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Biological Approach Flashcards

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1
Q

Genetics

A

The scientific study of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms.

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2
Q

Neurobiology

A

The branch of biology that focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system and the brain.

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3
Q

Brain Structure

A

The physical anatomy and arrangement of different parts of the brain.

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4
Q

Neurotransmitters

A

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons in the nervous system.

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5
Q

Heritability

A

The proportion of variability in a trait within a population that can be attributed to genetic factors.

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6
Q

Genotype

A

An individual’s complete set of genes inherited from their parents.

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7
Q

Phenotype

A

Observable characteristics or traits resulting from the interaction of genes with the environment.

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8
Q

Behavioural Genetics

A

The study of genetic and environmental influences on behaviors and traits.

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8
Q

Neurochemistry

A

The study of chemical processes and interactions within the nervous system.

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9
Q

Adoption Studies

A

Research comparing adopted children’s traits with biological and adoptive parents to understand genetic and environmental influences.

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9
Q

Twin Studies

A

Research comparing similarities and differences in traits between monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins.

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10
Q

Monozygotic Twins

A

Twins derived from a single fertilized egg, sharing identical genetic material.

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11
Q

Dizygotic Twins

A

Twins derived from two separate fertilized eggs, sharing about 50% of their genetic material, like any siblings.

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12
Q

Gene-environmental Interaction

A

The interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors in shaping traits or behaviors.

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13
Q

Candidate Genes

A

Specific genes identified as potentially influencing particular traits or behaviors.

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14
Q

Biological Determinism

A

The belief that behavior is primarily determined by biological factors.

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15
Q

Brain Regions

A

Distinct areas of the brain responsible for various functions, such as motor control, sensory perception, or emotions.

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15
Q

Localisation Of Brain Functions

A

The concept that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific functions or behaviors.

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16
Q

Neuroanatomy

A

The structure and organization of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

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17
Q

Cortical Specialisation

A

The idea that different areas of the cerebral cortex are specialised for different functions.

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18
Q

Neuroimaging

A

The idea that different areas of the cerebral cortex are specialized for different functions.

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19
Q

fMRI

A

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a neuroimaging technique used to measure brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

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20
Q

PET Scan

A

Positron Emission Tomography, a neuroimaging technique that measures metabolic activity in the brain.

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21
Q

EEG

A

Electroencephalography, a technique that records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes on the scalp.

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22
Q

Brain Plasticity

A

The brain’s ability to reorganise and adapt by forming new neural connections throughout life.

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23
Q

Neural Networks

A

Interconnected neurons that work together to process information and perform functions.

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24
Q

Hormones

A

Chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system, regulating various bodily functions.

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25
Q

Endocrine System

A

The system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate body functions.

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26
Q

Limbic System

A

A group of brain structures involved in emotions, memory, and motivation.

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27
Q

Prefrontal Cortex

A

The front part of the frontal lobe responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, decision-making, and personality expression.

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28
Q

Amygdala

A

A structure in the limbic system linked to emotions, especially fear responses and memory.

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29
Q

Hippocampus

A

A brain structure involved in memory formation and spatial navigation.

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30
Q

Motor Cortex

A

The region of the cerebral cortex responsible for voluntary movement control.

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31
Q

Sensory Cortex

A

Areas of the cerebral cortex receiving and processing sensory information.

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32
Q

Visual Cortex

A

The part of the brain responsible for processing visual information.

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33
Q

Frontal Lobe

A

The largest brain lobe responsible for planning, decision-making, and personality.

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34
Q

Temporal Lobe

A

Brain lobes involved in auditory processing, memory, and language comprehension.

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35
Q

Occipital Lobe

A

Brain lobes primarily responsible for visual processing.

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36
Q

Dopamine

A

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, pleasure, and motor control.

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36
Q

Parietal Lobe

A

Brain lobes involved in sensory information processing and spatial awareness.

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37
Q

Serotonin

A

A neurotransmitter influencing mood regulation, sleep, and appetite.

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38
Q

Glutamate

A

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, involved in learning and memory.

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39
Q

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutryic Acid)

A

A neurotransmitter with inhibitory effects on the nervous system, calming neural activity.

40
Q

Adrenaline

A

A hormone and neurotransmitter that triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response.

41
Q

Noradrenaline

A

A neurotransmitter involved in alertness and stress response.

42
Q

Central Nervous System (CNS)

A

The brain and spinal cord, controlling most functions of the body and mind.

43
Q

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

A

Nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord, connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.

44
Q

Synaptic Transmission

A

The process by which neurons communicate across synapses using neurotransmitters.

45
Q

Receptors

A

Proteins on cell surfaces that receive and transmit signals from neurotransmitters or hormones.

46
Q

Neural Pathways

A

Connections between neurons that transmit electrical and chemical signals.

47
Q

Mental Health Disorders

A

Conditions affecting thoughts, mood, and behaviour, often with biological and environmental causes.

48
Q

Schizophrenia

A

A severe mental disorder characterised by disturbances in thinking, emotions, and perceptions.

48
Q

Anxiety Disorders

A

A group of disorders involving excessive fear or anxiety, affecting behavior and emotions.

49
Q

Depression

A

A mood disorder characterised by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and lack of motivation

50
Q

Bipolar Disorder

A

A mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania.

51
Q

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

A

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

52
Q

Alzheimers Disease

A

A neurodegenerative disorder causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.

53
Q

Parkinson’s Disease

A

A neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement and causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance.

54
Q

Neurological Disorders

A

Disorders affecting the nervous system, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy.

55
Q

Brain Injury

A

Damage to the brain caused by trauma, stroke, or other factors, affecting cognitive and motor functions.

56
Q

Cognitive Neuroscience

A

The interdisciplinary study of the biological basis of cognition, combining psychology and neuroscience.

57
Q

Evolutionary Psychology

A

A branch of psychology exploring how evolutionary processes shape human behavior and cognition.

58
Q

Survival Behaviours

A

Behaviors evolved to ensure survival, such as seeking food, shelter, or forming social bonds.

59
Q

Natural Selection

A

The process by which certain traits or behaviors become more prevalent in a population due to their advantageous nature in an environment.

60
Q

Adaptation

A

An organism’s adjustment to its environment through changes in behavior, physiology, or structure.

61
Q

Evolutionary Genetics

A

The study of genetic changes in populations over generations, influenced by natural selection.

62
Q

Evolutionary Advantage

A

Traits or behaviors that enhance an organism’s chances of survival or reproduction.

63
Q

Behavioural Traits

A

Observable characteristics or patterns of behavior influenced by genetics and environment.

64
Q

Biological Clock

A

Internal mechanisms regulating physiological or behavioral processes based on a 24-hour cycle.

65
Q

Genetic Predisposition

A

A genetic tendency or susceptibility to a particular trait, behavior, or disorder.

66
Q

Epigenetics

A

The study of changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors rather than alterations in the DNA sequence.

67
Q

DNA (Deoxyriboneucleic Acid)

A

The molecule carrying genetic instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all known organisms.

68
Q

RNA (Riboneucleic Acid)

A

A molecule involved in various biological roles, including the translation of genetic information from DNA into proteins.

69
Q

Proteins

A

Large biomolecules essential for the structure, function, and regulation of cells and tissues.

70
Q

Enzymes

A

Proteins acting as biological catalysts, facilitating chemical reactions in living organisms.

71
Q

Cell Structure

A

The arrangement and components of cells, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, and organelles.

72
Q

Cellular Processes

A

Biological activities within cells, such as metabolism, growth, and replication.

73
Q

Homeostasis

A

The body’s ability to maintain internal stability and balance despite external changes.

74
Q

Nervous System Development

A

The process by which the nervous system forms and matures in an organism.

75
Q

Brain Maturation

A

The development and refinement of neural connections and brain structures over time.

76
Q

Biological Rhythms

A

Periodic fluctuations or cycles in biological processes, such as sleep-wake cycles or hormonal changes.

77
Q

Circuits In The Brain

A

Neural pathways or networks connecting different brain regions involved in specific functions or behaviors.

78
Q

Sleep Patterns

A

Regular cycles of sleeping and waking, influenced by biological and environmental factors.

79
Q

Circadian Rhythms

A

Biological rhythms that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, regulating sleep-wake patterns and other bodily functions.

80
Q

Neural Firing

A

The electrochemical process by which neurons transmit signals through action potentials.

81
Q

Neuroplasticity

A

The brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural connections or altering existing ones.

82
Q

Neuronal Connections

A

Connections or synapses formed between neurons, enabling communication in the nervous system.

83
Q

Synaptic Pruning

A

The process of eliminating unused or unnecessary synapses, refining neural circuits during development.

84
Q

Neurological Development

A

The growth and maturation of the nervous system, including brain development from prenatal stages to adulthood.

85
Q

Brain Mapping

A

Techniques used to identify and visualize brain structures and functions, such as through brain atlases or imaging.

85
Q

Brain Lesions

A

Areas of damaged or dysfunctional brain tissue resulting from injury, disease, or surgery.

86
Q

Neurological Tests

A

Assessments or examinations used to evaluate brain function, structure, or neurological disorders.

87
Q

Biological Influences On Behaviour (3 Examples)

A

Factors related to genetics, brain function, or neurochemistry that impact behaviour.

Hormonal Influence on Behavior:
Hormones, chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system, can significantly influence behavior. For instance, fluctuations in hormone levels, such as estrogen and progesterone in women during the menstrual cycle, can impact mood, emotions, and behavior. Testosterone, predominantly found in males, has been linked to aggression and dominance-related behaviors.

Neurotransmitter Imbalances and Mood Disorders:
Imbalances in neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain, are associated with mood disorders like depression. Low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, have been linked to depressive symptoms. Treatment with medications that increase serotonin levels can alleviate depressive symptoms, highlighting the role of neurotransmitters in influencing mood and behavior.

Genetic Predisposition to Behavioral Traits:
Genetic factors can predispose individuals to certain behavioral traits or tendencies. For example, studies suggest that genes play a role in determining personality traits like introversion or extroversion. Inherited traits related to risk-taking behavior, addiction susceptibility, or even temperament can have a genetic basis, influencing behavior patterns.

87
Q

Hormonal Influence On Behaviour (3 Examples)

A

The impact of hormones on behaviour, mood, and physiological responses.

Testosterone and Aggression:
Testosterone, a predominantly male hormone (though present in both sexes), has been associated with increased aggression and dominance-related behaviors. Higher levels of testosterone have been linked to more assertive, competitive, and sometimes aggressive behavior in various social and competitive contexts.

Estrogen and Mood Fluctuations:
Estrogen, primarily considered a female hormone (though present in males as well), plays a role in regulating mood. Fluctuations in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle can impact mood, contributing to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as irritability, mood swings, or emotional sensitivity.

Oxytocin and Social Bonding:
Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” influences social behaviors and bonding. It plays a role in promoting trust, empathy, and social connection. Increased levels of oxytocin have been linked to feelings of attachment, bonding between individuals, and enhancing social interactions.

88
Q

Inherited Traits (3 Examples)

A

Characteristics or traits passed down from parents to offspring through genes.

Eye Color:
Eye color is an inherited trait determined by the genes passed down from parents to offspring. The combination of genetic variations inherited from both parents influences the color of an individual’s eyes. Variations in genes like OCA2 and HERC2 contribute to different eye colours, such as blue, brown, green, or hazel.

Blood Type:
Blood type is determined by specific genes inherited from parents. The ABO blood group system, influenced by alleles inherited from both parents, determines an individual’s blood type (A, B, AB, or O). For example, someone with parents who both have Type O blood will typically have Type O blood as well.

Hair Texture:
Hair texture, whether straight, curly, or wavy, is influenced by genetic factors inherited from parents. Variations in genes like the FGFR2 and EDAR contribute to the texture and thickness of an individual’s hair. The combination of genetic information inherited from both parents influences hair texture variations in offspring.

89
Q

Biological Diversity

A

The variety and differences in biological organisms, traits, or processes within a population.

90
Q

Psychopharmacology

A

The study of how drugs affect behaviour, mood, and mental processes by targeting neurotransmitter systems.

91
Q

Biological Basis Of Memory

A

The neurological processes underlying the formation, storage, and retrieval of memories.

92
Q

Neurological Disorders Treatment (3 Examples)

A

Approaches or interventions aimed at managing or alleviating symptoms of neurological conditions.

Medication:
Many neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy, are managed through medications. For instance, patients with Parkinson’s disease may be prescribed levodopa to replenish dopamine levels in the brain and alleviate symptoms. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are often used to control seizures in epilepsy.

Surgery:
In some cases, surgery can be an option for treating neurological disorders. For instance, patients with severe epilepsy that doesn’t respond to medication may undergo surgical procedures to remove the area of the brain causing seizures. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is another surgical approach used for conditions like Parkinson’s disease or tremors.

Therapies and Rehabilitation:
Therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy are crucial for managing various neurological conditions. For example, patients with strokes may undergo rehabilitation therapy to regain mobility and speech abilities. Behavioural therapies can help manage symptoms in disorders like ADHD or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

These treatments aim to manage symptoms, improve function, or slow the progression of neurological disorders, enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals. Treatment approaches often depend on the specific disorder, its severity, and individual patient needs.

93
Q

Nature Vs Nurture

A

The ongoing argument about the relative influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on behaviour and traits in individuals.

94
Q

What are the main Approaches in the biological approach?

A

There is a direct correlation between brain activity and cognition
Biochemical imbalances can affect behaviour
Brain physiology can affect behaviour
Behaviour can be inherited (as it is determined by genetic information)

95
Q

What is Charles Darwin’s 1859 publication called?

A

‘On the Origin of Species’

96
Q

Meta-analysis

A

Examination of data from a number of independent studies of the same subject, in order to determine overall trends.

97
Q
A
98
Q
A

Psychology AQA (10 decks)

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