Gene-environment Flashcards
What is a gene?
Functional sections of DNA at particular sites on chromosomes
What functions can genes have?
Genes start the process of synthesising a protein
What is gene expression?
The process by which the instructions in our DNA are converted into a functional product such as protein
What is a genotype?
Set of genes
What is a phenotype?
Observed characteristics (form, growth, behaviour)
How do genes come to be expressed?
Study of epigenetics
What is regulating DNA and what do we think it does?
Only a small proportion of our DNA is responsible for protein synthesis, the rest play regulatory roles.
What are alleles?
Alternate forms of a gene inherited one from the father and one from the mother. They can be dominant and recessive versions of the gene
What is polygenicity?
Involvement of multiple genes in one trait
What is pleiotropy?
Involvement of one gene in multiple traits
Identify examples of passive gene environment interactions.
Parents create environment to suit their genetics predispositions which can enhance children’s characteristics
Identify examples of evocative gene environment interactions.
People have inherited tendencies to evoke certain responses which reinforce inherited characteristics
Identify examples of active gene environment interactions.
People select environments compatible with their inherited characteristics
