This paper examines the synaptic microchemistry required if a memory neuron is to have the operating characteristics previously attributed to it [Wooldridge, D.E. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 77,2305-2308]. It is concluded that the requirements can be met by a combination of membrane mechanisms not very different from those that are commonly postulated to explain the properties of known types of neurons.