1.4 Biological Bases of Behaviour

Barron's 1.4

Genetic Predisposition

Increased chance of developing a certain specific trait or condition due to genetic code

Every human cell has _ chromosomes in _ pairs

46, 23

Chromosomes are made up of…

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Identical twins

Monozygotic twins

Dopamine

Motor movement/alertness

Deficit: Parkinson’s Disease

Excessive: Schizophrenia

Serotonin

Mood control, hunger, sleep, arousal

Deficit: clinical depression

Norepinephrine

Alertness, arousal

Deficit: depression

Glutamate

Excitatory neurotransmitter, learning and memory

Excessive: migraines and seizures

GABA

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter

Deficit: anxiety, sleep problems

Endorphins

Natural “painkiller,” pain control

Addictions

“Runner’s high”

Substance P

Pain perception

Intense/lack of pain perception

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Motor movement/muscle action

Deficit: Alzheimer’s

Involved in Myasthenia gravis (MG)

• Antibodies destroy the communication between nerves and muscle

• Skeletal muscle weakness