Chapter 4

Question 0

Molecular Genetics

Answer 0

Research focused on the identification of particular genes to identify how these genes work within the cell.

Question 1

Gene

Answer 1

the basic unit of inheritance; genes are made of DNA

Question 2

eugenics

Answer 2

the historical concept, not accepted today, that desirable traits can be bred into human beings, while undesirable ones can be bred out.

Question 3

behavioral genetics

Answer 3

research to determine the degree of genetic basis for a behavior, a trait, or an ability

Question 4

behavioral genomics

Answer 4

research that links behaviors with specific genes

Question 5

zygote

Answer 5

the fertilized egg that begins to divide into the cells that will develop into the embryo

Question 6

chromosomes

Answer 6

the strands of genes that constitute the human genetic endowment

Question 7

dizygotic twins

Answer 7

fformed when a woman produces two ova or eggs, which are fertilied by two sperm; genetically DZ twins are as similar as any siblings

Question 8

monozygotic twins

Answer 8

formed when a woman produces one egg that is fertilized by one sperm and the resulting ball of cells splits to form two individuals with the same genes

Question 9

genotype or genome

Answer 9

all o a person’s genes, including those that are active and those that are silent

Question 10

phenotype

Answer 10

the genetically based characteristics that are actually shown in one’s body

Question 11

phenotype

Answer 11

the genetically based characteristics that are actually shown in one’s body

Question 12

polygenic inheritance

Answer 12

numerous genes may interact together to promote any particular trait or behavior

Question 13

pleiotropic effects

Answer 13

any single gene may have many different influences

Question 14

generalist genes

Answer 14

genes that affect many, apparently distinct cognitive abilities

Question 15

single gene disorders

Answer 15

genetic disorders caused by recessive genes or mutations

Question 16

chromosomes disorders

Answer 16

disorders that result when too many or too few chromosomes are formed or when there is a change in the structure of the chromosome caused by breakage

Question 17

multifactorial inheritance disorders

Answer 17

disorders that result from the interaction of many genes in interaction with environmental influences

Question 18

mutations

Answer 18

changes in the formation of genes that occur as cells divide

Question 19

amniocentesis

Answer 19

a test to look for genetic abnormalities prenatally, in which a physician uses a long, thin needle to extract amniotic fluid, which is then tested

Question 20

chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Answer 20

a test to look for genetic abnormalities prenatally, in which a small tube is inserted either through the vagina and cervix or through a needle inserted through the abdomen, and a sample of cells from the chorion is retrieved for testing

Question 21

gene therapy

Answer 21

treatment of genetic disorders through implanting or disabling specific genes

Question 22

canalization

Answer 22

the degree to which the expression of a gene is influenced by the environment

Question 23

epigenetics

Answer 23

a system by which genes are activated or silenced in response to events or circumstances in the individual’s environment

Question 24

passive gene-environment interaction

Answer 24

a child’s family shares his own genetically determined abilities and interests

Question 25

active gene-environment interaction

Answer 25

a child’s genetic endowment becomes a driving force to seek out experiences that fit her genetic endowments

Question 26

niche-picking

Answer 26

individuals choose the part of their environment (the niche) in which they feel comfortable based on their genetic predispositions

Question 27

evocative gene environment interaction

Answer 27

children’s genetic endowment causes them to act in a way that draws out or “evokes” certain responses from those around them

Question 28

concordance rate

Answer 28

the degree to which a trait or an ability of one individual is similar to that of another; used to examine similarities between twins and among adopted children and their biological and adoptive parents

Question 29

culture

Answer 29

the system of behaviors, norms, beliefs, and traditions that form in order to promote the survival of a group that lives in a particular environmental niche

Question 30

individualism

Answer 30

the cultural value that emphasizes the importance of the individual with emphasis on independence and reliance on one’s own abilities

Question 31

collectivism

Answer 31

the cultural value that emphasizes obligations to others within your group

Question 32

cultural neuroscience

Answer 32

the study of the interaction of culture, the mind, and the development of the brain