Researchers discovered ovoid cells, a novel neuron type in the hippocampus of mammals. Their egg-shaped structure is essential for object recognition memory and long-term memory formation. Dysfunction may contribute to disorders like Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and ASD, offering significant promise for targeted treatments and remarkably improved understanding of memory-related conditions.
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Researchers have discovered a new type of neuron called Ovoid Cells, which are crucial for recognition memory and long-term memory formation.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have discovered a new type of neuron called ovoid cells in the hippocampus of mice, humans, and other mammals.
These cells play a critical role in object recognition memory, allowing the brain to differentiate between new and familiar objects and form long-term memories.
It could revolutionize treatments for memory-related disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) .
Ovoid cells are located in the hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with memory and spatial navigation.
These cells are characterized by their distinct egg-like shape, which gives them their name.
They activate when encountering new objects, triggering a process that stores these objects in memory for recognition over extended periods, potentially months or years.
The researchers identified ovoid cells through their unique gene expression and neural circuitry, distinguishing them from other neurons.
These cells are essential for object recognition memory, influencing survival and daily functioning by helping organisms determine whether an object is familiar or new.
Dysregulation of ovoid cells may contribute to symptoms in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and epilepsy.
Researchers are investigating how changes in ovoid cell activity might lead to memory-related symptoms in brain disorders.
Understanding the function of ovoid cells could aid in developing treatments targeting memory impairments in these conditions.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following is not a feature of ovoid cells? A) Egg-shaped morphology B) Found in plant parenchyma C) Central vacuole in animal cells D) Spherical nucleus Answer: C Explanation: Ovoid cells are characterized by their egg-shaped morphology (A) and a spherical nucleus (D). Plant parenchyma cells (B) are a type of plant cell that can exhibit various shapes, including ovoid. Central vacuoles are large, membrane-bound sacs mainly found in plant cells, not animal cells. Animal cells may have vacuoles, but they are smaller and not centrally located. Therefore, the presence of a central vacuole in animal cells is not a feature of ovoid cells. |
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