Exam- BIPN 152- Lecture 5 Synaptic Plasticity, Learning
and Memory (Qs & As)
How are NMDA receptors blocked? Correct Answer-Mg2+ block them UNLESS THE
MEMBRANE IS DEPOLARIZED (which then causes Mg2+ to pop out of its binding site to the
receptor)
What ions are NMDA receptors permeable to? Correct Answer-Ca2+, Na+, K+
What is synaptic/neural plasticity? Correct Answer-Long-lasting changes to the brain
throughout an individual's life
What does neural plasticity account for? Correct Answer-Learning and memory, cortical
remapping after brain damage, changes in behavior/emotions/abilities throughout life
How does neural plasticity result? Correct Answer-From interactions between genes and
the environment (i.e. NATURE VS. NURTURE)
What are the key features that a learning mechanism must exhibit? Correct Answer-1. The
memory system must be LONG-LASTING/ENDURING
2. The memory must be ELICITED BY BRIEF EVENTS
, Exam- BIPN 152- Lecture 5 Synaptic Plasticity, Learning
and Memory (Qs & As)
3. There must be SYNAPSE SPECIFICITY in the neurons that are involved in storing/processing
information
4. There must be ASSOCIATIVITY (i.e. the systems must be able to associate two or more
different events)
What are the two types of learning memory? Correct Answer-Declarative memory,
procedural memory
What is declarative memory? Correct Answer-Memory for facts/events
What is procedural memory? Correct Answer-Memory for skills, habits, motor responses
What are the two types of procedural memory? Correct Answer-Non-associative learning,
associative learning
What is non-associative learning? Correct Answer-A change in a behavioral response that
OCCURS OVER TIME
and Memory (Qs & As)
How are NMDA receptors blocked? Correct Answer-Mg2+ block them UNLESS THE
MEMBRANE IS DEPOLARIZED (which then causes Mg2+ to pop out of its binding site to the
receptor)
What ions are NMDA receptors permeable to? Correct Answer-Ca2+, Na+, K+
What is synaptic/neural plasticity? Correct Answer-Long-lasting changes to the brain
throughout an individual's life
What does neural plasticity account for? Correct Answer-Learning and memory, cortical
remapping after brain damage, changes in behavior/emotions/abilities throughout life
How does neural plasticity result? Correct Answer-From interactions between genes and
the environment (i.e. NATURE VS. NURTURE)
What are the key features that a learning mechanism must exhibit? Correct Answer-1. The
memory system must be LONG-LASTING/ENDURING
2. The memory must be ELICITED BY BRIEF EVENTS
, Exam- BIPN 152- Lecture 5 Synaptic Plasticity, Learning
and Memory (Qs & As)
3. There must be SYNAPSE SPECIFICITY in the neurons that are involved in storing/processing
information
4. There must be ASSOCIATIVITY (i.e. the systems must be able to associate two or more
different events)
What are the two types of learning memory? Correct Answer-Declarative memory,
procedural memory
What is declarative memory? Correct Answer-Memory for facts/events
What is procedural memory? Correct Answer-Memory for skills, habits, motor responses
What are the two types of procedural memory? Correct Answer-Non-associative learning,
associative learning
What is non-associative learning? Correct Answer-A change in a behavioral response that
OCCURS OVER TIME
