Biochemistry of Memory and Energy

The Chemistry of Memory

• Memory is the ability of biological systems to store and retrieve information at the molecular level.
• Protein folding is the process by which a polypeptide chain acquires its three-dimensional structure from a linear sequence.
• Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a long-lasting increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation of a synapse.
• Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are examples of diseases caused by insufficient and misfolded proteins.

The Brain's Energy Currency

• Gluconeogenesis is the process of creating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.
• Glycolysis involves the production of ATP in the final step.
• Pyruvate kinase is essential for neurons to generate action potentials and release neurotransmitters.
• A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and whole grains improves glucose metabolism, reduces inflammation, and enhances cognitive function (Mediterranean Diet).

Neurotransmitters: The Body's Chemical Messengers

• An axon is a long, thin fiber that carries electrical signals away from the cell body.
• Neurotransmitters transmit messages from neurons to muscles.
• Reuptake is the process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed back into the presynaptic neuron.
• GABA is a natural chemical produced by the brain (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
• Serotonin is produced from tryptophan in foods like salmon, turkey, and tofu.

Stress and Cortisol

• Cortisol is the "stress hormone."
• Adrenaline and norepinephrine are hormones that are released along with cortisol.
• Cushing's syndrome is a condition characterized by long-term overproduction of cortisol unrelated to stress.

DNA, Genes, & Behavior

• DNA carries genetic information for an organism's development and functioning.
• Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence.
• DNA methylation is a process that involves adding a methyl group to DNA to suppress gene activity.
• Transgenerational epigenetics examines how chemical changes in gene expression are passed down to future generations.

Sleep, Dreams, and Biochemistry

• Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland and regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
• Acetylcholine promotes cortical arousal and desynchrony during REM sleep.
• Mood disorders can be associated with disrupted melatonin production.

The Biochemical Basis of Addiction

• Addiction is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive substance-seeking behavior despite harmful consequences.
• Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with the brain's reward system and is heavily impacted by drug use.
• Glucose is an energy source for the brain that can be disrupted by chronic alcohol use.
• Opioid use can disrupt mitochondrial function, decreasing energy for brain cells.
• Serotonin is linked to mood, cravings, and can be affected by drugs like ecstasy.

The Gut-Brain Connection

• The gut-brain axis is a communication network linking the gut and the brain.
• The gut produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA.

Antioxidants and Brain Health

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are unstable molecules that can cause damage to DNA, RNA, and proteins, and may cause cell death.
• Antioxidants counteract unstable molecules to prevent damage to DNA, cell membranes, other parts of cells.
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) scavenges ROS in the brain.

Enzymes and Neurodegenerative Diseases

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease affecting motor neurons.
• Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body.
• Proteolytic enzymes break down proteins.
• Antioxidants protect against oxidative damage to brain cells.

Role of Hormones in Aggression

• Steroid hormones are chemical compounds influencing behavior.
• Aggression is a wide array of behaviors and actions resulting in harm.
• Hormones coordinate bodily functions by carrying messages via blood.
• The amygdala is a brain region associated with processing emotions.

Biochemical Markers of Mental Health

• Chronic stress leads to increased cortisol, affecting mood, memory, and immune function.
• Cortisol and stress impact mental well-being.

Addiction and Substance Abuse

• Substance abuse is a major problem impacting various aspects of health.
• Glucose is a primary marker for diabetes, indicating blood sugar levels.
• BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and serotonin levels can be reduced in depression.
• Antidepressants are used to treat depression and related conditions.