Biopsychology: Human Genetics

What are brain imaging techniques?

Methods used to visualize the structure and function of the brain, including PET (Positron Emission Tomography), CT (Computed Tomography), and fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

What is the theory of evolution by natural selection?

A biological theory proposing that organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to the gradual evolution of species.

What is sickle-cell anemia?

A genetic blood disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, leading to the production of abnormal hemoglobin that can cause red blood cells to become misshapen.

How is sickle-cell anemia linked to malaria immunity?

Individuals with sickle-cell trait (carriers) have some protection against malaria, as the malaria parasite has a harder time surviving in sickle-shaped red blood cells.

What is the difference between evolutionary psychology and behavioral genetics?

Evolutionary psychology focuses on how evolutionary principles shape human behavior, while behavioral genetics studies the influence of genetic factors on behavior.

What is genetic variation?

The diversity in gene frequencies among individuals within a population, which contributes to differences in traits and can affect survival and reproduction.

What are chromosomes?

Structures within cells that contain DNA and carry genetic information; humans typically have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

What is DNA?

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms.

What are genes?

Segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins, which determine the traits of an organism.

What are alleles?

Different versions of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome, contributing to genetic diversity.

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, while phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics resulting from the genotype.

What are dominant and recessive traits?

Dominant traits are expressed in the phenotype even when only one allele is present, while recessive traits require two copies of the allele to be expressed.

What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous?

Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a specific gene, while heterozygous refers to having two different alleles for that gene.

What are Punnett squares?

A diagram used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two individuals, showing the possible combinations of alleles in offspring.

What is phenylketonuria (PKU)?

A genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, leading to the accumulation of phenylalanine, which can cause intellectual disability if untreated.