Role of RNA and protein in memory storage: A review

The literature on the possible role of RNA and protein in long-term memory is reviewed in terms of the following five criteria: (1) The molecule should have a defined role in normal brain function. (2) There should be a quantitative and/or qualitative change in the molecule as a function of learning. (3) The molecule should lead to some type of relatively permanent change in the functioning of the brain. (4) Altered synthesis or utilization of the molecule should lead to predictable consequences for memory. (5) The localization of the response should be consistent in terms of the utilization of that portion of the brain in the particular task.