Memory and Cellular Control Processes
J. S. GRIFFITH
Abstract
The possible physical basis of memory is discussed, mainly in relation to our
present knowledge of the biochemical organization of cells. Various matters are
considered, which include the question of the relevance of estimates of memory
capacity, the significance of attempts to transfer learning between animals, and
the experimental evidence about the effect on memory of compounds which interfere with protein or RNA synthesis. - An account is given of the possible nature
of the regulatory controls responsible for the formation and maintenance of
differentiation in the nervous system. This is based upon the views of MONOD
and JACOB, as they might apply to neurons, and it is shown that long-term memory
might be dependent upon similar controls.
1. Introduction
I shall discuss various aspects of the problem of the physical basis of
memory in man and other animals, mainly in relation to our present knowledge and hypotheses about the nature of the genetic regulatory mechanisms
in cells. I believe that at the present time this is the best way to arrive at
clear-cut suggestions for memory mechanisms which have, then, some
hope of experimental test. Furthermore, a great deal of current experimental
work is already producing results whose interpretation is best attempted
in these terms. I conclude by showing that presentday ideas about
differentiation [7, 42, 44] lead to a possible simple hypothesis about the
nature of memory.
2. Survey of Various Relevant Topics
a) Types of Memory Theory
The material basis of "long-term" memory might be anything between
two rather extreme limits, one of which can be described simply at the
macroscopic cellular level and the other at the molecular level. An example
of the first kind is the circulating impulse theory, in which memory is
based upon continuing trains of action potentials moving endlessly around
closed circuits of neurons. This mechanism was first suggested by FORBES
[25] as a basis for spinal reflex afterdischarge. It is not now thought likely
J. S. GRIFFITH
Abstract
The possible physical basis of memory is discussed, mainly in relation to our
present knowledge of the biochemical organization of cells. Various matters are
considered, which include the question of the relevance of estimates of memory
capacity, the significance of attempts to transfer learning between animals, and
the experimental evidence about the effect on memory of compounds which interfere with protein or RNA synthesis. - An account is given of the possible nature
of the regulatory controls responsible for the formation and maintenance of
differentiation in the nervous system. This is based upon the views of MONOD
and JACOB, as they might apply to neurons, and it is shown that long-term memory
might be dependent upon similar controls.
1. Introduction
I shall discuss various aspects of the problem of the physical basis of
memory in man and other animals, mainly in relation to our present knowledge and hypotheses about the nature of the genetic regulatory mechanisms
in cells. I believe that at the present time this is the best way to arrive at
clear-cut suggestions for memory mechanisms which have, then, some
hope of experimental test. Furthermore, a great deal of current experimental
work is already producing results whose interpretation is best attempted
in these terms. I conclude by showing that presentday ideas about
differentiation [7, 42, 44] lead to a possible simple hypothesis about the
nature of memory.
2. Survey of Various Relevant Topics
a) Types of Memory Theory
The material basis of "long-term" memory might be anything between
two rather extreme limits, one of which can be described simply at the
macroscopic cellular level and the other at the molecular level. An example
of the first kind is the circulating impulse theory, in which memory is
based upon continuing trains of action potentials moving endlessly around
closed circuits of neurons. This mechanism was first suggested by FORBES
[25] as a basis for spinal reflex afterdischarge. It is not now thought likely