Genetics Flashcards
Chromosomes
46 chromosome / 23 from each parent
Each have Double helix
Genes
Pieces of DNA that have specific instructions
Genes work together with experience to wire our brains
Nucleotides
The structural units of dna and rna
RNA single strand carries the message of DNA to cell body
Genome
Complete set of instructions for making an organism
Consists of all the genetic material and it’s chromosomes
Gene complex
Genes working together to form traits
Traits
Inherited physical characteristic
Can be selected naturally or with the help of man
Passed on
Ex: dog breeds (selective breeding mate selection)
Fox evolution- respond to name
Natural selection
Traits that help an organism survive or adapt to any environment
Fear can be passed on because it helps you survive
Twin studies
Behavior and genetics (nature vs nurture)
How much is behavior impacted by genetics
Genotype
Internally coded, inheritable information
Carried by all living organisms
Phenotypes
Physical characterization
Identical twins
Genetically same
Similar environment
Fraternal twins
Only genetics
Loehlin and Nichols
How parents treat their identical twins
Heritability
Can be inherited
Degree that a trait can be passed on through the genetic code
Prenatal environment
The environment in the womb
Moms diet, etc
Experience
Stimulating environment leads to more connections
Rat brains gain wait when they are in an enriched environment
Tryon
Can cognitive tasks be inheritable
Sex:
Determined by the 23rd pair of chromosomes
X comes from the mom and the Dad provided X or Y
XX female
XY male
Role:
Parts you play, expectations about a social position
Gender role
Expected behaviors for either male or female
Gender identity
Forms around age 3
Knowledge that you are male or female
Gender typed or sex typed behavior
- acquisition of traditional, masculine, or feminine nodes
Gender schema theory
Combo of cognitive and social psychological theory
Theory that children learn from their cultures
A concept of schema: What it means to be male/female and then adjust their behaviors accordingly.
Social learning theory
Albert Bandura:
We learn what is expected by watching others
We learn by seeing if another persons actions are rewarded or punished
Gender:
Definition of male or female
Sex:
Males tend to initiate sex more often
48% men and 12% women
Street corner: “go on a date”
Women should choose their sex partners carefully since they can only produce a certain number of babies and they spend most of their life caring for their child
What ensures reproductive success
Men’s strive for success
The will to get more women
Collectivist value
Value social roles and how you fit in
Individualist value
The individual and independent success
What can impact the brain’s structure and organization
Culture
Effects of day care
Under 2 : no
Over 3: yes
Daycares
Must be high quality
Must spend time when you get home on child centered activities
