Genetics, Development, & Plasticity

Flashcards about genetics, development, and plasticity in biological psychology.

How do genes affect behavior?

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

What is Epigenetics?

A field concerned with changes in gene expression without modification of the DNA sequence.

What happens when the human central nervous system begins to form (2 weeks)?

The dorsal surface thickens, forming a neural tube surrounding a fluid-filled cavity.

What are the 5 steps in the development of neurons?

Proliferation, migration, differentiation, myelination, synaptogenesis.

What is proliferation?

The production of new cells/neurons in the brain primarily occurring early in life.

What is migration?

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

What is differentiation?

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 the synapses between neurons.

What did Sperry's (1954) research with newts indicate?

Axons follow a chemical trail to reach their appropriate target.

What did Levi-Montalcini discover about muscles and axons?

Muscles do not determine how many axons form; they determine how many survive.

What is Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)?

A type of 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.

What do changes in dendritic trees indicate?

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

What does evidence show about 'far transfer'?

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

What is Focal hand dystonia (musicians cramp)?

Condition where the reorganization of the brain goes too far, causing clumsy, fatigued fingers.

What is a closed head injury?

A sharp blow to the head that does not puncture the brain.

What is a stroke (cerebrovascular accident)?

Temporary loss of blood flow to the brain.

What are collateral sprouts?

New branches formed by other non-damaged axons that attach to vacant receptors.