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Behavior is a result of…
Genotype, environment, and gene-environment interactions
Innate Behaviors:
Behaviors that are…
Performed the same way each time
Fully expressed when first exhibited
Present in isolated individuals
Reflex:
Involuntary movement responding to stimulus
Fixed Action Pattern
Behavior with no variation, and cannot be stopped once started
Genotyping:
Determining differences in genetic makeup through DNA
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):
Amplifies sections of DNA, making it easier to study
Gel Electrophoresis:
Process of separating out DNA fragments by running a magnetic field through gel
Helps identify specific genetic markers
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP):
Identifies tiny differences in genetic code between individuals.
Helps identify specific traits + disease susceptibility
Real-Time PCR (qPCR)
Measures the amount of genes actively being transcribed in a sample
Imagine you're a scientist in Jurassic Park, and you've just discovered an ancient mosquito preserved in amber.You suspect it might have dined on dinosaur blood. To confirm this, you need to amplify the tiny amount of DNA that might be in the blood from the mosquito's last meal. Which genotyping method would be best to use?
PCR
An entomologist is curious about the genetic diversity within a beehive. He wants to compare the lengths of DNA fragments related to different roles in the hive. Which method will help him sort these DNA pieces?
Gel electrophoresis
DNA Sequencing:
Reading the order of nucleotide bases to determine genetic information
Scientists have discovered that certain whales have unique patterns in their songs. They believe these variations might be linked to differences in their DNA sequences. To explore this possibility, which method would be best to read the order of bases in the whale DNA?
DNA sequencing
In a rare species of parrots,twins are common, but each pair of twins has distinct behaviors.Researchers want to detect the slight genetic differences that might explain these unique behaviors. What genotyping technique should they use?
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
Pigeons harbor a remarkable trait where both parents have the ability to produce 'crop milk,' a nutrient-rich substance to feed their chicks. Researchers are fascinated by the hormonal cues in the pigeon's brain that trigger this lactation-like process. To investigate which genes are activated in the brain during lactation and gain insights into the timing and hormonal control of this behavior, what genotyping technique should be applied?
Real-Time PCR
Microsatellites:
Repetitive DNA sequences that frequently mutate
Useful for detecting variation in alleles
What are the statistical methods of analyzing behavior?
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping
What are the molecular methods of studying behavior?
Gene editing
Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS):
Analyzes large, genetically diverse populations of unrelated individuals
Identifies genetic variants associated w/traits
Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Mapping:
Analyzes gene number and location to determine what region of the genome influences QTLs
Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL):
DNA containing genes that that influence a trait/behavior
Does QTL Mapping involve the study of related individuals or non-related individuals? Why?
Related individuals, as this reduces genetic complexity and makes it easier to link phenotypes to DNA
Does Genome-Wide Association Studies track genetic inheritance patterns?
No, because it analyzes unrelated individuals
Gene editing:
Allows you to change the genome at a precise location
What is the knockout method of gene editing?
Disabling a gene to determine its function
What is the CRISPR-Cas9 method of gene editing?
Deleting, adding, or altering a sequence of DNA to determine its function
How can stress disrupt the HPG axis?
Stress increases the release of GnIH
What is bioinformatics?
Analysis of genetic information to uncover the functions, relationships, and evolutionary histories of genes
What are “Big Data”?
Extremely large data sets requiring specialized analytical tools
What is transcriptomics used for?
To study the amount of gene activity (RNA transcription) in a certain tissue
What is transcriptomic assembly?
A catalog of all RNA transcription (gene activity) at a specific time
What is an MA plot?
A visual diagram that depicts the difference in gene expression between two samples
What are the pros/cons of transcriptomic analyses?
Pros: Gives a wide variety of information on all of the hormones involved in a particular pathway
Cons: Not as targeted as qPCR analyses
How does the HPG axis function?
Hypothalamus releases GnRH (Gonadotropin)
Gonadotropin tells the Pituitary to release FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
LH signals gonads to release testosterone
What is bioinformatics used for?
Sequencing genomes, analyzing protein/gene expression, comparing genetic data across species
