What is the most common neurotransmitter in the brain, known for its excitatory role in memory?

Study for the AP Psychology exam - Biological Bases of Behavior section. Explore multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your test!

Glutamate is recognized as the most common neurotransmitter in the brain and plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, which is essential for memory formation and learning. As an excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate facilitates the transmission of signals between neurons, leading to increased activity in the brain regions involved in cognitive functions. Its involvement in long-term potentiation, a process that strengthens synapses based on recent patterns of activity, underscores its significance in enhancing memory and learning abilities. This mechanism is fundamental to how memories are created and stored in the brain, making glutamate essential for cognitive processes.

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