Question

In synaptic plasticity, what specific biological process is mimicked by algorithms to strengthen the connection between two neurons that fire in synchrony?

Accepted Answer

The biological process mimicked by these algorithms is Long-Term Potentiation, often summarized by the phrase neurons that fire together, wire together. In the brain, synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of synapses, which are the tiny gaps where neurons communicate, to change their strength over time based on activity. Long-Term Potentiation is a persistent increase in synaptic strength that occurs when a presynaptic neuron, the sender, repeatedly and consistently stimulates a postsynaptic neuron, the receiver, to fire an action potential. An action potential is an electrical impulse that travels down a neuron. When these two neurons fire in synchrony, specific receptors in the postsynaptic membrane, particularly the NMDA receptors, become activated and allow calcium ions to flow into the cell. This influx of calcium triggers chemical signaling pathways that result in the insertion of more AMPA receptors into the postsynaptic membrane. Because AMPA receptors are responsible for responding to neurotransmitters sent by the presynaptic neuron, having more of them makes the postsynaptic neuron much more sensitive and responsive to future signals from that same sender. This strengthened connection makes it more likely that the presynaptic neuron will successfully trigger the postsynaptic neuron in the future, effectively reinforcing the biological pathway associated with that specific pattern of activity.

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In synaptic plasticity, what specific biological process is mimicked by algorithms to strengthen the connection between two neurons that fire in synchrony?