Child Psychology - Chapter 3: Genetics: The Biological Context of Development

These flashcards summarize key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 3 on genetics, focusing on biological foundations, inheritance mechanisms, and genetic disorders.

Chromosomes

Strands of genetic material DNA found in the nucleus of cells.

Autosomes

The 22 pairs of chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes.

Sex Chromosomes

The 23rd pair of chromosomes that determine an individual's sex; males are XY and females are XX.

Mitosis

A process where body cells reproduce, forming two identical cells with 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Meiosis

A process that produces reproductive cells (gametes) with only 23 chromosomes.

Gametes

Reproductive cells, such as sperm and ova, produced by meiosis.

Crossing Over

A process during meiosis where chromosomes intermix and exchange genetic material, leading to genetic diversity.

DNA

The basic genetic material formed from pairs of nucleotide bases, structured as a double helix.

Phenotype

The expressed traits of an individual, shaped by genetic and environmental factors.

Genotype

The underlying genetic makeup that determines specific traits.

Dominant Gene

A gene that is always expressed in the phenotype when present.

Recessive Gene

A gene that is only expressed in the phenotype when two copies are present.

Polygenic Inheritance

Inheritance of traits that are determined by multiple genes.

Incomplete Dominance

A situation where the dominant gene does not fully suppress the expression of a recessive gene.

Codominance

A scenario where both genes are dominant and both are fully expressed in the phenotype.

Mendel's Studies

Research conducted by Gregor Mendel on hereditary traits in pea plants, foundational to genetics.

Huntington’s Chorea

A fatal genetic disorder characterized by degeneration of the nervous system during adulthood.

Tay-Sachs Disease

A fatal genetic disease that results in the disintegration of the nervous system due to the inability to break down fats in brain cells.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

An inherited disorder in which the body cannot process the amino acid phenylalanine, requiring dietary management.

Sickle-Cell Anemia (SCA)

A genetic disorder caused by mutations in the hemoglobin gene, leading to distorted red blood cells.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder resulting from an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, associated with developmental delays.

Fragile X Syndrome

A genetic condition caused by a mutation on the X chromosome, leading to various physical and behavioral symptoms.

Turner’s Syndrome

A chromosomal disorder in females resulting from the presence of only one X chromosome (XO).

Klinefelter’s Syndrome

A condition in males characterized by the presence of an extra X chromosome (XXY).

Family Studies

Research comparing traits among family members to understand genetic influence.

Adoption Studies

Research comparing traits of adopted children with their biological and adoptive parents to discern genetic vs. environmental influences.

Twin Studies

Research comparing similarities in behavior or traits between identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins.

Concordance

The degree to which twins show similarity in a specific behavior or trait.

Gottesman's Limit-Setting Model

A model asserting that genetic range of ability is determined by genes, but the actual value is influenced by the environment.

Range of Reaction Model

A model illustrating the influence of both genes and environment on the development of traits.

Niche-Picking Model

A model describing how individuals select environments that complement their genetic predispositions.

Environmental Genetics Model

A model suggesting that different children experience the same environment in unique ways, highlighting nonshared environments.