Unit 2 Vocab

Question 1

Action potential

Answer 1

A short lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls; following a consistent trajectory

Question 2

Adoption studies

Answer 2

Are one form of clinical genetic study designed to evaluate genetic and environmental influences on phenotype.

Question 3

Agonist

Answer 3

A chemical that binds a receptor and activates the receptor to produce a biological response.

Question 4

Antagonist

Answer 4

Is a type of receptor ligand or drug that blocks or dampens agonist- mediated responses rather than provoking a biological response itself upon binding to a receptor

Question 5

Behavioral genetics

Answer 5

Which variation among individuals is separated into genetic versus environmental components

Question 6

Blood brain barrier

Answer 6

A filtering mechanism of the capillaries that carry blood to the brain and the spinal cord tissue, blocking the passage of certain substances

Question 7

Cerebrospinal fluid

Answer 7

Clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spine. It is produced in the choroid plexuses of the ventricles of the brain

Question 8

Chromosomes

Answer 8

Are the thread like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells.

Question 9

Critical period

Answer 9

A particular skill or characteristic is believed to be most readily acquired

Question 10

Dual processing

Answer 10

Provides an account of how a phenomenon can occur in two different ways. An implicit, unconscious process and an explicit, conscious process

Question 11

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer 11

Test to help diagnose epilepsy. It records the electrical activity of the brain

Question 12

Family studies

Answer 12

Offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the well being and healthy development of individuals and families over their life span

Question 13

Genes

Answer 13

Basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Made up of DNA, act as instructions to make proteins

Question 14

Glial cells

Answer 14

Are non neural cells that maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons in central nervous system and peripheral nervous systems

Question 15

Heritability

Answer 15

Statistics used in breeding and genetics works that estimates how much of the genetic diversity of a phenotypic trait in a population is due to genetic differences in that population

Question 16

Molecular genetics

Answer 16

Biology and genetics that studies the structures and function of genes at a molecular level

Question 17

Mutation

Answer 17

Permanent change to the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism, virus, or extrachromosomal DNA or other genetic developments

Question 18

Natural selection

Answer 18

Differential survival and reproduction of individuals that differ in phenotype. It is a key mechanism of evolution

Question 19

Phenotype

Answer 19

Is the composite of an organisms observable characteristic, such as morphology, development, biochemical

Question 20

Reuptake

Answer 20

The absorption by a preys attic nerve ending of a neurotransmitter that it has secreted

Question 21

Split brain surgery

Answer 21

A corpus calloscotomy, is a drastic way of alleviating epileptic seizures, the occurs de of sporadic electrical storms in the brain

Question 22

Synaptic cleft

Answer 22

One neuron releases neurotransmitter molecules into a small space (the synaptic cleft) that is adjacent to another neuron

Question 23

Threshold

Answer 23

The magnitude or intensity that must be exceeded for a certain reaction, phenomenon, result, or condition to occur

Question 24

Twin studies

Answer 24

Allow researchers to examine the overall role of genes on the development of a trait or disorder

Question 25

Zygote

Answer 25

A eukaryotic formed by a fertilization event between two gametes contributors

Question 26

Paul broca french physician

Answer 26

Researcher for the Broca’s area

Question 27

Micheal Gazzaniga

Answer 27

Heads the new SAGA center for the study of the mind

Question 28

Roger Sperry

Answer 28

Neuropsychologist won the Nobel piece prize with David hunter for his work with the split brain project

Question 29

Absolute refractory period

Answer 29

The period immediately following the firing of a nerve fiber when it cannot be stimulated no matter how great a stimulus is applied