Genetics, Development, & Plasticity

Flashcards about Genetics, Development, & Plasticity

How do genes and the environment interact to influence behavior?

Both genes and environment interact to shape human behavior.

How do proteins determine the development of the body?

Forming part of the structure of the body and serving as enzymes.

What are autosomal genes?

All genes except for sex-linked genes.

What are sex-linked genes?

Genes located on the sex chromosomes.

How do females and males contribute to the sex of a child during reproduction?

Females contribute an X chromosome; males contribute either an X or a Y chromosome.

What is Epigenetics?

A field that studies changes in gene expression without modification of the DNA sequence.

How do researchers study the contributions of heredity and environment to behavior?

Studying monozygotic and dizygotic twins, adopted children, and identifying specific genes linked to behavior.

What is PKU?

A genetic inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylketonuria.

How do genes affect behavior?

Genes produce proteins that increase the probability that a behavior will develop under certain circumstances.

What is altruistic behavior?

A behavior that benefits someone other than the actor.

What three sections does the forward end of the neural tube differentiate into?

Hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain.

What is the approximate weight of the human brain at birth, by the first year, and in adulthood?

Approximately 350 grams at birth, 1000 grams by the first year, and 1200-1400 grams in adulthood.

What are the five processes involved in the development of neurons in the brain?

Proliferation, migration, differentiation, myelination, and synaptogenesis.

What is proliferation?

The production of new cells/neurons in the brain.

What is migration in the context of neuron development?

The movement of newly formed neurons and glia to their eventual locations.

What is differentiation in neuron development?

The forming of the axon and dendrites that gives the neuron its distinctive shape.

What is myelination?

The process by which glia produce the fatty sheath that covers the axons of some neurons.

What is synaptogenesis?

The formation of synapses between neurons.

What are stem cells?

Undifferentiated cells that can transform into glia or neurons.

How do axons reach their target area?

Axons follow a chemical trail to reach their appropriate target.

When axons initially reach their targets, what do they form?

They form synapses with several cells.

According to Levi-Montalcini, what determines how many axons survive?

Muscles determine how many survive.

What is nerve growth factor (NGF)?

A protein released by muscles that promotes the survival and growth of axons.

What is apoptosis?

A preprogrammed mechanism of cell death.

What is fetal alcohol syndrome?

A condition that children are born with if the mother drinks heavily during pregnancy.

How does exposure to alcohol in the fetus brain affect neurotransmitters?

Suppresses glutamate and enhances the release of GABA.

What does the gain and loss of spines on dendritic trees indicate?

The gain and loss of spines indicate new connections, which relates to learning.

Does practicing a difficult concept enhance intelligence in other areas?

Skills associated with the practiced task transfer, but not other skills.

How does the brain reorganize in blind people?

The occipital lobe adapts to process tactile and verbal information.

What is focal hand dystonia or 'musicians cramp'?

A condition where the reorganization of the brain goes too far, leading to clumsy and involuntary movements in musicians.