gen bio- lecture 1: memory and learning

lecture 1 key things to remember

neurons

excitable cells that transmit signals

synapse

junction where a neuron sends a chemical signal to another cell

process of learning/memory making (5 steps)

1. nerve impulse/electrical impulse

2. presynaptic terminal/presynaptic neuron

3. neurotransmitter

4. ion channel with receptor site @ synaptic cleft/synapse

5. postsynaptic neuron

** creates physical change in the brain to form new connections

neuronal development (when does it occur)

occurs before birth

gene expression is…

HOW dna is used

signal transduction is…

WHEN expression of a gene occurs

neuronal plasticity

• “nerve cell remodeling”

• modifying connections throughout life based on EXPERIENCES

connection between activity @ synapse and memory

amount of activity @ synapse tells brain what is important —> retention

memory

• “storage”

• process where data/info is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed

learning

• “application”

• use of memory to reduce the likelihood of a negative outcome

sensory memory

what you experience (5 senses)

short term/working memory

• what you are aware of NOW

• held for a short amount of time

• 7 ± 2 items (5-9 items)

long term memory

• permanent connections in brain

• unlimited storage

methods of getting things into long term memory (6 ways)

1. repeating info

2. chunking: associating things in chunks

3. mnemonic devices

4. self-referencing/connecting

5. teaching it

6. spacing out information

encoding

translating info from outside into something our brain understands

retrieval

bring stored memory from LTM to STM

long term potentiation

• a PROCESS not a type of memory

• persistent strengthening of the synapse based on your activities

• creates PHYSICAL change in brain and long lasting increase in signaling between neurons

figure for this process