Cell Memory?

Question

Does anyone here believe in the possibility of "cell memory"? If so .... why?

Answer 1

Yes. One of the most clear examples is in the nervous system. In response to an action potential, a neuron releases neurotransmitters at each synapse (where one neuron connects to another chemically) with some probability. If the presynaptic cell is given a tetanus (many action potentials in series), then it has been experimentally shown that this is "remembered" at the synapse by increasing the post-synaptic evoked potential. This can be remembered up to 3 hours in the short term, or long-term potentiation has been shown to last up to weeks by changing protein expression.

Some of the short-term mechanisms include recruitment of additional receptors to the presynaptic density, phosphorylating ion channels to inactivate them, sequestering Ca2+ inside the bouton, etc.

Search for: LTP (Long-Term Potentiation), LTD (Long-Term Depression), habituation, sensitization, STDP (Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity)

Answer 2

I don't think that memory in a cell is the same as you may describe it in your mind. It is said that the nucleus of the cell is the "brain" of the operation but you react differently to chemical responses that the hypothalamus provides your body. Dopamine is a good example of such. When something makes you happy, your body produces levels of dopamine that allow for you to "remember" that the situation made you happy. it can be theorized that the nucleus, having control over the entire cell can offer some control over proteins that are produced in any given situation the cell happen to fall into. That being stated, I think its more along the lines of cells will produce chemicals or proteins that are specified for whatever situation that could arise or has already occurred in the cell's lifespan.

Answer 3

Memory is possible as long as you can store at least 2 states and keep the bits (cells) in order. I assume that it's possible to have more than one state of a cell. I'm not sure which attribute you can change though. Perhaps somebody else will be able to help answer this part.

Answer 4

of course. chromosomes transcribe info constantly. the whole DNA idea is like traces of memories. even our children have mixtures of cellular memories.

I am only human, and I have no education, yet I can confidently say yes even though I have no Idea what I'm talking about.

would you like me to say. oh no. its really in gods hands, because I can't and won't

I saw this
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3955719.stm