Final answer:
The hippocampus is the brain structure responsible for laying down new memory traces and transferring them to long-term memory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The brain structure that appears to be critically important in laying down new memory traces and transferring them to long-term memory is the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a small, curved structure located deep in the brain and is responsible for converting short-term memories into long-term memories. It is also involved in spatial navigation and emotional regulation.
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