Biological beginnings Flashcards
evolutionary psychology
emphasizes the importance of adaptation, reproduction, and “survival of the fittest in shaping BEHAVIOR. —->the ability to pass your genes to the next generation.
Natural selection
evolutionary process by which those individuals of a species that are best adapted are the ones that survive and reproduce. —Darwin introduced the theory of evolution.
Chromosomes
threadlike structures made up of deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA 23 pairs composed of DNA.
DNA
A complex molecule with double helix shape (like a spiral staircase); contains genetic information.
Genes
UNITS of hereditary information composed of DNA. They direct cells to reproduce themselves and manufacture the proteins that maintain life.
Genome (“All of me”)
The COMPLETE SET of developmental instructions for creating proteins that initiate the making of a human organism.
Mitosis
cellular reproduction in which the cell’s nucleus duplicates itself with two new cells being formed. This occurs first in the process of creation of a human. Both halves contain the same DNA as the parent cell
Meiosis
A specialized form of cell division that occurs to form eggs and sperm (gametes). This is the 2nd step of the process. When this happens, it forms four cells.
Fertilization
A stage in reproduction whereby an egg and a sperm fuse to create a single cell.
Zygote
A single cell formed through fertilization. Each parent contributes half of the offspring’s genetic material.
How does identical twins happen?
It happens from a single zygote that splits into two genetically identical replicas, each of which becomes a person.
Mutated gene
is a permanently altered segment of DNA. This occurs when their is a mistake by cellular machinery or damage from an environmental factor.
Genotype
A person’s genetic heritage; the ACTUAL genetic material
Phenotype
The way an individual’s genotype is expressed in observed and measurable characteristics. They include physical characteristics (such as height and hair color) and psychological characteristics (such as personality and intelligence).
Dominant-Recessive genes principle
Recessive gene is influential only if both genes are recessive. For example, bb. DOMINANT always wins, unless there is two recessive genes.
Sex-linked genes
when a mutated gene is carried on the x chromosome, the result is called X-linked inheritance. Most individuals who have X-linked diseases are males, because they have no “backup” copy to counter the harmful gene. Examples of X-linked inherited diseases: Hemophilia and fragile X syndrome
Genetic imprinting
occurs when genes have differing effects depending on whether they are inherited from the mother or the father. —can cause a disturbance to development and can lead to cancer, growth disorder, etc.
Polygenetic inheritance
occurs when most characteristics are determined by the INTERACTION of MANY different genes.
Ultrasound sonography
A prenatal medical procedure in which high frequency sound waves are directed into the pregnant woman’s abdomen.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
is a prenatal medical procedure in which a small sample of the placenta is removed. This is done by a needle going through the woman’s belly button. It is used to detect genetic defects and chromosomal abnormalities.
Amniocentesis
is a prenatal medical procedure in which a sample of amniotic fluid is withdrawn by syringe and tested for chromosomal or metabolic disorders. This test can done around the 14th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. The earilier it is performed, the more useful it is in deciding how to handle a pregnancy. On the other hand, it does bring a small risk of miscarriage.
Nuchal translucency screening
this particular test uses ultrasound imaging to assess the risk of a fetus having down syndrome. Basically, it is when they accumulate fluid at the base of the neck, making the clear space look larger or thicker. You can do this test around 11-14 weeks.
Maternal blood or triple screening
identifies pregnancies that have an elevated risk for birth defects such as spina bifida and down syndrome.
When is it consider a woman is having infertility?
When the woman is inable to conceive after 12 months of regular intercourse without contraception.
Adoption
is the social and legal process by which a parent-child relationship is established between persons unrelated at birth
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
the uniting of egg and sperm in vitro (in the lab). Subsequently the embryos are transferred into the uterus through the cervix and pregnancy is allowed to begin. Usually, they put no more than 3 eggs in the uterus.
Gamete intrafallopion transfer (GIFT)
sperm and ova are transferred to a woman’s fallopian tube. They are not fertilized in the lab before injected them.
Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)
while fertilization of the egg does happen outside of the body, the fertilized embryos are placed back into a woman’s fallopian tubes rather than her uterus, as in IVF.
Behavior genetics
the field that seeks to discover the influence of behavior genetics on individual difference in human traits and development
Shared environmental experiences
sibilings’ common experiences, such as their parents’ personalities and intellectual orientation, the family’s socioeconomic status, and the neighborhood in which they live.
nonshared environmental experiences
the child’s own unique experiences, both within the family and outside the family, that are not shared by another sibiling.
epigenetic view
emphasizes that development is the result of an ongoing, bidirectional interchange between heredity and environment.
gene X environment (G X E) interaction
the interaction of a specific measured variation in the DNA and a specific measured aspect of the environment.
