gene & environment Flashcards
human development
the way people grow and change across the lifespan
embryology
the study of animal development between the fertilization of the egg and the time when the animal is born
neurobiology
the study of cells of the nervous system and the organization of these cells into functional circuits that process information and mediate behavior
interpersonal neurobiology
the study of how relationships shape the brain and the mind
what is the mind?
the human soul, the intellect
the development of a child’s brain architecture provides the foundation for all future ________, ________, and health ______
learning, behavior, health
neuroplasticity
the brain’s ability to change in response to experiences.
neuroplasticity in pregnancy
change in cognition and heavior to facilitate caregiving; shift in orientation towards dyady.
prefrontal cortext
regulates bodily functions. attunement. emotional balance. pausing before action. calming fear. insight. empathy. morality. intuition
gene
a portion of DNA located at a particular site ona. chromosone that codes for the production kinds of proteins
allele
an alternate form of a gene. typically, there are 2 alleles, one inherited from the individual’s mother & one from the father
genotype
the particular set of genes a person inherits from his or her parents.
phenotype
the visible expression of the person’s particular physical & behavioral characteristics.
types of inheritance
dominant - recessive. co-dominance (blood type). sex linked (hemophilia, color blindness). imprinting. polygenicq
Mendel’s findings?
Each characteristic is governed by factors that can be in two forms. Every plant has a pair of factors for each characteristic – one from each parent. Each plant transmits one of its pair to a germ cell. When the two parent plants contribute a particular factor to the offspring, one form might “overwhelm” the effect of the other
Mendelian pattern of inheritance
- dominant-recessive
- Example of heterozygous parents (both parents have a dominant and recessive)
- A particular genotype at one location (locus) is both necessary & sufficient for the character to be expressed
- Reflect disorders closely related to primary gene action - autosomal recessive
- EX. PKU, Sickle Cell Anemia
Genetic Abnormalities
Autosomal Recessive (cystic fibrosis, PKU, Sickle Cell)
Genetic Abnormalities
Chromosomal Ab0normalities (down’s syndrome)
Genetic Abnormalities
Autosomal Dominant (tuberous sclerosis, huntington’s disease)
cystic fibrosis
a defect in the CFTR gene causes CF - gene makes a protein that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of body’s cells. results in thick, sticky, mucus causing breathing problems & repeated lung infections and digestive problems
down syndrome
distinct physical characteristics, cognitive defects (speech problems, intellectual disability), problems in physical development, lower life expectancy
Multifactorial Inheritance
traits or disorders which depend on the expression of many genes and varying degrees of environmental influence. – heart disease, breast cancer, intelligence, temperament, depression & anxiety.
how to early experiences alter gene expression & shape development?
epigentics
the study of changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence. influence specific to the particular body tissues & phases of development. mediated by DNA methylation & histone acetylation.
gxe interctions
Virtually all-human diseases result from the interaction of genetic susceptibility factors & modifiable environmental factors.
Variations in genetic makeup are associated with almost all diseases.
Genetic variations do not cause disease but rather influence a person’s susceptibility to environmental factors
Range of Reaction
The notion that the human being’s genetic makeup establishes a range of possible developmental outcomes, within which environmental forces largely determine how the person actually develops.
shared environment
a set of conditions and experiences shared by children raised in the same family.
nonshared environment
a set of conditions or activities experienced by one child in a family but not shared with another child in the same family.
how do passive gxe interactions shape the environment?
environment created by parents w/ particular genetic predispositions encourages the expression of similar tendencies in their children.
how do active gxe interactions shape the environment?
people’s genes encourage them to seek out experiences compatible with their inherited tendencies
how do evocative gxe interactions shape the environment?
individual’s inherited tendencies to evoke certain environmental responses
dna
a self-replicating material which is present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes (the carrier of genetic information)
RNA
a nucleic acid present in all living cells, act as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins (exception in some viruses)
protein
large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body; they do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs (these proteins provide structure and support for cells)
