Lecture 4: Neural plasticity

Question 1

What are GPCRs able to control?

Answer 1

the level of gene expression of channel-linked receptors -> increase / decrease excitability of the cell

Question 2

What does synaptic connectivity determine? How is the NS wired?

Answer 2

synaptic connectivity determines the pattern of activity in the NS but this is not a static wiring -> a crucial aspect of neuronal connectivity is that it can change: it is plastic

Question 3

What depends on the amount of neurotransmitter released?

Answer 3

short-term changes in the size of the effect a synapse will have on the post-synaptic neuron

Question 4

How long do changes in synaptic efficacy last?

Answer 4

some changes are short-term, while other changes last much longer (minutes, hours, days, years etc.)

Question 5

What do changes in synaptic efficacy involve?

Answer 5

activities of molecular signaling pathways in the post-synaptic neuron that affect various intracellular processes, from short-term changes in protein function to long-term changes in gene expression

Question 6

What must the cells of the nervous system do?

Answer 6

as well as transmission of signals, the cells of the nervous system must also integrate, process and store information

Question 7

What are the points of control over information transmission?

Answer 7

the connections between neurons, the synapses

Question 8

What is a fundamental feature of neuronal connectivity?

Answer 8

massive convergence and divergence -> neurons receive thousands of synaptic inputs and make hundreds or thousands of synaptic contacts with other neurons

Question 9

How does the synapse change after the neuron is stimulated at high frequency?

Answer 9

becomes stronger -> doesn’t affect every neuron on the post-synaptic neuron, only the one that was stimulated

Question 10

What causes a long-term potentiation?

Answer 10

more open ion channels

Question 11

What plays a major role in maintaining long-term potentiation?

Answer 11

protein synthesis