Week 2 Lecture Flashcards
What are genes?
Create the proteins and enzymes that build and regulate the body
Where are genes located?
on chromosomes
Every cell in the body contains what?
Chromosomes
How many chromosomal pairs do humans have?
23 pairs
(22 autosomal encoding looks, skills etc)
(1 sex chromosome pair)
What do genes strongly contribute to?
The emergence of a range of behaviours and abilities
What is a genotype?
Actual genetic makeup
What is a phenotype?
How these genes are expressed
Are a variety of developmentally significant disorder caused by genes?
Yes -a range of physical and cognitive
What is behavioural genetics?
Helps to see what percentage of genetics contributes to behaviour
What are identical twins? (3)
- Monozygotic.
2. 100% genetic overlap. 3. Possibly 100% environment overlap
What are fraternal twins? (3)
- Dizygotic (2 separate zygotes).
- 50% genetic overlap.
- Possibly 100% environmental overlap.
What does ‘canalisation’ mean in behavioural genetics?
That behaviour follows a genetic “blueprint”.
What is “niche picking” in behavioural genetics?
Seek environmental niche that suits genetics. Another reason why it’s hard to separate nature from nurture.
What is ‘reaction range’ in behavioural genetics?
Genes “set the boundaries” of environmental effects
What happens during conception stage?
1 of 360 million sperm cells successfully attaches to surface of the ovum - sperm and egg cells release chromosomes - join to form a new cell, or a zygote.
What happens in the germinal stage? (0-2 weeks)
zygote divides and redivides - implants into uterine wall - fully implanted blastocyst = embryo
What happens during the embryonic stage? (week 3-8) (2)
- basic organs are formed
2. embryo begins to response to direct stimulation
At week 3 after conception, what 3 parts does the embryonic disk divide into?
- ectoderm (inside)
- mesoderm (middle)
- endoderm (outside)
What week are people in in the embryonic stage?
weeks 3-8
What happens at 38-40 weeks of birth process?
Uterine wall begins to contract
At how many hours do contractions begin to come stronger during birth?
10-20 hours
Where does the baby eventually emerge (being born)?
Birth canal
What is immediately assessed after a baby is born?
Their physical condition
What is the Apgar Scale?
Assesses babies after 1 and 5 minutes.
What does an Apgar score of 7-10 indicate?
Good functioning
What does an Apgar score of 4-6 indicate?
Fair condition. respiration may need t be established
What does an Apgar score of 0-3 indicate?
Poor condition. resuscitation is required immediately. The survival of the infant is in doubt .
What is a teratogen?
Substance/environmental influence that can damage embryo’s development.
What can a teratogen cause?
Serious malformation or even death.
What does teratogen mean?
Little monster?
What does sensitivity have to do with teratogens?
Certain organs are sensitive at difference times. If teratogens affect this organ when it’s sensitive, this might damage the organ.
Can certain teratogens have issues on tissue specific effects?
Yes - mercury affects an infants brain
What effect can teratogens have on the mother?
Often she notices no adverse effect of teratogen
What is the dose - response relationship regarding teratogens?
The greater the dose of the teratogen, the worse its effect.
What part does individual differences play in teratogens?
Teratogenic effects differ according to foetus (also via Mother)
Infection is a type of teratogen. Around 5% of women catch an infection while pregnant. What effect will this have one the baby?
Most experience no ill effects, but babies can either be fine or experience grave consequences for it.
What are some serious teratogens which will be very bad for the baby?
- viruses
- bacterial infections
- parasites
- also maternal disorders (e.g diabetes)
What are medicinal drugs and how do they affect infants?
Drug molecules small enough to cross placental barrier can affect foetus.
- aspirin
- quinine
- thalidomide
What affect has aspirin been shown to have on foetuses?
low birth weight, lower IQ
What effect has quinine been shown to have on IQ
blindess issues
What effect can thalidomide have on foetuses?
Deformed/unformed limbs
What effect do non medicinal drugs have on foetuses?
At risk for many health problems. For example, prematurity, low birthweight, addition themselves
What are some facial characteristics seen on babies associated with foetal alcohol syndrome, potentially without even much alcohol at all being drunk?
Wide apart eyes a bit lower on the face, lack of sulcus between nose and mouth
What can learning in the utero involve?
Foetus can habituate to repetitive sounds
Does utero learning persist after birth?
Yes - seen in postnatal preferences. Sounds of stories, tastes of foods etc.
How can we record information about prenatal learning?
Rate of sucking of dummy means they prefer it.
