Genetics, Heritability, Neuroimaging, and The Endocrine System

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to human genetics, genetic inheritance, neuroimaging techniques, and the endocrine system based on the provided lecture notes.

The study that helps researchers understand the underlying biological basis of different behaviors, thoughts, and reactions, including disease outcomes, psychological disorders, and inheritance of genetic diseases.

Human Genetics

The process by which organisms better suited for their environment will survive and reproduce, while those that are poorly suited will die off, as theorized by Charles Darwin.

Natural Selection

The genetic difference between individuals that contributes to a species’ adaptation to its environment.

Genetic Variation

A long strand of genetic information known as DNA.

Chromosome

A helix-shaped molecule made of nucleotide base pairs that constitutes chromosomes.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

A sequence of DNA that controls or partially controls physical characteristics known as traits (e.g., eye color, hair color).

Gene

A specific version or variation of a gene.

Allele

An inheritable trait controlled by more than just one gene.

Polygenic Trait

An allele whose corresponding phenotype is always expressed if at least one dominant allele is present.

Dominant Allele

An allele whose corresponding recessive phenotype is only expressed when two recessive alleles are present.

Recessive Allele

Consisting of two different alleles (e.g., Aa).

Heterozygous

Consisting of two identical alleles (e.g., AA or aa).

Homozygous

A tool used to predict how genes will interact in the production of offspring.

Punnett Square

The concept that genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, and our environment determines where in that range we will fall.

Range of Reaction

The view that our genes affect our environment, and our environment influences the expression of our genes.

Genetic Environmental Correlation

The study of gene-environment interactions, specifically how the same genotype can lead to different phenotypes.

Epigenetics

A neuroimaging technique involving x-rays that creates an image of brain structure through varied densities within the brain, showing structure but not function.

CT Scan (Computerized Tomography Scan)

A neuroimaging technique that involves injecting individuals with a mildly radioactive substance to monitor changes in blood flow, showing activity (function) in different parts of the brain.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography Scan)

A structural neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic fields to produce a picture of the tissue being imaged.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A functional neuroimaging technique that shows changes in metabolic activity within the brain over time.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A neuroimaging technique that involves recording the electrical activity of the brain via electrodes on the scalp, offering high temporal resolution and low spatial resolution.

EEG (Electroencephalography)

A series of glands that produce hormones to regulate normal body functions.

Endocrine System

A part of the brain that links the nervous system and endocrine system by controlling the pituitary gland.

Hypothalamus

Known as the master gland, it controls the secretions of all other glands in the endocrine system.

Pituitary Gland

A gland that secretes thyroxine, which regulates growth, metabolism, and appetite.

Thyroid Gland

A gland that secretes hormones involved in the stress response.

Adrenal Gland

A gland that secretes sex hormones, important for successful reproduction and regulation of sexual motivation and behavior.

Gonad

A gland that secretes hormones that regulate blood sugar.

Pancreas