Lecture 2: Biological foundations Flashcards
Heredity
- 23 chromosomes in each egg and sperm cell
- 22 pair of autosomes + 1 pair of sex chromosomes
Gene
group of nucleotide bases that provides a specific set of biochemical instructions
genotype
a person’s complete set of genes make up his or her genotype
phenotype
genotype in conjenction with environemntal influences -> person’s phenotype
Polygenic inheritance
usually more than 1 gene is involved in the inheritance of behavioral and psychological traits
monozygotic twins
100% overlap in genes
dizygotic twins
50% overlap in genes (siblings)
Epigenetics
continuous interplay between genes and cellular environment -> some genes or turned on or turned off
Heritability coefficient
the extent to which a trait or characteristic is inherited (apply to groups of poeple)
- can be derived from twin studies
niche picking
when growing older, people seek the kind of environment that fits their genetic make-up
Zygote
- Week 1-2
- fertilized egg
- implantation in the wall of the uterus
Embryo
- Week 3-8
- implantation (placenta + germ disc, ecdoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm)
- specialization of cells into organs
Fetus
- Week 8-38
- Increase in size and weight
- development of organs
- sense start functioning
General risk factors (prenatal development)
- insufficient nutrition
- mother’s age
- extreme chronic stress
Teratogens
- diseases (many bacteria and viruses are dangerous)
- environmental hazards
- drugs
