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Memory beyond the synapse

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2005

STEVEN P.R. ROSE
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK

Abstract

Based on studies of the molecular and cellular cascades that occur during memory consolidation for a one-trial passive-avoidance learning task in the young chick, I review the evidence that memory is encoded in permanent changes in synaptic connectivity in a specific brain region, the Hebb hypothesis. I conclude that despite the fact that such a cascade occurs, culminating in the synthesis of cell-adhesion molecules that are involved in synaptic remodelling, synaptic events are not in themselves sufficient to account for the phenomena of memory. Both whole brain (neuromodulator) and whole body (hormonal) processes are engaged. Memories are labile, disarticulated and stored in a distributed manner; how the mind/brain recreates coherent memories from this pattern is a mystery.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2005

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