Genetics and Epigenetics in Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 9 on genetics and epigenetics in psychology, focusing on definitions, significant terms, and their implications in behavior and health.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic condition where red blood cells take on a crescent shape, affecting their function.

Homozygous

An individual with two copies of the same allele.

Heterozygous

An individual with two different alleles.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual.

Phenotype

The observable physical characteristics determined by genotype and environment.

Allele

A variation of a gene.

Genetic Variation

Differences in genetic makeup among individuals within a species.

Chromosomes

Long strings of DNA that carry genetic information.

Mutation

A permanent change in a gene that can be harmful or beneficial.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors can change gene expression without altering DNA sequence.

DNA methylation

The addition of a chemical group to DNA that can inhibit gene expression.

Histone Modification

Changes to histones that can affect DNA accessibility and gene expression.

Behavioral Genetics

The study of how genes and environment influence behavior.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how behavioral traits have evolved over time.

Polygenic

Traits that are influenced by multiple genes.

Epigenome

A collection of chemical compounds that modify the genome and affect gene expression.

Heritability Coefficient

A measure of how much of the variance in a trait is due to genetic differences.

Cleft Chin

A physical trait determined by a single dominant allele.

Recessive Trait

A trait that requires two copies of the recessive allele to be expressed.

Gene-Environment Interaction

The phenomenon where both genetic and environmental factors influence a trait.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

A genetic disorder caused by the lack of an enzyme that processes amino acids.

Natural Selection

The process through which traits that improve survival and reproduction become more common in a population.

Sickle Cell Trait

The condition of carrying one copy of the sickle cell gene without having the disease.

Epigenetic Markers

Chemical modifications on DNA that influence gene expression.

Twin Studies

Research methods that compare similarities between identical and fraternal twins to understand genetic influence.

Adoption Studies

Studies that examine the behavior of adopted individuals to assess environmental influences.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, often studied in relation to depression.

MAOA Gene

A gene linked to the metabolism of neurotransmitters, involved in aggression and violence.

Malaria Resistance

The protective health advantage conferred by being a carrier of the sickle cell trait.

Environmental Stressors

Elements in an individual’s surroundings that can lead to psychological or physical stress.

Cognitive Function

The mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension.

Gene Mapping

The process of determining the location of genes on a chromosome.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate over the relative contributions of genetics and environment to human behavior.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product.

Glucocorticoid Receptor

A protein that mediates the effects of stress hormones in the body.

Neurons

Cells in the nervous system that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.

Long-Term Memory

The stage of memory where information can be stored for long periods.

Psychiatric Disorders

Mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior.

Epigenomic Changes

Alterations in the epigenome that can influence gene activity.

Behavioral Adaptation

Changes in behavior that improve an organism's chances of survival and reproduction.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another.

Stress Response

The body's method of reaction to perceived threats or challenges.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes that are closely linked with social, economic, and environmental disadvantage.

Cognitive Psychology

The branch of psychology concerned with the scientific study of the mind as an information processor.

Somatic Nervous System

A part of the peripheral nervous system associated with the voluntary control of body movements.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Cumulative Risks

The total risk that arises from exposure to various individual risk factors over time.

Phenotype Plasticity

The ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to changes in the environment.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with a nucleus and organelles, characterized by complex structures.

Intellectual Disability

A generalized disorder characterized by significantly impaired cognitive functioning.

Nutritional Epigenetics

The study of how nutrition can affect epigenetic modifications.

Behavioral Output

Observable actions or movements resulting from mental activity.

Gene Therapy

An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease.

Developmental Psychology

The study of how and why human beings change over the course of their life.

Quarantine Hypothesis

A theory suggesting that genetic influences are moderated by environmental factors.

Genomic Instability

Increased tendency of the genome to acquire mutations.

Vulnerability Stress Model

A theory that specifies that individuals with certain vulnerabilities are more likely to develop disorders when faced with stress.

Naturalistic Observations

Research method involving the observation of subjects in their natural environment.

Clinical Psychopharmacology

The study of the effects of drugs in treating mental health disorders.

Phenomenology

An approach to psychology that emphasizes the subjective experience of the individual.

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA located in the mitochondria that is inherited maternally and reflects genetic lineage.

Behavioral Interventions

Strategies designed to change behavior patterns and improve functioning.

Psychophysiology

The study of the relationship between psychological processes and physiological responses.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

An imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Longitudinal Studies

Research studies that follow subjects over a period of time.

Critical Period

A specific time during development where certain skills or abilities are most easily learned.

Neural Plasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Biobehavioral Health

Integrative health approach that combines biological and behavioral factors influencing health.

Placebo Effect

A phenomenon where a patient experiences a perceived or actual improvement in condition due to believing they are receiving treatment.

Qualitative Research

Research that seeks to understand human behavior by examining the subjective meanings individuals attach to their experiences.

Interventions

Programs or treatment strategies designed to improve health outcomes.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or tested in an experiment.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or altered in an experiment.

Randomized Control Trials

Studies where participants are randomly assigned to different treatment conditions.

Retrospective Studies

Research that looks back at data collected in the past to find correlations.

Prevalence Rate

The total number of cases of a disease in a given population at a specific time.

Cohort Studies

Studies that follow a group of people over time to determine how certain factors affect outcomes.

Biological Determinism

The belief that biological factors entirely determine human behaviors and traits.

Environmental Enrichment

Enhancements to an environment that promote learning and cognitive development.

Integrative Approaches

Methods that combine multiple therapeutic practices for optimal outcomes.

Anxiety Disorders

Mental health disorders characterized by excessive fear or worry.

Psychopathology

The study of psychological disorders, including abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.