Learning and Memory in the Nematode <span class='italic'>Caenorhabditis elegans</span>

Alex J. Yu; Catharine H. Rankin

doi:10.1017/9781108768450.004

1 - Learning and Memory in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

from Part I - Evolution of Learning Processes

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 May 2022

Alex J. Yu and

Edited by

Karen L. Hollis and

Mark A. Krause: Affiliation:
Southern Oregon University
Karen L. Hollis: Affiliation:
Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts
Mauricio R. Papini: Affiliation:
Texas Christian University

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Summary

Caenorhabditis elegans is a microscopic, free-living nematode species that has been studied as a model organism for learning and memory. With a nervous system consisting of 302 neurons, its accessible anatomy accommodates an incredible capacity to support a wide range of behaviors to navigate in its surroundings. In this chapter, we review both the classic and cutting-edge studies on learning and memory in C. elegans. These findings illustrate that learning allows C. elegans to adaptively adjust its behaviors to the environment as a result of experiences and plays a key role in promoting the organism’s fitness. Learning and memory in simple organisms like C. elegans is mediated by complex neural and molecular mechanisms. Mechanisms of learning and memory elucidated from C. elegans studies show convergence onto the learning mechanisms discovered in other species, suggesting that a large portion of the neural principles of learning and memory are rooted in evolution.

Keywords

C. elegans learning and memory nonassociative learning associative learning learning mechanism cellular site of learning signaling pathway neuromodulation

Type: Chapter
Information: Evolution of Learning and Memory Mechanisms , pp. 15 - 32

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108768450.004 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2022

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