Chapter 4 Flashcards
Molecular Genetics
Research focused on the identification of particular genes to identify how these genes work within the cell.
Gene
the basic unit of inheritance; genes are made of DNA
eugenics
the historical concept, not accepted today, that desirable traits can be bred into human beings, while undesirable ones can be bred out.
behavioral genetics
research to determine the degree of genetic basis for a behavior, a trait, or an ability
behavioral genomics
research that links behaviors with specific genes
zygote
the fertilized egg that begins to divide into the cells that will develop into the embryo
chromosomes
the strands of genes that constitute the human genetic endowment
dizygotic twins
fformed when a woman produces two ova or eggs, which are fertilied by two sperm; genetically DZ twins are as similar as any siblings
monozygotic twins
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
genotype or genome
all o a person’s genes, including those that are active and those that are silent
phenotype
the genetically based characteristics that are actually shown in one’s body
phenotype
the genetically based characteristics that are actually shown in one’s body
polygenic inheritance
numerous genes may interact together to promote any particular trait or behavior
pleiotropic effects
any single gene may have many different influences
generalist genes
genes that affect many, apparently distinct cognitive abilities
single gene disorders
genetic disorders caused by recessive genes or mutations
chromosomes disorders
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
multifactorial inheritance disorders
disorders that result from the interaction of many genes in interaction with environmental influences
mutations
changes in the formation of genes that occur as cells divide
amniocentesis
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
chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
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
gene therapy
treatment of genetic disorders through implanting or disabling specific genes
canalization
the degree to which the expression of a gene is influenced by the environment
epigenetics
a system by which genes are activated or silenced in response to events or circumstances in the individual’s environment
passive gene-environment interaction
a child’s family shares his own genetically determined abilities and interests
active gene-environment interaction
a child’s genetic endowment becomes a driving force to seek out experiences that fit her genetic endowments
niche-picking
individuals choose the part of their environment (the niche) in which they feel comfortable based on their genetic predispositions
evocative gene environment interaction
children’s genetic endowment causes them to act in a way that draws out or “evokes” certain responses from those around them
concordance rate
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
culture
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
individualism
the cultural value that emphasizes the importance of the individual with emphasis on independence and reliance on one’s own abilities
collectivism
the cultural value that emphasizes obligations to others within your group
cultural neuroscience
the study of the interaction of culture, the mind, and the development of the brain
