genetic expo of sz

Question 1

genetic features of sz

Answer 1

-The chance in the general population is 1% for sz
HOWEVER, the chance increases when your related to someone with sz suggesting that genetics play a role
Risk rises with degree of genetic relatedness
Spouse-1%
Child-13%
DZ-17%
MZ- 48%
Concordance rate is not 100% so cannot be completely genetic

Question 2

genes may cause sz by

Answer 2

-Disrupting or damaging certain neural pathways so brain activity is not regulated
-Change brain sensitivity to certain neurotransmitters, increasing dopamine activity giving the positive symptoms of sz

Question 3

specific genes involved in sz

Answer 3

C4-A gene- certain mutations of this gene causes increased risk of sz

COMT- some peoples parts of this gene get deleted, changes dopamine sensitivity affecting how well dopamine is regulated

Question 4

chromosomes related to increased sz risk

Answer 4

18
13
12

Question 5

sz supporting evidence key

Answer 5

Kety-found there is a genetic basis to sz because there is a higher concordance rate in the biological parent (8.7)than the adoptive parent(1.9)

Question 6

sz conflicting Tamminga and schulz 1991,

Answer 6

Tamminga and schulz 1991, suggested research has failed to isolate a single recessive or dominant gene which causes the illness SO too complex as will never be able to track who has genes for sz=less useful