PSYC 331: Ch 3: Biology and Behavior

Genetics

Heredity study. Like, where you get traits from mom and dad. Like Rory got smarts from Lorelai.

Chromosomes

DNA packages. Humans have 23 pairs, like 23 gifts from parents.

Autosomes

First 22 pairs. They are not about boy or girl, just regular stuff.

Sex chromosomes

Last 2 pairs (X and Y). They decide if human is boy or girl, like how Lorelai is girl and Luke is boy.

Genotype

Gene set from parents. Like Rory's mix of Lorelai and Christopher's genes.

Phenotype

What you see on the outside. Like how Rory looks smart, thanks to her genes and yummy food.

Homozygous

Same genes. Like having two copies of Luke's cooking skill.

Heterozygous

Different genes. Like having both Lorelai’s sass and Christopher’s charm.

Behavioral genetics

Study of behavior traits, like why Rory loves books and Kirk is, well, Kirk.

Polygenic inheritance

Many genes make one look. Like how every character is mix of traits.

Neurogenesis

Making new brain cells, starts before you born. Like building new knowledge homes.

Myelination

Wrapping axons for speed, like speeding up delivery of coffee.

Synaptogenesis

New brain connections, like friends meeting at the diner.

Plasticity

Brain's cool talent to change, like how Rory becomes more confident.

Experience-expectant plasticity

Connections based on what brain waits for. Like every kid needs love.

Experience-dependent plasticity

Connections made from own life stuff. Like how Rory becomes brave from school.

Synaptic pruning

Cutting away extra connections. Like cleaning up messy room at the end of the day.