Genes

Chromosomes

Structures found in living cells that carry genetic information.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

Each DNA molecule consists of a long sequence of four chemical subunits called bases.

What are the four chemicals DNA contains?

Thymine, Guanine, Adenine, Cytosine.

Gene

A small segment of DNA that codes for the production of a particular protein.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

A single-strand chemical coded by DNA (A repeated pattern of the DNA chemicals).

Homozygous

Having two identical genes for a given characteristic.

Heterozygous

Having two unlike genes for a given trait.

Dominant Allele

Allele that shows a strong effect in either the homozygous or heterozygous condition.

Recessive Allele

Allele that shows a light effect in either the homozygous or heterozygous condition.

Intermediate Allele

Both recessive and dominant are mixed (e.g., dog with spots).

Phenotype

The set of observable characteristics of an individual.

Passive GE-Correlation

An individual's genes will correlate with their early environment.

Evocative GE-Correlation

An individual’s genes influence the way that others respond to them.

Active GE-Correlation

An individual’s genes influence their selective attention to different aspects of the environment.

Epigenetics

The idea that our experience gets embedded into our genes that can get passed down.

Neurogenesis

Proliferation of neurons through cell division.

Migration

Neurons migrating to where they need to be depending on the function that they will be performing.

Differentiation

Cell differentiates into a neuron (Forms dendrites, axon, synapses).

Synaptogenesis

Processes where the synapses are created and neurons are linked.

Synaptic pruning

Process where synapses are pruned or eliminated.

Myelination

Formation of the myelin sheath around the axon.

Neurons do not regenerate

True.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells found in the interior of the brain that can generate into different glia or neurons.

New research about neurons proves

We can regenerate neurons.

Brain plasticity

Brain's capacity to be shaped by experiences.

Experience-Expectant plasticity

Brain adapts in response to sensory information.

Atypical Development (experience-Expectant plasticity)

Regions associated with visual processing in blind children can become specialized for hearing processing for children who are deaf.