Describe how the NMDA type of glutamate receptor is the physiological mechanism of forming associative memories.
NMDA receptor channel plays an important role in synaptic plasticity and synapse formation underlying memory, learning and formation of neural network during development in the central nervous system. Overreactivating of the receptor causes excessive influx of Ca++ can lead to excitotoxicity which is implied to be involved in some neurodegenerative disorders.
Explanation: glutamate and glycine (or D-serine) bind to it, and when activated it allows positively charged ions to flow through the cell membrane. The NMDA receptor is very important for controlling synaptic plasticity and memory function. The NMDAR is a specific type of ionotropic glutamate receptor.
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