Memory Mechanisms and Long-Term Potentiation

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to mechanisms of memory, including the roles of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), synaptic plasticity, and the underlying biological processes that facilitate learning and memory.

Long Term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation of a synapse.

Long Term Depression (LTD)

A long-lasting decrease in synaptic strength following low-frequency stimulation of a synapse.

Synaptic Tagging and Capture

A mechanism that explains how weakly stimulated synapses can capture the benefits of strong stimulation, allowing for long-term memory formation.

NMDA Receptor

A type of glutamate receptor that plays a key role in synaptic plasticity and memory function.

Sliding Modification Threshold

A theoretical curve that adjusts the threshold for triggering LTP or LTD based on prior synaptic activity.

Phosphorylation

The process of adding a phosphate group to a protein or molecule, which can alter its function and activity.

Single Trial Learning

A type of learning where an organism learns something after only one experience or interaction.

Protein Kinase M zeta (PKMζ)

A protein that plays a role in maintaining long-term potentiation and is essential for long-term memory.

Calcium ions (Ca²⁺)

An important signaling molecule in cellular processes including the activation of pathways that lead to LTP.

Metaplasticity

The plasticity of synapses, which refers to the ability of synaptic strength to be modified depending on the history of activity.

Hippocampus

A brain region involved in memory formation and storage, particularly associated with long-term memories.

CA1 and CA3 regions

Areas of the hippocampus crucial for the development of LTP and memory processes.

Plasticity

The ability of the brain's synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to increases or decreases in activity.

CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein)

A transcription factor that regulates gene expression and is critical for long-term memory formation.

Learning Curve

A graphical representation of the rate of learning versus time, illustrating improvements in performance with experience.

Aplysia

A genus of sea slugs used as a model organism in studies of the cellular basis of learning and memory.

Implicit vs. Explicit Memory

Implicit memory is unconscious and involves skills and procedures, while explicit memory involves conscious recollection of facts and events.

Associative Learning

A learning process in which a new response becomes associated with a particular stimulus.

Procedural Memory

A type of implicit memory related to the performance of particular types of actions.

Declarative Memory

A type of explicit memory concerning factual information and experiences.