CC 811 Chap 3 & 4

Question 1

Species Heredity

Answer 1

The genetic endowment that members of a species have in common, including genes that influence maturation and aging processes.

Question 2

Natural Selection

Answer 2

The idea that nature “selects”, or allows to survive and reproduce, those members of a species whose genes permit them to adapt to their environment.

Question 3

Cultural Evolution

Answer 3

The process through which we “inherit” from previous generations a characteristically human environment and tried and true ways of adapting to it, and we then learn to adjust to changing conditions and pass on what we learn to the next generation.

Question 4

Chromosomes

Answer 4

Threadlike bodies in the nucleus of each cell that are made up of genes, the basis units of heredity.

Question 5

Meiosis

Answer 5

The process of reproduction for sperm and ova during which chromosome cells split (into 23 pairs) and create new sperm or ova bodies.

Question 5

Conception

Answer 5

The moment when the egg is feritilized by a sperm.

Question 6

Zygote

Answer 6

A single cell formed at conception from the union of a sperm and an ovum.

Question 7

Mitosis

Answer 7

The process in which a cell duplicates its chromosomes and then divides into two genetically identical daughter cells (Think: Meiosis requires two cells; Mitosis requires one cell).

Question 8

DNA

Answer 8

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the double helix molecule whose chemical code makes up chromosomes and serves as our genetic endowment; it is made up of sequences of the chemicals (adenine), C (cytocine), G (guanine) and T (thymine).

Question 9

Allele

Answer 9

One of the possible variants of a gene.

Question 10

Human Genome Project

Answer 10

A federally funded project during which researchers mapped the sequence of the chemical units or “letters” that make up the strands of DNA in a full set of human chromosomes.

Question 11

‘Crossing over’

Answer 11

A ‘quirk’ in meiosis that occurs when chromosomes cross each other and exchange a little bit of themselves during the process. This is what makes the genetic uniqueness of children with the same parents possible.

Question 12

Identical Twins

Answer 12

Also called “monozygotic twins”, these children are conceived when one fertilized ovum divides to form two or more genetically identical individuals.

Question 13

Fraternal Twins

Answer 13

Also called “dizygotic twins” because two eggs are involved, these children are conceived when two ova are released at approzimately the same time and each is fertilized by a different sperm. This happens in about 1 in every 125 births.

Question 14

X Chromosome

Answer 14

The longer of the two sex chromosomes; normal females have two X chromosomes, whereas normal males have only one.

Question 15

Y Chromosome

Answer 15

The shorter of the two sex chromosomes; normal males have one Y chromosome and normal females have none.

Question 16

Karotype

Answer 16

A chromosomal portrait created by staining chromosomes, photographing them under a high-power microscope, and arranging them into a predetermined pattern.

Question 17

Genotype

Answer 17

The genetic endowmentthat an individual inherits. Contrast with phenotype.

Question 18

Phenotype

Answer 18

The way in which a person’s genotype is expressed in observable or measurable characteristics.

Question 19

Gene Expression

Answer 19

The activation of particular genes in particular cells of the body at particular times in life.

Question 20

Single gene-pair inheritance

Answer 20

The genetic mechanism through which a characteristic is influenced by only one pair of genes, one gene from from the mother and its partner from the father.

Question 21

Dominant Gene

Answer 21

A relatively powerful gene that is expressed phenotypically and makes the effect of a less-powerful recessive gene.

Question 22

Recessive Gene

Answer 22

A less powerful gene that is not expressed phenotypically when paired with a dominant gene.

Question 23

Incomplete Dominance

Answer 23

A condition in which a stronger gene fails to mask all the effects of a weaker partner gene; a phenotype results that is similar but not identical to the effect of the stronger gene.

Question 24

Codominance

Answer 24

In genetics, an instance in which two different but equally powerful genes produce a phenotype in which both genes are expressed.

Question 25

Sex-linked Characteristic

Answer 25

An attribute determined by a gene that appears on one of the two types of sex chromosomes, usually the X chromosome.

Question 26

Hemophilia

Answer 26

A deficiency in the blood's ability to clot. It is more common among males than females because it is associated with a sex-linked gene on the X chromosome.

Question 27

Polygenic Trait

Answer 27

A characteristic influenced by the action of many gene pairs rather than a single pair.

Question 28

Mutation

Answer 28

A change in the structure or arrangement of one or more genes that produces a new phenotype.

Question 29

Sicke-Cell Disease

Answer 29

A genetic blod disease in which red blood cells assume an unusual sickle shape and become insufficient at distributing oxygen throughout the body.

Question 30

Chromosome Abnormalities

Answer 30

Conditions in which a child as too few, too many, or incomplete chromosomes because of errors in the formation of sperm or ova.

Question 31

Down Syndrome

Answer 31

A chromosomal abnormality in which a child has inherited an extra 21st chromosome and is, as a result, mentally retarded; also called trisomy 21.

Question 32

Turner Syndrome

Answer 32

A sex chromosome abnormality in which females inherit only one X Chromosome (XO); they remain small in stature, fail to develop secondary sex characteristics, and may show some mental difficiencies.

Question 33

Klinefelter Syndrome

Answer 33

A sex chromosome abnormality in which males inherit two or more X Chromosomes (XXY or XXXY); these males fail to develop secondary sex characteristics and often show deficiencies on tests of verbal abilities.

Question 34

Fragile X Chromosome

Answer 34

A chromosome abnormality in which one arm of the X chromosome is only barely connected to the rest of the chromosomes; the most common hereditary cause of mental retardation.

Question 35

Genetic Counseling

Answer 35

A service designed to inform people about genetic conditons that they or their unborn children are at risk of inheriting.

Question 36

Carrier

Answer 36

In genetics, indiciduals who possess a recessive gene associated with a disease and who, although they do not have the disease, can transmit the gene for it to offspring.

Question 37

Huntington's Disease

Answer 37

A genetic disease caused by a single, dominant gene that strikes in middle age to produce a deterioration of physical and mental abilities and premature death.

Question 38

Ultrsound

Answer 38

Method of examining physical organs by scanning them with sound waves-- for example, scanning the womb and thereby producing a visual outline of the fetus to detect gross abnormalities.

Question 39

Amniocentesis

Answer 39

A method of extracting amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman so that fetal body cells within the fluid can be tested for chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic defects.

Question 40

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Answer 40

An alternative to amniocentesis in which a catheter is inserted through the cervix to withfraw fetal cells from the chorion for prenatal testing to detect genetic defects.

Question 41

Maternal Blood Sampling

Answer 41

A noninvasive method of prenatal diagnosis involving testing for substances in maternal blood; more recently, analysis of fetal cells that have slipped through the placenta into the mother's blood.

Question 42

Preimplatation genetic diagnosis

Answer 42

A prenatal diagnostic procedure in which a mother's eggs are fertilized in the laboratory using in vitro fertilization techniques, DNA tests are conducted on the first cells that result from mitosis of each fertilized egg, and only eggs that do not have chromosome abnormalities or genes associated with disorders are implanted in the uterus.

Question 43

Behavioral Genetics

Answer 43

The scientific study of the extent to which genetic and environmental differences among individuals are responsible for differences among them in traits such as intelligence and personality.

Question 44

Heritability

Answer 44

The amount of variability in a population on some trait dimension that is attributable to genetic differences among those individuals.

Question 45

Selective Breeding

Answer 45

A method of studying genetic influence that involves deliberately determining whether a trait can be bred in animals through selective mating.

Question 46

Twin Study

Answer 46

A method of studying genetic and environmental influence in which the similarity of identical twins in compared to that of (less genetically similar) fraternal twins, often in studies involving both twins reared together and twins reared apart.

Question 47

Adoption Study

Answer 47

Method of studying genetic and environmental influence that infolves determining whether adopted children are more similar to their biological parents (whose genes they share) or adoptive parents (who shaped their environment).

Question 48

Concordance Rate

Answer 48

The percentage of cases in which a particular attribute is present for both members of a pair of people (for example, twins) if it is present for one member.

Question 49

Shared Environmental Influences

Answer 49

Experiences that individuals living in the same home environment share and that work to make them similar. Contrast with "nonshared environmental influences".

Question 50

Nonshared Environmental Infleunces

Answer 50

Experiences unique to the individual that are not shared by other members of the family and that tend to make members of the same family differene. Contrast with "shared environmental influences".

Question 51

Molecular Genetics

Answer 51

The analysis of particular genes and their effects, including the identification of specific genes that influence particualr traits and the comparison of animals or humans who have these specific genes and those who do not.

Question 52

Temperment

Answer 52

A genetically based pattern of tendencies to respond in predictable ways; building blocks of personality such as activity level, sociability and emotionality.

Question 53

Schizoprenia

Answer 53

A serious form of mental illness characterized by disturbances in logical thinking, emotional expression, and interpersonal behavior.

Question 54

Gene-Environment Interaction

Answer 54

The phenomenon in which the effects of people's genes depend on the kind of environment they experience and in which the effects of the environment depend on their genetic endowment.

Question 55

Gene-Environment Correlation

Answer 55

A systematic interrelationship between an individual's genes and that individual's environment; ways in which genes influence the kind of home environment provided by parents (passive gene-environment correlation), the social reactions to the individual (evocative gene-environment correlation), and the types of experiences the individual seeks (active gene-environment correlation).

Question 56

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Answer 56

A genetic disease in which the child is unable to metabolize phenylalanine; if left untreated, it soon causes hyperactivity and mental retardation.

Question 57

Gene Therapy

Answer 57

Interventions that involve substituting normal genes for the genes associated with a disease or disorder; otherwise altering a person's genetic makeup.

Question 58

Stem Cell

Answer 58

Undifferentiated, primitive cells that have the ability both to multiply and to differentiate into a variety of specific cells.

Question 59

Infertility

Answer 59

Not being able to get pregnant after a year of trying.

Question 60

Artificial Insemination

Answer 60

A method of conception that involves injecting sperm from a woman's partner or from a donor into the uterus.

Question 61

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Answer 61

A procedure in which several eggs are removed from a woman's ovary, fertilized by sperm in a petri dish in the laboratory, then transferred to the woman's uterus in hopes that one will implant on the wall of the uterus.

Question 62

Germinal Period

Answer 62

The first stage of prenatal development, lasting about two weeks from conception until the developing organism becomes attached to the wall of the uterus.

Question 63

Miscarriage

Answer 63

Loss of pregnancy before survival of the baby outside the womb is possible.

Question 64

Embryonic Period

Answer 64

Second phase of prenatal development, lasting from the through the eighth prenatal week, during which the major organs and anatomical structures begin to develop.

Question 65

Blastocyst

Answer 65

A hallow sphere of about 100 to 150 cells that the zygote forms by rapid cell division as it moves through the fallopian tube.

Question 66

Organogenesis

Answer 66

The process, occurring during the period of embryo, in which every major organ takes shape in a primitive form.

Question 67

Amnion

Answer 67

A watertight membrane that fills with fluid that cushions and protects the embryo.

Question 68

Chorion

Answer 68

A membrane that surrounds the amnion and attaches rootlike extensions called villi to the uterine lining to gather nourishment for the embryo.

Question 69

Placenta

Answer 69

Formed from the Chorion, this is a tissue fed by blood vessels from the mother and connected to the embryo by the umbilical cord.

Question 70

Spina Bifida

Answer 70

A neural defect, usually occurring 25-29 days after conception, in which part of the spinal cord is not fully encased in the protective covering of the spinal column.

Question 71

Anencephaly

Answer 71

A neural defect, usually occurring 25-29 days after conception, in which the main portion of the brain above the brain stem fails to develop. This occurs when there's a failure to close at the top of the neural tube during prenatal development.

Question 72

Testosterone

Answer 72

The primary male sex hormone that stimulates the development of a male internal reproductive system.

Question 73

Fetal Period

Answer 73

The period of prenatal development that lasts from the ninth week of pregnancy until birth.

Question 74

Differentiation

Answer 74

In brain development, the progressive diversification of cells that results in their taking on different characteristics and functions.

Question 75

Age Viability

Answer 75

The moment in prenatal development when a fetus's survival outside the uterus is possible if the brain and respiratory system are sufficiently developed.

Question 76

Myelin

Answer 76

An insulating cover that improves the ability for neurons to transmit signals rapidly.

Question 77

Prenatal Environment

Answer 77

The womb; the place in which prenatal development takes place.

Question 78

Teratogen

Answer 78

Any disease, drug, or other environmental agent that can harm a developing fetus (for example, by causing deformities, blindness, brain damage, or even death).

Question 79

Critical Period

Answer 79

A period of rapid growth; a time during which the developing organism is especially sensitive to environmental influences, positive or negative.

Question 80

Thalidomide

Answer 80

A tranquilizer that was widely used in Europe during the late 1950s to relieve morning sickness which proved to be very dangerous to human fetuses despite trials on pregnant rats.

Question 81

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Answer 81

When a sleeping baby suddenly stops breathing and dies.

Question 82

Feta Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Answer 82

A syndrome marked by noticeable symptoms physical symptoms such as a small head and distinctive facial abnormalities caused by a mother's ingestion of alcohol during prenatal development.

Question 83

Rubella

Answer 83

Also known as German Measles, this disease was found to be connected with a variety of defects including blindness, deafness, heart defects, and mental retardation during the early 1940s.

Question 84

Syphilis

Answer 84

A disease that, when carried by a pregnant mother, can cause blindness, deafness, heart problems or brain damage in her baby.

Question 85

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Answer 85

The life-threatening illness caused by the human immunodeficiency virus HIV. This disease destroys the immune system and makes victims susceptible to "opportunistic" infections that eventually kill them unless treated with multiple drugs. Can be transmitted to infants prenatally, perinatally or postnatally.

Question 86

Stillbirth

Answer 86

A fetal death that occurs late in the pregnancy (20 or more weeks, gestational age).

Question 87

Lamaze Method

Answer 87

A method of prepared child birth that teaches women to associate childbirth with pleasant feelings and to ready themselves for the process by learning breathing exercises, breathing and pushing methods, and relaxation techniques that make childbirth easier.

Question 88

Perinatal Environment

Answer 88

The environment surrounding birth; including influences such as drugs given to the mother during labor, delivery practices, and the social environment shortly after birth.

Question 89

Perinatologist

Answer 89

A maternal-fetal specialist recommended for high-risk pregnancies associated with delivery complications.

Question 90

Anoxia

Answer 90

A birth hazard that involves oxygen shortage for the infant or "asphyxia".

Question 91

Breech Presentation

Answer 91

When the infant's feet or buttocks exits the birth canal first.

Question 92

Cerebral Palsy

Answer 92

A neurological disability primarily associated with difficulty controlling muscle movements; it also increases the risk of learning or intellectual disabilities and speech difficulties.

Question 93

Cesarean Section

Answer 93

A surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the mother's abdomen and uterus so that the baby can be removed from the womb.

Question 94

Postpartum Depression

Answer 94

An episode of clinical depression that lasts months rather than days in a woman who has just given birth.

Question 95

Couvade

Answer 95

A series of symptoms that a father experiences in junction with his female partner during the pregnancy and birthing process. These can include bloating, weight gain, fatigue, insomnia and nausea.

Question 96

Neonatal

Answer 96

Relating to the events during the first month and how parents might optimize the development of young infants.

Question 97

At risk

Answer 97

Describing infants susceptible to short-term or long-term problems due to genetic defects, prenatal hazards, or perinatal damage.

Question 98

Apgar Test

Answer 98

A routine screening for infants that provides quick assessments of the newborn's heart rate, respiration, color, muscle tone, and reflexes.

Question 99

Low Birth Weight (LBW)

Answer 99

A weight at birth of less than 2500 grams, or 5.5 pounds, associated with increased risk of developmental problems.

Question 100

Surfactant

Answer 100

A substance that aids breathing by preventing the air sacs of the lungs from sticking together.

Question 101

Kangaroo Care

Answer 101

Holding an infant skin-to-skin on a parent's chest; often used with premature babies to help maintain body temperature, heart rate, and oxygen levels in the blood.