The Chemistry of Memory

Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components

Nerons

Neurons, commonly called nerve cells or “brain cells”, are found throughout the brain along with nearly 100 billion others! They send signals across the brain and body (mainly muscles), telling them what to do. These cells are constantly at work in our bodies, but eventually they die and are never replaced.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters, also located in the brain, are different sorts of chemical communicators. They keep one’s body in full orbit from a person’s mood to the beating of their heart. The level of a neurotransmitter’s effects can be tugged at by poor dietary consumption, alcohol use, and even stress!

Chemistry's Role

Neurons are nerve cells, or “brain cells” found in the brain. They send electro-chemical signals throughout the nervous system and brain. Producing a specific voltage, neurons create brain waves, connecting to other neurons to form neural nets. In the gap between the cells, or the synaptic cleft; neurotransmitters are transferred from cell to cell, opening up pathways/ “channels”. This allows charged particles, like calcium, to be received throughout the neural net.

The increase in the synaptic communication, or Long Term Potentiation ( LTP), is the process credited for allowing our brain to learn and acquire memories. Once the enzyme (CaMKII) is activated (by the calcium) it triggers a memory switch, causing it to stay active, even when the calcium is no longer present. The switch allows the enzyme to operate on its own at a constant rate, providing non-stop activity for the brain. Different sorts of neurotransmitters are responsible for the storing and revisiting of memories, along with a wide range of other assorted actions. Nerve cells and neurotransmitters use a chemical signal to resignate throughout the body, telling it what to do, even storing memories!

Background Research

• Neurogenesis is the conception of neuron cells at birth.
• The brain, primarily made up of fat, is coated with a fatty layer, conducting the neurotransmitters.
• The proteins we consume break down into amino acids, creating the brain’s ability to focus.
• The majority of the chemicals in our brains are passed down from parents to offspring.
• For instance, if one’s parents have atrocious memory, then their kids have a good chance of also having inconsistent memory!

Resources

http://www.human-memory.net/intro_what.html

The processes of memory

What is memory?

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/anatomy/brain/Neuron.shtml

Neuron basics

Where are they formed?

What do they do?

http://psychology.about.com/od/biopsychology/f/neuron01.htm

What is a Neuron?

Are primarily working with the body’s muscles and brain activity.

Nearly 100 billion

https://www.neurogistics.com/TheScience/WhatareNeurotransmi09CE.asp

What are neurotransmitters?

Types of neurotransmitters

http://www.human-memory.net/brain_neurons.html

Transmission of neurotransmitters

Electro-chemical signals

Synaptic clefts

Neural nets

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130328125226.htm

Long Term Potentiation

Calcium activates “Ca2+ responsive kinase” (CaMKII)

Molecular memory switch

http://www.neurogistics.com/conditions/memoryfocus.asp

Majority of Background information found here.

Neurogenesis

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