Brain Evolution & Behavioral Genetics Flashcards

Flashcards for Brain Evolution & Introduction to Behavioral Genetics (Part 1).

Evolution

Process and change in the genetic coding of a group of organisms from one generation to the next.

Fitness

The ability to survive and contribute genes to the next generation.

Phenotype

Observable trait.

Genotype

The genetic material constituting the observable trait.

Gene

An inherited factor.

Alleles

Two genes that control the same trait.

Homozygous

Organisms that possess two identical alleles.

Heterozygous

Organisms that possess two different alleles.

Chromosome

A threadlike structure found in the nucleus of a cell.

Sex Chromosomes

Pair of chromosomes that determines sex (XY = male, XX = female).

Sex-linked traits

Traits determined by sex chromosomes.

Turner’s Syndrome

Atypical quantities of Sex Chromosomes; Single sex chromosome

Klinefelter’s Syndrome

Atypical quantities of Sex Chromosomes; One extra female sex chromosome

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

A double-stranded polymer molecule which contains deoxyribose and constitutes each chromosome.

RNA (Ribonucleic acid)

A single-stranded chain of polymers that is ribose-based and important for protein synthesis.

Mitosis

Making new cells in the body; Creation of two identical daughter cells from one parent cell.

Meiosis

Cell division across generations; Reduced number of chromosomes (23) in each egg and sperm cell to form gametes and zygote

TRANSCRIPTION

Transfer of genetic information on the DNA to messenger RNA

TRANSLATION

The code in messenger RNA is read by transfer RNA in ribosomes which builds polypeptide chains (proteins) from amino acids

Genetic Mutations

Changes to the DNA sequence that happen during cell division when the cells make copies of themselves, and can be inherited or acquired.

Down Syndrome

Genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Proteus Syndrome

Mutation in AKT1 kinase in a mosaic state gene in chromosome 10 or 16, associated with skin, bone, and tissue overgrowth.