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Learning in Planaria: A Comparative Study of Conditional Learning based on Monopolar Orientation to Electrodes

This study explores conditional learning in planaria based on orientation to specific electrodes, using classical conditioning techniques. Results show a significant increase in conditioned response expression when planaria are oriented towards the anode, supporting previous research. The findings offer insights for designing improved protocols in future experiments on learning and memory mechanisms in planaria.

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Learning in Planaria: A Comparative Study of Conditional Learning based on Monopolar Orientation to Electrodes

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  1. A Worm to Remember A Comparison of Conditional Learning in Planaria Based on Monopolar Orientation to a Specific Electrode Emily Yuan Under the direction of Michael Levin, Ph.D Debbie Sorocco, RA I The Forsyth Institute September 11, 2002

  2. The planarian is the simplest living animal whose body-plan exhibits bilateral symmetry and cephalization. The ratio of the brain weight to body weight is similar to that of a rat! system Introduction Why Use Planaria to Study Learning and Memory Mechanisms? Planaria Anatomy Regeneration bilateral symmetry

  3. 1. Classical Conditioning 2. Induced Fission push button light source 6V battery electrodes 3. Regeneration 4. Retest and Compare Head vs. Tail Heads or Tails? Comparison of Anterior/Posterior Memory Retention After Regeneration

  4. Methodology Classical Conditioning Technique: - Conditioned Stimulus (CS) = light - Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) = shock - Conditioned Response(CR) = longitudinal body contraction - Trial = 2 sec of CS followed by 1 sec of UCS - Successful trial = CR expression before onset of UCS

  5. Electrode Specific Experiment A switch controlled direction of current, allowed either electrode to be anode or cathode, depending on planaria orientation. • N = 12 Dugesia dorotocephala • - 6 facing anode during trial • - 6 facing cathode during trial

  6. Results Preliminary experiment (no control over anterior orientation): 68% of total CR expression occurred when anterior was oriented toward anode

  7. Results (continued) _ _ + + _ + Comparison of changes in mean frequency of CR expression over fourteen sets of 25-trials for anode and cathode oriented planaria. (p<<0.01) _ +

  8. Conclusion Significant increase of CR expression when planaria were oriented toward the anode Supports published data that: - planaria can learn - orientation in electrical field influences rate of learning Future Research: These results provide information to design more effective protocols for future classical conditioning experiments

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