Genes: Our Biological Blueprint

Question 1

Chromosomes

Answer 1

Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes.

Question 2

DNA deoxyribonucleic acid)

Answer 2

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes. (A DNA molecule has two strands – forming a “double helix” – held together by bonds between pairs of nucleotides)

Question 3

Genes

Answer 3

The biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein.

Question 4

Genome

Answer 4

The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in its chromosomes The human genome has 3 billion weakly bonded pairs of nucleotides organized as coiled chains of DNA.

Question 5

natural selection

Answer 5

the principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those that lead to increased reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.

Question 6

mutation

Answer 6

a random error in gene replication that leads to a change in the sequence of nucleotides; the source of all genetic diversity.

Question 7

evolutionary psychology

Answer 7

the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection. Natural selection has favored genes that designed both behavioral tendencies and information-processing systems that solved adaptive problems faced by our ancestors, thus contributing to the survival and spread of their genes.

Question 8

gender

Answer 8

in psychology, the characteristics, whether biologically or socially influenced, by which people define male and female.

Question 9

behavior genetics

Answer 9

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

Question 10

environment

Answer 10

every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us.

Question 11

identical twins

Answer 11

twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms

Question 12

fraternal twins

Answer 12

twins who develop from separate eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment.

Question 13

temperament

Answer 13

a person’s characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity

Question 14

heritability

Answer 14

the proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending on the range of populations and environments. studied.

Question 15

interaction

Answer 15

the dependence of the effect of one factor (such as environment) on another factor (such as heredity)

Question 16

molecular genetics

Answer 16

the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes.

Question 17

culture

Answer 17

the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a large group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.

Question 18

norm

Answer 18

an understood rule for accepted and expected behavior. Norms prescribe “proper” behavior.

Question 19

Personal space

Answer 19

the buffer zone we like to maintain around our bodies.

Question 20

memes

Answer 20

self-replicating ideas, fashions, and innovations passed from person to person.

Question 21

X Chromosome

Answer 21

the sex chromosome found in both men and women. Females have two X chromosomes; males have one. An X chromosome from each parent produces a female child.

Question 22

Y Chromosome

Answer 22

the sex chromosome found only in males. When paired with an X sex chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child.

Question 23

testosterone

Answer 23

the most important of the male sec hormones. Both males and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs in the fetus and the development of sec characteristics during puberty.

Question 24

role

Answer 24

a set of expectations (norms) about social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave.

Question 25

gender role

Answer 25

a set of expected behaviors for males and for females.

Question 26

gender identity

Answer 26

one’s sense of being male or female

Question 27

gender-typing

Answer 27

the acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine roe.

Question 28

social learning theory

Answer 28

the theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished.

Question 29

gender schema theory

Answer 29

the theory that children learn from their cultures a concept of what it means to be male and female and that they adjust their behavior accordingly.