The patch-clamp technique is a sophisticated electrophysiological method used to measure the ionic currents flowing through individual ion channels in cells. This technique allows researchers to study the properties of specific ion channels, providing crucial insights into their roles in synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). By isolating a tiny patch of membrane, scientists can analyze how different conditions affect channel behavior, which is essential for understanding mechanisms underlying synaptic changes.
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