How does
our memory work?- The
tripartite model of memory
Exam
period is coming and most of you must be trying hard to understand and memorize
the knowledge taught in each courses. Talking about memory, do you know how
does it work?
A
tripartite mechanism is being proposed, it is involved of three components.
1) Neuron
The building unit of our
neural system.
2) nECM
Neural extracellular
matrix (nECM). It is a
collection of
extracellular molecules encasing the
neuron.
3) Trace
metal
Trace metal are metals that can be
present in
animal and plant cells
and tissue and are a
necessary part of nutrition and
physiology. (E.g.
iron, zinc etc.)
This
mechanism is similar to a computer system, each [nECM:metal] complex work as a cognitive unit of
information (cuinfo) like the ¡¥bit¡¦ of
computer.
Tagging [nECM:metal]
complex
As
nECM are rich in primary and secondary hydroxyl group
(OH) that could be oxidized into carbonyl group (C=O). Tagging can also be done
by acetylation, phosphorylation, sulfation, and
methylation. This tagged cuinfo could
help classify the stored cognitive information and accelerate recall.
Long-term memory
The cuinfo formed is not stable enough for long-term storage,
so cross-linkage is formed in the [nECM:metal]
complex. The cross-linkage stabilize the complex and suitable for long-term
storage.
Reference:
1.
Marx, G., & Gilon, C. (2013). The
Molecular Basis of Memory. Part 2: Chemistry of the Tripartite Mechanism. ACS
Chemical Neuroscience, 4(6), 983.