Genetics and Behavior

behavior

reaction to stimulus (modified by genetics, environment, cognition)

behavioral genetics

study of influence of genes on behavior

neurotransmitters

increases or decreases in its release mediate behavior

neurotransmitters

drugs such as cocaine, morphine, heroin, mescaline, nicotine, amphetamines all mimic ____

future addiction

avoidance/minimal use of alcohol, smoking, drugs during 10-25 age significantly reduces ____

frontal cortex

• part of brain involved in planning, execution, judgement

• this region has growth spurt starting at age 11-12

• “CEO of brain”

amygdala

• part of brain involved in emotional responses

• teens use this more than frontal cortex leading to impulsive behavior

cerebellum

• part of brain involved in physical coordination and organization of thinking

• this region has dynamic growth/change during teen years

Roper v. Simmons

• amicus curiae brief (non solicited legal opinion offered to court to broaden basis of decisions)

• justification for limiting driving/drinking/treatment of juvenile crime is that teens can’t control their impulse and anticipate the consequences of their actions bc frontal cortex is underdeveloped

schizophrenia

• genes associated with this found on X chromosome and other autosomes

• symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, changed behavior

insanity plea (legally considered insane)

• people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders that commit crimes

• mothers kill babies due to abnormal levels of hormones, PTSS

• no death penalty

fragile X syndrome (mutation on X chromosme)

causes autistic type behaviors and problems with aggression

monoamine oxidase type A (MAOA)

• breaks down neurotransmitters

• mutated form (deficiency) can cause violence/aggression bc the person can regulate emotion

more difficult

people with genetic disorders that influence behavior resulting in violence are ____ cases for ethics and legal system compared to those with mental disorders

XYY syndrome

• prisoners incarcerated for violent crimes showed higher percentage of men with ____

• taller, more aggressive

• should genetic testing be done on all ppl that commit crimes to aid treatment/early parole decisions to reduce rate of recidivism?

b and c

which people would courts consider the individual guilty if they commit a crime?

a. person w mental disorder

b. person w genetic condition that makes them aggressive (MAOA deficiency) [hasnt yet been addressed in US courts]

c. person under the influence of drugs/alcohol

d. women who kill their children