ATAR Notes: Forum
VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Psychology => Topic started by: Oliver_123 on October 23, 2012, 07:56:13 pm
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Explain the role of glutamate in learning?
Could someone please give me an answer to this that is relatively simple and clear. I know what is involved just finding it tricky to write a solid answer
thanks
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The role of glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, in learning is that is involved in the long-term modifications at the synapse which occurs when information is learnt or a memory is formed. When the presynpatic neuron releases glutamate, it changes the structure of the synapse, making the post-synpatic neuron more sensitive to future firings. This is a process involved in long-term potentiation, which improves the efficiency and effectiveness of communication between neurons, and hence, learning.
... or something like that :)
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Thanks but what about its role with dopamine and NDMA receptors and promoting dentritic spikes and what not?
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I doubt that would be necessary knowledge, and unless it was like, a 3 or 4 mark question, I wouldn't bother too much about it, but glutamate acts on two types of receptors, AMPA which makes post-synaptic neuron more likely to fire and NMDA, which is what causes the long-term modifications I mentioned earlier. The increased glutamate also stimulates dopamine production which results in proliferation of new dendritic spines, which makes the post-synpatic neuron more sensitive to future firings, and ultimately makes communication between neurons easier.
Really hoping this makes sense :P
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I believe the release of Glutamate helps in long-term potentiation when received by the NMDA receptor. However the AMPA receptors for Glutamate stimulate the firing of the post-synaptic neuron. The release of glutamate leads to release of dopamine to, which leads to the growth of dendritic spines in the neurons, for additional pathways to be made.
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wow I was a tad late......that's embarrassing lol
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I have this in my notes:
Glutamate is the primary (abundant) excitatory neuron (more likely to stimulate nerve impulse in another neuron; ie make it more likely to fire)
In conjunction with NMDA plays a key role in enabling LTP to occur (strengthens connections between neurons, enabling more efficient/effective transmission of information; and enables humans to learn)