Task 3 - Neural Learning Flashcards
Describe the process of Gene Translation / Transcription
- DNA Coils get unpacked and strains are separated
- Copies of DNA (RNA) are made (Transcription) and used as a building plan by proteins (Translation).
Proteins are basically…
…strands of amino acids
Neural Plasticity can have an effect at two locations:
Pre- and postsynaptic neuron
What is the general definition of LTP?
LTP -> Long Term Potentiation
- is a theoretical paradigm for neural plasticity. It describes electrochemical processes that lead to a strengthening of the synaptic connection.
Describe the process of early phase LTP
- Postsynaptic receptor is heavily excited
- Magnesium is expelled from NMDA channels (voltage gated part)
- Glutamate binds to the outside of the channel making it possible for Calcium to enter the cell. (Ligand-gated part)
- Calmodulin is released in the postsynaptic cell
- Protein Kinase C is activated which in turn activates a chain of processes, which in the end lead to new receptor cells being moved from the cell body to the membrane, resulting in higher sensitivity.
Describe some properties of early phase LTP
- It is temporary
- It uses existing proteins and doesn’t involve genomic responses
Describe the process of late phase LTP
- First steps are the same
- Calmodulin is released
- Calmodulin activates IEG’s (This process is called CREB)
- IEG’s produce other RNA’s and proteins (transcription factors)
- This activates late genes
- > New receptor cells are constructed
Name some properties of late phase LTP
- Less temporary
- Involves genetic changes and the formation of new proteins
When does the CREB process happen (time-wise)?
within one minute after neural coactivation
Neural changes can result in changes involving: (4 possibilities)
- Transmitters
- Interneuron Modulation
- Formation of a new synapse
- Rearrangement of synaptic input
What changes involving synaptic transmitters occur after LTP?
- more receptor cells are present leading to more sensitivity
- more neurotransmitter is released from axon terminal
- more efficient reuptake
Changes involving interneuron modulation:
- A second axon connects to the presynaptic terminal causing increased neurotransmitter release
What are more physically drastic effects of LTP?
- Changes in terms of formation of new synapses
- Rearrangement of synaptic input (Different axons connecting to different neurons, changing the path a signal takes in the brain.)
Why does Calmodulin play a role in maintaining the effects of LTP?
CaM Kinase are Calmodulin proteins.
These don’t go back to their initial state after the Calcium influx in the cell decreases. This is only achieved by specialized enzymes.
How does CaM Kinase effect AMPA receptors?
- It makes them more sensitive
- It promotes the movement of AMPA receptors from the cell body to the membrane
