Question 1

The process whereby repeated, short stimuli provided to a hippocampal neuron have the effect of strengthening the synapse it makes with other neurons is specifically referred to as

Accepted Answer

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the process by which synaptic connections between neurons become stronger with frequent activation. This mechanism is thought to underlie learning and memory.

Question 2

The study of learning has been considerably advanced through studies of the California sea slug Aplysia. Which of the following is NOT a reason Aplysia is well suited to these studies?

Accepted Answer

All the choices provided are indeed reasons why Aplysia is well suited for studies of learning. Its simple nervous system, large neurons that allow for electrode insertion and dye injection, and the possibility to isolate proteins and mRNAs from these neurons, all contribute to its utility in neurological research.

Question 3

What behavior did Eric Kandel and his colleagues focus on in their studies of learning in Aplysia?

Accepted Answer

Eric Kandel and his colleagues focused on the gill-withdrawal reflex in Aplysia in their studies of learning. This simple behavior was chosen because it allowed them to study the underlying mechanisms of learning and memory in a relatively simple and accessible nervous system.

Question 4

Which of the following is true about short-term and long-term memory processes?

Accepted Answer

Short-term memory processes often involve changes in existing proteins and their interactions, often mediated by second messenger systems, while long-term memory formation requires the synthesis of new proteins to establish lasting synaptic changes.

Question 5

Which of the following imaging techniques detects differences in blood flow to particular regions through detection of differences in the relative proportions of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the technique that detects differences in blood flow to particular regions of the brain by measuring changes in the relative proportions of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, which is an indicator of neuronal activity.

Question 6

The development of Alzheimer's disease is associated with deposits of which of the following proteins?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid (β-amyloid) plaques in the brain, which is a hallmark of the condition.

Question 7

You would not expect a protein synthesis inhibitor to block learning processes in the relevant neurons of Aplysia or yourself.

Accepted Answer

Protein synthesis is crucial for the long-term potentiation and formation of memories, including learning processes in neurons of both Aplysia and humans. Blocking protein synthesis would impair these processes.

Question 8

Even single stimuli can activate protein kinase A in presynaptic neurons involved in the gill-withdrawal reflex in Aplysia.

Accepted Answer

Single stimuli can indeed activate protein kinase A (PKA) in presynaptic neurons involved in the gill-withdrawal reflex in Aplysia, which is part of the mechanism underlying short-term sensitization in this model of learning and memory.

Question 9

New neurons do not appear in the brain of adult vertebrate animals.

Accepted Answer

In adult vertebrates, including humans, new neurons can be generated in certain areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus, through a process known as neurogenesis.

Question 10

Meningitis is solely a bacterially caused disease.

Accepted Answer

Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and even non-infectious conditions such as certain drugs or injuries.

Quiz 42: Neuroscience Ii: Evolution and Function of the Brain and Nervous Systems