Psych test

behavior genetics

It examines how genes and environment interact to shape traits and behaviors.

DNA

building blocks; 4 nucleic acids that pair up in a double helix to make up chromosomes

genes

Determine physical and biological characteristics

homoygous

same allele

heterozygous

different allele

chromosomes

strings of genes; we have 46 in 23 pairs

sex-linked genes

genes carried on the sex chromosome, example:

colorblindness

sex-limited genes

genes on X & Y but expressed only in 1 gender, example: facial hair, breast development

phenotype

physical characteristics/appearance

genotype

genetic makeup of an organism

Klinefelter syndrome (XXY)

a group of traits caused by the possession of 1 or more extra X chromosomes (in males)

Turner syndrome (XO)

a group of traits caused by having 1 X and no Y chromosome

XYY syndrome

traits caused by having an extra Y chromosome (in males)

Triple-X syndrome

traits caused by having 3 X chromosomes instead of 2 (in girls)

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS)

congenital absence of a functional androgen receptor, making the body unable to respond to androgens

Twin and adoption studies

If we are able to study identical twins that were separated at birth, we can compare and contrast them. We would look for similarities and differences in their abilities, personalities, and traits to get an idea of what was more influential - nature or nurture. We can further make comparisons between fraternal twins and siblings raised in the same family to gain additional insights.  

PKU (phenylketonuria)

metabolic disorder where the body can’t process certain proteins, so they build up in the brain and cause intellectual disabilities

sickle cell anemia

red blood cells are misshapen and break down- 1 copy of the gene protects against malaria

cystic fibrosis

mucus in lungs/digestive system is sticky and causes breathing problems; 1 copy of the gene prevents bacterial diarrhea

Tay Sachs

neurogenerative disorder that kills kids before they’re 5- 1 copy of the gene protects against tuberculosis

Down’s syndrome

having a copy of an extra chromosome; causes intellectual/developmental delays

Huntington’s disease

dominant, fatal, no cure- one flawed copy of gene kills a person- doesn’t affect ppl till they are past reproductive years

concordance rate

Concordance Rate:

• Indicates The degree of genetic influence on a trait or condition; tells you heredity

• High concordance rate: Suggests strong genetic contribution.

• Low concordance rate: Suggests environmental factors play a significant role.

heritability

the degree to which a trait in a given population is because of genetics and not the environment

epigenetics

how your environment affects whether or not a gene is expressed