Introduction Memory is a chemical process in the brain used to store different thoughts, ideas, and occurrences of the past. I chose to find the chemistry of memory because my memories are very important to me. If we didn’t have any memories whatsoever, then we would all be worse off than Dory in Finding Nemo! Composition of ...
Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components
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
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 About the Author |