Biochemistry of Memory and Energy

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Questions and Answers

What are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by?

An increase in hormone levels

Selective dysfunction and loss of neural networks (correct)

A buildup of excess cortisol

Ongoing growth of glial cells

Which region of the brain is primarily responsible for processing fear and aggression?

Hippocampus

Cerebellum

Amygdala (correct)

Thalamus

What role does cortisol play in chronic stress?

Decreases mood and increases immune function

Balances blood sugar levels

Increases serotonin levels

Affects mood, memory, and immune function (correct)

Which chemical is considered the primary marker for monitoring blood sugar levels in diabetes?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

For which condition can plasma drug levels be used to predict treatment effectiveness?

Antidepressants Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of melatonin in the body?

Signals the body that it's time to sleep Signup and view all the answers

Which process specifically involves the addition of a methyl group to DNA?

DNA methylation Signup and view all the answers

What impact does addiction have on neurotransmitter regulation?

Disrupts dopamine levels in the reward system Signup and view all the answers

How does chronic alcohol use affect brain energy processing?

Disrupts the body's ability to process glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fats are essential for brain function and contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids?

Polyunsaturated fats Signup and view all the answers

What is epigenetics primarily concerned with?

Changes in gene expression without altering DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the main effects resulting from disrupted melatonin production?

Mood disorders and seasonal affective disorder Signup and view all the answers

What key role does cholesterol play in brain function?

Supports membrane fluidity and synaptogenesis Signup and view all the answers

Which substances are classified as natural compounds?

Antioxidants Signup and view all the answers

Which compound is a water-soluble antioxidant effective in the brain's aqueous environment?

Ascorbic acid Signup and view all the answers

What role does acetylcholine play in cognitive functions?

Improves attention and memory Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily produced in the gut?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with the gut-brain axis?

Obesity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of enzymes are specifically involved in breaking down proteins?

Proteolytic enzymes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of antioxidant enzymes?

Maintain redox balance Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is known for preparing the body for fight or flight responses?

Epinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What process refers to the long-lasting increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation of a synapse?

Long Term Potentiation Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is commonly referred to as the 'stress hormone'?

Cortisol Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed back into the presynaptic neuron?

Reuptake Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases is associated with insufficient and misfolded proteins?

Alzheimer's Disease Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary pattern is known to improve glucose metabolism and enhance cognitive function?

Mediterranean Diet Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of neurotransmitters within the nervous system?

To transmit messages from neurons to muscles Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme catalyzes the first step in glycolysis, trapping glucose in the cell?

Hexokinase Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by the adrenal glands not producing enough cortisol and aldosterone?

Addison's Disease Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

Explore the intricate connections between memory and energy metabolism in the brain. This quiz covers topics such as protein folding, long-term potentiation, and the biochemical processes behind neurotransmitter function. Delve into the impact of diet on cognitive function and disease.