Learning and Memory - Chapter 12

allele

A variant form of a gene

Alzheimer's disease

A progressive brain disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline, characterized by plaques and tangles in the brain

amyloid plaques

Abnormal protein deposits found in Alzheimer's patients' brains

androgens

Male sex hormones

apoptosis

Programmed cell death

autosomal dominant

A genetic trait where inheriting just one copy of the mutated gene leads to developing the condition

base pair

Building blocks of DNA

chromosome

Structures containing genetic material

critical period

A specific time window during development when certain experiences must occur

DNA

Genetic material containing instructions for development

Down syndrome

A genetic condition caused by having an extra copy of chromosome 21

elicited imitation

Learning through copying observed behaviors

enriched environment

Surroundings that provide stimulation and opportunities for learning

estrogen

Female sex hormone

gene

Unit of heredity that determines traits

gestational age (GA)

Time measured from conception

imprinting

A form of learning occurring during sensitive periods

mutation

A change in genetic material

neurofibrillary tangles

Twisted protein fibers found in Alzheimer's patients' brains

neurogenesis

The formation of new neurons

sensitive period

A time of increased responsiveness to certain experiences

spines

Small protrusions on dendrites where synapses form

stem cells

Cells that can develop into different cell types

synaptogenesis

The formation of new synaptic connections

testosterone

Primary male sex hormone

trisomy 21

Having three copies of chromosome 21, causing Down syndrome