BIO331 Exam 3 – 45 Questions | Synaptic Plasticity, LTP, Axon Guidance & Regeneration

This document is a focused exam preparation guide for BIO331 Exam 3, containing approximately 45 structured questions that comprehensively cover Chapters 7 and 9, with an integrated review of key concepts from Chapter 6. It is designed to support students in mastering synaptic plasticity, synapse formation and elimination, axon guidance, and neural regeneration through clearly organized, exam-style prompts that reflect typical university assessment formats. The content provides in-depth coverage of intrinsic (homosynaptic) and extrinsic (heterosynaptic) plasticity, including synaptic facilitation, synaptic depression, temporal summation, presynaptic inhibition and facilitation, and calcium-dependent mechanisms underlying short-term synaptic changes. Long-term potentiation (LTP) is explored in detail, with emphasis on experimental induction, NMDA versus AMPA receptor function, magnesium block removal, calcium signaling, and the molecular mechanisms that support learning and memory. The document also addresses neural development and repair, including growth cone dynamics, lamellipodia and filopodia function, guidepost cells, fasciculation, and the chemoaffinity hypothesis. Cell adhesion molecules such as CAMs, cadherins, integrins, laminin, and fibronectin are compared in the context of axon pathfinding and synaptic stabilization. In addition, the material explains peripheral versus central nervous system regeneration, the roles of Schwann cells, oligodendroglia, macrophages, and nerve growth factor (NGF), and why damage to the adult CNS is often irreversible. Emerging therapeutic approaches, including tissue transplants and stem cell strategies, are also discussed at a conceptual level. This resource is well suited for undergraduate students enrolled in Neurobiology, Cellular Neuroscience, Developmental Neuroscience, Human Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Biology, or Health Sciences programs. It is particularly valuable for students preparing for midterms, cumulative exams, or focused reviews on synaptic plasticity and neural regeneration, as well as for learners who prefer concise, mechanism-driven study materials aligned with university-level examinations. Keywords: synaptic plasticity, homosynaptic plasticity, heterosynaptic plasticity, synaptic facilitation, synaptic depression, presynaptic inhibition, long term potentiation, NMDA receptors, AMPA receptors, calcium signaling, axon guidance, growth cone, chemoaffinity hypothesis, cell adhesion molecules, neural regeneration, CNS vs PNS, nerve growth factor, BIO331 exam