BIO SCI 38 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Eric Kandel, Synaptic Plasticity, Aplysia
11 Jan 2020
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Lecture: study the molecular and synaptic basis of memory. How can we study the molecular and synaptic basis of memory. Due to the complexity of brains it was initially impossible to study synaptic changes after learning directly. Also, any learning event utilizes a subset of neurons, and only some of the synapses on those neurons ( needle in a haystack ). Instead, scientists took one of two reductionist approaches to study synaptic plasticity. Simple system approach: use of invertebrate systems with simple nervous systems. Long-term potentiation in the hippocampus: use of mammalian species. The use of simple invertebrate animal models to understand neural plasticity and including rabbits, rats, and mice. Common behaviors used: habituation, sensitization, classical conditioning. Different model organisms offer different advantages / limitations. The gill withdrawal reflex of aplysia californica. Starting in 1962, he performed pioneering studies into the molecular and synaptic mechanisms of simple memory using. Aplysia have large, easily identified neurons and simple neural circuits.
