Psych - Genetic and Plasticity

Plasticity

the brain’s ability to alter its own structure based on the capacity to rearrange connections between neurons; the result of learning or experience aka dendrite branching

Dendrite branching

when the dendrite of neurons grows in numbers and connects with other neurons

How does the brain repair itself?

• collateral sprouting

• substitution of function

• neurogensis

Collateral sprouting

when the axons of healthy neurons adjacent to damaged cells grow new branches

Synaptic of pruning

natural process during early childhood and adulthood; a way of removing connections that are no longer needed

Substitution of function

occurs when the damaged regions function is taken over by another area or areas of the brain

Neurogenesis

the process by which new neurons are generated; neurogenesis has been shown to occur in the hippocampus, which is involved with memory

explain one method of studying that influences genetic behavior with relation to one study

One method to study how genetics influences behavior is through twin studies, which compare monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins to assess the role of genetics versus environment. Researchers compare monozygotic (MZ) twins (who share nearly 100% of their genes) with dizygotic (DZ) twins (who share about 50% of their genes). By comparing the similarity in traits or behaviors between MZ and DZ twins, researchers can estimate the extent to which genes contribute to individual differences in those traits.

Maguire study

Maguire's study demonstrates brain plasticity by showing that London taxi drivers, who rely heavily on spatial navigation, exhibit a larger posterior hippocampus compared to control participants, suggesting the brain adapts to environmental demands. Maguire investigated whether the brains of London taxi drivers, who need to know the city's streets and routes very well, would show any structural differences in their brains compared to a control group. Researchers used MRI scans to compare the hippocampal volumes of taxi drivers with those of a control group of non-taxi driver. The study found that the posterior hippocampus (the part of the hippocampus involved in spatial memory) was larger in taxi drivers compared to the control group. The study provides evidence that the brain can adapt and change its structure in response to environmental demands, highlighting the brain's ability to learn and adapt throughout life; plasticity.

Minnesota twins

The Minnesota Study of Twins ) aimed to understand how genetics and environment influence behavior by comparing identical twins raised together and apart, suggesting that genetics play a significant role in shaping personality and intelligence. The study primarily involved identical twins (monozygotic) and fraternal twins (dizygotic) who were either raised together or raised apart. By comparing these two groups of twins, the study aimed to untangle the influence of nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) on various aspects of behavior. The study found that genetics played a significant role in determining many traits, including intelligence, personality, and the susceptibility to various psychological disorders. For example, even when identical twins were raised apart in different environments, they showed remarkable similarities in their personality traits, interests, and behavioral tendencies. This suggested a strong genetic influence on these characteristics. However, it also showed that environmental factors play a role, especially in more nuanced behaviors and conditions. Twins raised in the same household, for example, often exhibited some shared environmental influences, but the study found that these shared environmental factors were generally less influential than genetic factors.