Neuroscience and Behavior: Genes, Epigenetics, and the Environment

Question 1

Who are the most genetically related people?

Answer 1

1. monozygotic twins
2. develop from the spltting of a single fertilized egg and share 100% of genes
3. dizygotic twins
4. develop from two separate fertilized eggs and share 50% of genes

Question 2

Define epigenetics

Answer 2

the study of environmental influences that determine how and if genes are expressed, without altering the basic DNA sequences that constitute genes themselves

*depending on the environment, a gene can be expressed or not expressed without altering the underlying DNA code

Question 3

What are the 3 methods used to study the brain?

Answer 3

1. studying ppl with brain damage
2. studying the brain’s electrical activity
3. using brain imaging to study brain structure and watch brain action

Question 4

What is an EEG?

Answer 4

electroencephalograph: a device used to record electrical activity in the brain

Question 5

What’s the difference between structural/ functional brain imaging

Answer 5

1. structural: provides information abt the basic structure of the brain and allows clinicans to see abnormalities in brain structure
2. functiona: provides information abt the activity of the brain while ppl perform various kinds of cognitive/ motor tasks

Question 6

Describe modes of structural brain imaging

Answer 6

1. CT scan
2. MRI
   3: DTI

Question 7

What are the modes of functional brain imaging?

Answer 7

1. PET scan
2. fMRI (most widely used)