Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Biological Bases Of Behaviour > Chapter 3 > Flashcards

Chapter 3 Flashcards

1
Q

Allele

A

A variant form of a gene at a particular locus on a chromosome.

Example: The gene for eye color has alleles for blue, brown, and green.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Epigenetic

A

Changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the DNA sequence.

Example: Environmental factors can influence epigenetic changes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Gene

A

A unit of heredity made up of DNA that carries instructions for the development and functioning of an organism.

Example: Genes determine traits like hair color and height.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Gene (DNA) Methylation

A

The addition of a methyl group to DNA, often affecting gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

Example: Methylation can regulate gene activity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Heterozygous

A

Having two different alleles of a gene.

Example: If one allele codes for blue eyes and the other for brown eyes, the individual is heterozygous for eye color.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Homozygous

A

Having two identical alleles of a gene.

Example: Homozygous individuals for a recessive gene will express that trait.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Mutation

A

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in gene function or expression.

Example: Mutations can be caused by errors in DNA replication.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Transgenic Animal

A

An animal that has had a foreign gene deliberately inserted into its genome.

Example: Transgenic mice are often used in research to study specific genes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Wild Type

A

The typical form of a species as it occurs in nature.

Example: Wild type fruit flies have red eyes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Astrocyte

A

A type of glial cell that supports neurons, regulates the blood-brain barrier, and maintains the extracellular ion balance.

Example: Astrocytes play a crucial role in brain homeostasis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Axon

A

The long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Example: Axons can be several feet long in some neurons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Axon Collateral

A

A branch of an axon that allows a neuron to send signals to more than one target.

Example: Axon collaterals enable complex neural signaling pathways.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Axon Hillock

A

The area of the neuron where the axon originates and where action potentials are initiated.

Example: The axon hillock is critical for integrating signals and initiating nerve impulses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Bipolar Neuron

A

A type of neuron with two extensions, one axon and one dendrite, often involved in sensory pathways.

Example: Bipolar neurons are found in the retina of the eye.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Cell Body (Soma)

A

The central part of a neuron containing the nucleus and most of the organelles.

Example: The cell body processes incoming signals and generates outgoing signals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Dendrite

A

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Example: Dendrites are covered in synapses to receive neurotransmitter signals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Dendritic Spine

A

Small protrusions on dendrites where synapses with other neurons are formed.

Example: Dendritic spines are dynamic structures that can change in response to synaptic activity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Interneuron

A

A neuron that connects other neurons within the central nervous system.

Example: Interneurons play a crucial role in processing information within the brain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Motor Neuron

A

A neuron that transmits signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands.

Example: Motor neurons control muscle contractions and movement.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Myelin

A

A fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, speeding up the transmission of electrical signals.

Example: Myelin is essential for efficient nerve conduction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Oligodendroglia

A

A type of glial cell in the central nervous system that produces myelin.

Example: Oligodendrocytes wrap around axons to form myelin sheaths.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Purkinje Cell

A

A type of large neuron found in the cerebellum with extensive dendritic trees, involved in motor control.

Example: Purkinje cells are crucial for coordinating movement and balance.

23
Q

Pyramidal Cell

A

A type of excitatory neuron found in the cerebral cortex, characterized by a pyramid-shaped cell body.

Example: Pyramidal cells are key players in cortical information processing.

24
Q

Schwann Cell

A

A type of glial cell in the peripheral nervous system that produces myelin.

Example: Schwann cells wrap around peripheral nerve axons to form myelin sheaths.

25
Q

Sensory Neuron

A

A neuron that carries sensory information from the body to the central nervous system.

Example: Sensory neurons transmit signals about touch, temperature, and pain.

26
Q

Somatosensory Neuron

A

A sensory neuron that conveys information about touch, temperature, and pain from the skin and muscles.

Example: Somatosensory neurons play a role in perceiving the environment.

27
Q

Blood-Brain Barrier

A

A selective barrier formed by endothelial cells that protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood.

Example: The blood-brain barrier prevents toxins from entering the brain.

28
Q

Channel

A

A protein structure in the cell membrane that allows specific ions to pass through, facilitating electrical signaling.

Example: Ion channels are essential for nerve cell communication.

29
Q

Efferent

A

Nerve fibers that carry motor commands from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Example: Efferent neurons control muscle contractions.

30
Q

Excitation

A

The process by which a nerve or muscle cell becomes activated, usually by an increase in electrical activity.

Example: Excitation leads to the generation of action potentials.

31
Q

Gate

A

A mechanism in ion channels that opens or closes to regulate ion flow.

Example: Ion channel gates control the flow of ions in response to signals.

32
Q

Glial Cell

A

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support, protect, and nourish neurons.

Example: Glial cells play a role in maintaining the health of neurons.

33
Q

Microglia

A

A type of glial cell that acts as the main form of immune defense in the central nervous system.

Example: Microglia are involved in immune responses in the brain.

34
Q

Neural Network

A

A network of interconnected neurons that process specific kinds of information.

Example: Neural networks are the basis of brain function and information processing.

35
Q

Neuroplasticity

A

The ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experience, injury, or learning.

Example: Neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire and recover from damage.

36
Q

Nuclei (sing. Nucleus)

A

Clusters of neuron cell bodies in the central nervous system.

Example: Nuclei in the brain are involved in specific functions like motor control.

37
Q

Pump

A

A protein that actively transports ions or molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient.

Example: Sodium-potassium pumps maintain the cell’s resting membrane potential.

38
Q

Synapse

A

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs through neurotransmitter release.

Example: Synaptic transmission is essential for neural signaling.

39
Q

Terminal Button (End Foot)

A

The end of an axon where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse.

Example: Terminal buttons contain vesicles filled with neurotransmitters.

40
Q

Down Syndrome

A

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, characterized by developmental delays and physical abnormalities.

Example: Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder.

41
Q

Dystonia

A

A movement disorder causing involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in repetitive movements or abnormal postures.

Example: Dystonia can affect one or multiple body parts.

42
Q

Ependymal Cell

A

A type of glial cell that lines the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, involved in the production of cerebrospinal fluid.

Example: Ependymal cells help circulate cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

43
Q

Huntington Disease

A

A genetic disorder causing the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, leading to motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms.

Example: Huntington disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.

44
Q

Hydrocephalus

A

A condition characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain, causing increased pressure.

Example: Hydrocephalus can lead to brain damage if not treated.

45
Q

Paralysis

A

The loss of the ability to move or feel sensations in part of the body, typically due to nerve damage.

Example: Paralysis can result from spinal cord injuries.

46
Q

Tay-Sachs Disease

A

A genetic disorder resulting in the destruction of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Example: Tay-Sachs disease is more common in certain ethnic groups.

47
Q

Huntington Disease

A

A genetic disorder causing the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, leading to motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms.

Example sentence: Huntington Disease is characterized by involuntary movements and cognitive decline.

48
Q

Hydrocephalus

A

A condition characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain, causing increased pressure.

Example sentence: Hydrocephalus may require surgical intervention to relieve the pressure.

49
Q

Paralysis

A

The loss of the ability to move or feel sensations in part of the body, typically due to nerve damage.

Example sentence: Paralysis can result from a spinal cord injury.

50
Q

Tay-Sachs Disease

A

A genetic disorder resulting in the destruction of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe neurological symptoms and early death.

Example sentence: Tay-Sachs Disease is more common in certain ethnic populations.

51
Q

Tumor

A

An abnormal mass of tissue resulting from uncontrolled cell growth, which can be benign or malignant.

Example sentence: A biopsy is often necessary to determine if a tumor is cancerous.

52
Q

Phenotypic Plasticity

A

The ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental influences.

Example sentence: Phenotypic plasticity allows plants to adapt to different climates.

53
Q

Protein

A

A molecule composed of amino acids that performs various functions in the body, including structural, enzymatic, and regulatory roles.

Example sentence: Proteins are essential for muscle growth and repair.

54
Q

Wild Type

A

The typical form of a species as it occurs in nature.

Example sentence: Genetic mutations can alter the wild type phenotype.

Biological Bases Of Behaviour (14 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions