Genetics Flashcards
Chromosomes:
thread like structure that contain DNA and proteins
DNA:
genetic material in every cell in the body
Genes:
segments of DNA containing instructions for making protein that are building blocks in your body
How many chromsomes do humans have:
Most cells have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs
The first 22 pairs are autosomes (body cells), the 23rd pair is sex chromosomes
Gametes:
Reproductive cells that have one set of 23 chromosomes
Fertilization
gametes join to form a zygote
Zygote
Fertilized egg
Genotype:
complete set of genes that make up a person’s heredity
Phenotype:
a person’s genotype with environmental impacts
Alleles
different forms of the same gene
Homozygous:
two alleles are the same
Heterozygous:
two alleles are different
Behavioral Genetics
Branch of genetics that studies the effects of heredity on behavior
Polygenic inheritance:
many genes work together to affect behaviors
Reaction range:
the same genotype can produce a range of phenotypes in different environments
Heritability coefficients:
estimate the extent to which differences between people reflect heredity
Methylation:
one of several epigenetic mechanisms that cells use to control gene expression
Niche picking:
deliberately seeking environment to fit one’s heredity
Shared environment:
there is little effect of shared environment on some aspects of development
Nonshared environment:
experiences unique to individuals
What are the 2 types of environmental influence
Shared and non-shared enviroment
