
NMDA receptors are critical for the induction of LTP as they allow calcium ions to enter the postsynaptic neuron when activated.
True or False: Synaptic plasticity can occur in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses.
True
What is the significance of the ‘Hebbian rule’ in synaptic plasticity?
The Hebbian rule states that ‘cells that fire together, wire together,’ meaning that simultaneous activation of cells strengthens their synaptic connection.
Fill in the blank: The process of converting short-term memory into long-term memory is called _____ consolidation.
memory
What is the role of protein synthesis in synaptic plasticity?
Protein synthesis is necessary for the maintenance and consolidation of LTP and LTD.
Multiple choice: Which molecule is often associated with the signaling cascade in LTP? A) cAMP B) cGMP C) IP3
A) cAMP
What is synaptic scaling?
Synaptic scaling is a homeostatic mechanism that adjusts the strength of all of a neuron’s synapses up or down to stabilize overall activity.
True or False: Synaptic plasticity can occur in the absence of neuronal activity.
False
What is the difference between homosynaptic and heterosynaptic plasticity?
Homosynaptic plasticity refers to changes in synaptic strength at a specific synapse, while heterosynaptic plasticity involves changes at synapses that are not active.
Fill in the blank: The discovery of _____ was pivotal in understanding the cellular mechanisms of LTP.
LTP in the hippocampus
What are AMPA receptors?
AMPA receptors are ionotropic receptors that mediate fast synaptic transmission in the central nervous system and are involved in LTP.
Multiple choice: What is a common experimental model used to study synaptic plasticity? A) Hippocampus B) Cerebellum C) Brainstem
A) Hippocampus
What is the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in synaptic plasticity?
BDNF promotes the survival of neurons and is involved in the modulation of synaptic plasticity.
True or False: Aging has no effect on synaptic plasticity.
False
What is the significance of the critical period in synaptic plasticity?
The critical period is a time window during development when synaptic plasticity is particularly strong and is essential for normal brain development.
Fill in the blank: _____ is a form of synaptic plasticity that can be observed in sensory systems.
Experience-dependent plasticity
What is the relationship between synaptic plasticity and neurological disorders?
Alterations in synaptic plasticity are implicated in various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and depression.
Multiple choice: Which type of synaptic plasticity is thought to underlie learning and memory? A) Short-term potentiation B) Long-term potentiation C) Short-term depression
B) Long-term potentiation
