Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id KAA03408 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Tue, 25 Jul 2000 10:09:56 +0100 Message-ID: <A4400389479FD3118C9400508B0FF230040E66@DELTA> From: "Gatherer, D. (Derek)" <D.Gatherer@organon.nhe.akzonobel.nl> To: "'memetics@mmu.ac.uk'" <memetics@mmu.ac.uk> Subject: RE: Simple neural models Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 11:06:02 +0200 X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
Mark:
The simplest model might be a 'gut' cell connected to a
'muscle' cell, where both cells possessed simple synapse modality
(autophosphoralating kinases and cadherins). Exchanging even random charge
states across their synapse membranes would produce signal-response
behaviors, something we would later call 'gut' and 'muscle' behavior). The
model would have 2 types of cells and 1 synapse. Anyway, the sensation of
certain chemical levels at the 'gut' end might trigger spasmodic
contraction at the 'muscle' end, moving things about in the gut (or fleshy
body), providing selective advantage.
Derek:
This is just two neurons which synapse? Best not to call them gut or muscle
cells, even with the use of quotes, although I can see what you're driving
at.
Mark:
The conduction/non-conduction state of the synapse would be a reflection of
previous charge-states,
Derek:
How? You need a mechanism here.
Mark:
thus the binary representation of synapse states
are memetic (neural-meme definition used), not genetic.
Derek:
Why? It's impossible to say one way or another since you have given no
mechanism.
Mark:
Since the synapse can be
either 'on' or 'off' with respect to conducting,
Derek:
Yes, I can follow that. Either neurotransmitter is released or it isn't.
Fair enough.
Mark:
there is an inherent
memory storage system involved. Knowing the 'charge state' at one moment,
implies knowing the previous state. Voila!, memetic memory.
Derek:
Here you lose me. Why does the binary state of a nerve cell imply any
inherent memory, or memory of any kind? You know I think that internalism
is all voila...........
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