Chapter 3: Genetics, Prenatal Development, and Birth

Question 1

Genetics

Answer 1

are observable characteristics that are inherited and triggered by the genetic sequence inside cell

Question 2

Genome

Answer 2

every instruction a cell needs to create and maintain your body

Question 3

Epigenome

Answer 3

is the part of genome that controls gene expression

Question 4

Genes

Answer 4

contain sections of DNA that create particular proteins

Question 5

Alleles

Answer 5

are different forms of genes; can affect individual characteristics and disease risks

Question 6

Zygote

Answer 6

a fertilized egg (46 chromosomes; 23 pairs from sperm and egg)

Question 7

Sex chromosomes

Answer 7

unique 23rd chromosome pair

Question 8

Single-gene disorder

Answer 8

are linked to a single gene, it may be possible to predict and prevent disease transmission if the gene is known

Question 9

Recessive Inheritance Pattern

Answer 9

two copies of the disease-carrying allele

Question 10

Dominant Inheritance Pattern

Answer 10

one copy of the disease-carrying allele

Question 11

Polygenic Traits and Diseases

Answer 11

have genetic characteristics that require a trigger or specific influence from the environment to be expressed

Question 12

Multifactorial Traits and Diseases

Answer 12

are influenced by multiple inherited variables

Question 13

Epigenome

Answer 13

controls which genes are expressed; can change with age

Question 14

Monozygotic twins

Answer 14

include twins with nearly identical DNA because they start off as a single zygote that separates into two in the first days after fertilization

Question 15

Dizygotic twins

Answer 15

include twins that develop when two ova are fertilized by separate sperm

Question 16

Conception

Answer 16

mature ovum is fertilized by sperm and creates the zygote

Question 17

The germinal stage

Answer 17

occurs from conception until week 2; the zygote divides and implants into the uterus in the first week

Question 18

The outer layer of the blastocyst cells forms support structures

Answer 18

• the amniotic sac
• the placenta
• the umbilical cord

Question 19

The embryonic stage

Answer 19

from implantation until eight weeks; the amniotic sac and placenta protect the developing embryo; the major organ systems and brain are beginning to develop

Question 20

The fetal period

Answer 20

begins at week 9 and goes through till birth; the fetus rapidly grows

Question 21

Vision

Answer 21

a fetus will react to light at about 24 weeks

Question 22

Touch and Pain

Answer 22

at 20 weeks fetus can react to touch and pain

Question 23

Hearing

Answer 23

fetus will react to loud sounds at 25 weeks; a few weeks later, fetus will react to sounds they hear frequently

Question 24

Smell and taste

Answer 24

by 26 weeks a fetus can smell and taste

Question 25

Teratogen

Answer 25

any agent that can cause a birth defect or negatively alter cognitive and behavioral developmental outcomes

Question 26

Teratology

Answer 26

study of the cause of birth defects

Question 27

Teratogen damage and severity depends on

Answer 27

• dose
• genetic susceptibility
• time of exposure

Question 28

fetal programming theory

Answer 28

investigates impact of prenatal experience on lifelong health

Question 29

SGA

Answer 29

small for gestational age - babies born smaller than expected for their level of development

Question 30

kangaroo care

Answer 30

skin-to-skin contact with newborn

Question 31

apgar test

Answer 31

a quick medical evaluation of breathing, activity, responsiveness, and heart rate that assesses which newborns need immediate medical care

Question 32

rooting reflex

Answer 32

if newborn’s cheek is touched, they will turn their head and open their mouth in preparation for nursing; disappears by 2-3 months

Question 33

moro reflex

Answer 33

if newborn feels as if they are falling, their arms will swing in and out suddenly; disappears by 5-6 months

Question 34

palmar grasp

Answer 34

if you press a newborn’s palm, their fingers will curl in; disappears by 5-6 months

Question 35

plantar grasp

Answer 35

if you press the sole of a newborn’s foot, their toes will curl in; disappears by 9-10 months

Question 36

babinski reflex

Answer 36

if you run your finger along the sole of a newborn’s foot, their toes will fan out; disappears by 12-24 months

Question 37

phenotype

Answer 37

your individual observable characteristics

Question 38

genotype

Answer 38

the genome that contributes you phenotype