Biopsychology Vocabulary Flashcards

What is Biopsychology?

• Biopsychology explores the biological mechanisms that underlie behavior.
  • Core areas include genetics, structure and function of the nervous system, and interactions between the nervous and endocrine systems.
• Agenda overview:
  • 1) What is biopsychology?
  • 2) Genes and Traits
  • 3) Neurons
  • 4) Neurotransmitters and Drugs
  • 5) Parts of the Nervous System

Study Skills: Communication and Course Logistics

• Email etiquette tips (from Tips and Tricks):
  • Subject line examples: "PSYC 1000: Question about Assignment 2" or "Request for Meeting".
  • Greeting examples: Dear Professor, Hello Dr., Hi [Name].
  • Be concise, use proper grammar and spelling, identify yourself, be respectful, express gratitude when appropriate.
  • Use a professional email signature and tone; with professors, err on formality.
  • Use cc/bcc appropriately and follow up if no response after reasonable time.
• Course reminders:
  • Extra Credit opportunities available; email ahead if choosing a specific topic.
  • Readings before class, Metacognition study log due dates, Chapter 3 Quiz window, and upcoming test on Chapters 1–4.
  • Research activity (5% of final grade) due by 9/22 (start of semester survey).

Biopsychology Agenda (Chapter 3)

• Topics covered:
  • 1) What is biopsychology?
  • 2) Genes and Traits
  • 3) Neurons
  • 4) Neurotransmitters and Drugs
  • 5) Parts of the Nervous System

Genes and Traits

• Studying human genetics helps understand biological bases of behaviors, thoughts, and reactions.
  • Questions addressed include:
  • Why do different outcomes occur for people with the same disease?
  • Are there genetic components to disorders like depression?
  • How are genetic diseases inherited?
• Key concept: genetic variation contributes to adaptation and individual differences.
• Darwin quotation and concept:
  • "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change."
  • Adaptation to environment influences survival and reproduction through traits.

Genetic Variation and Evolution

• Genetic variation begins with fertilization: an egg with 23 chromosomes combines with a sperm with 23 chromosomes.
• Genetic difference among individuals contributes to a species’ adaptation to its environment.
• Genetic variation basics:
  • Chromosome: long strand of genetic information known as DNA.
  • DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid; a helix-shaped molecule made of nucleotide base pairs.
  • Genes: sequences of DNA that control or partially control physical characteristics (traits).
  • A gene may have multiple alleles (different versions).
• Example: a gene for hair color may have alleles that determine different hair colors.

Genotype vs Phenotype

• Genotype: genetic makeup of an individual based on inherited DNA.
• Phenotype: observable characteristics (hair color, skin color, height, build).
• Relationships:
  • Genotype influences Phenotype through expressed traits.
  • Environmental factors can also affect phenotype expression.

Dominant and Recessive Alleles

• Alleles can be dominant or recessive.
• Genotypes:
  • Heterozygous: Aa
  • Homozygous: AA or aa
• Dominant expression:
  • A dominant allele will always express the corresponding phenotype if at least one copy is present (Aa or AA).
• Recessive expression:
  • A recessive phenotype is expressed only if the organism is homozygous for the recessive allele (aa).

Polygenic Traits and Single-Gene Traits

• Most inheritable traits are polygenic (influenced by more than one gene).
• Some traits are governed by a single gene.

Mutations and Harmful Genes

• Some harmful genes arise from mutations: sudden, permanent changes in a gene.
• Most mutations are harmful, but some can be beneficial.

Nature and Nurture; Gene-Environment Interaction

• Nature (genes) and nurture (environment) interact to shape the individual.
• Range of reaction: genes set the boundaries within which the environment operates; the environment determines where in that range an individual falls.
• Genetic-environmental correlation: genes influence the environment, and the environment influences gene expression.
• Epigenetics: study of gene-environment interactions where the same genotype can lead to different phenotypes.

Neurons

• Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system; the brain contains over 10^{11} neurons, with about 10^{4} connections per neuron.
• A single thought requires millions of neurons acting simultaneously.
• Neuron structure components:
  • Dendrites (input)
  • Soma (cell body)
  • Axon (output)
  • Myelin sheath (insulation around the axon)
  • Terminal buttons (synaptic vessels for neurotransmitters)
• Neurons communicate with other neurons via chemical signals (neurotransmitters) at the synapse; signals within a neuron are electrical.

Neuron Structure and Function

• Semi-permeable membrane: allows smaller or uncharged molecules to pass; larger/charged molecules are restricted.
• Dendrites receive messages; axons transmit messages; myelin speeds transmission; terminal buttons release neurotransmitters.
• Myelin sheath importance: speeds signal transmission; loss impairs neural function.
• Synaptic vessels store neurotransmitters.
• Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that cross the synapse.

The Synapse and Neurotransmitter Action

• The synapse is the tiny gap between one neuron's terminal button and another neuron's dendrite.
• Communication rules:
  • Between neurons: chemical (neurotransmitters).
  • Within neurons: electrical and chemical (electrochemical).
• Resting potential: neuron is at negative polarity when inactive; inside is negative due to ion distribution.
• Ion roles:
  • Potassium (K+) inside the neuron contributes to negative interior.
  • Sodium (Na+) outside the neuron contributes to positive exterior.
• Neurotransmitter binding to receptors on the dendrites alters membrane potential.
• Depolarization: membrane potential becomes less negative; neuron more likely to fire (excitation).
• Hyperpolarization: membrane potential becomes more negative; neuron less likely to fire (inhibition).
• Threshold of excitation: membrane potential level needed to trigger an action potential.
• Action Potential: electrical signal that travels along the axon.
• All-or-none principle: the signal is either sufficient to reach threshold and fire fully, or it does not fire.

Action Potential Details

• Typical measurements (illustrative):
  • Resting potential: $$V_{rest} \