01:119:115 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Long-Term Potentiation, Neuroplasticity, Signal Transduction
30 Oct 2018
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Lecture 1
Memory and Learning (SECTION 49.4)
• I. Memory and Learning
o SEQ process of learning
o CC types of memory (STM & LTM)
o SEQ long term potentiation
• II. Organization of Workshop
o CC, SEQ workshop procedures
• I. Memory and Learning
o A. Neural development
▪ Nervous systems consist of circuits of neurons and supporting cells
o Developmental processes
▪ Overall structure of NS established during development
▪ Involves gene expression and signal transduction
o B. Neuronal plasticity
▪ Ability of nervous system to change after birth
▪ Brain is dynamic=can be remodeled
▪ Most changes happen at synapses: junction bw neurons where they
communicate
▪ Constantly changing = activity dependent
o Memory: use it or lose it
▪ High activity = many connections and stronger
▪ Low activity = lose connections (pulled back) energy used for something
else
▪ Multiple active synapses = strengthen signal of all of them
o C. Memory
▪ Anatomical / physiological event occurring at synapses
▪ Dependent on neuronal plasticity and activity
▪ Two types
• Short term memory: info stored for a short time, released if
irrelevant or not used
• Long term memory: when info needs to be retained when
needed, retrieved into STM in order to use it
▪ Memory is not learning
• Learning: use of knowledge/experiences (memory) to decrease
likelihood of negative outcome
• One does better because of learning
o D. Long term potentiation
▪ Lasting increase in the strength of synaptic transmission –physiological
changes
▪ Facilitates memory and retrieval
▪ Activity dependent
