Chapter_3_-_Biopsychology
Explain basic principles of evolution by natural selection.
Describe differences between genotype and phenotype.
Discuss gene-environment interactions critical for the expression of physical and psychological characteristics.
Human Genetics Importance: Researchers study genetics to understand biological factors contributing to certain behaviors.
Genetic Variation: Despite similar biological mechanisms, individual expression varies widely in behaviors, thoughts, and reactions.
Definition: A genetic condition where red blood cells become crescent-shaped, impacting their function.
Impact: Sickle-shaped cells can obstruct blood vessels, leading to serious health issues.
Example of Genetic Advantage: Carriers of one sickle cell allele have some immunity to malaria, illustrating how genetic traits can vary in effectiveness based on environmental context.
Sickle cell gene remains common in Africa despite its harmful effects because it provides malaria protection.
Darwin's Theory of Evolution: Organisms best suited for their environment survive and reproduce.
Focuses on how behavior and cognitive processes have evolved over time.
Investigates adaptive behaviors such as fear responses and mating preferences.
Examines individual differences and how they arise from genetic and environmental interactions.
Utilizes twin studies and adoption studies to assess the contributions of genetics and environment to behavior.
Begins at fertilization, combining genetic material from egg and sperm.
Chromosomes contain DNA and genes controlling traits (e.g., eye color).
Genotype: Genetic makeup.
Phenotype: Observable characteristics influenced by genotype and environment.
Alleles: Variations of genes that determine traits. Dominant and recessive allele interactions define physical expressions.
Used to predict inheritance patterns of traits and probabilities of offspring characteristics.
Most human traits (e.g., height, weight, skin color) are polygenic, influenced by multiple genes.
Can be harmful or beneficial, driving evolution through variability and adaptation in changing environments.
Race as a genetic parameter has been deemed less significant; more genetic diversity exists within racial categories than between them.
Focus should be on ancestry to understand genetic diversity better.
Range of Reaction: Genes set potential limits; environment influences achievement within those limits.
Example: A stimulating environment improves potential outcomes for individuals with high intellectual predispositions.
Explores how environmental factors can influence gene expression, highlighting that genotype can lead to varied phenotypes depending on context.
Example: Identical twins with the same DNA may have different health outcomes based on environmental influences.
Genetic factors can link to traits and disorders, including schizophrenia and depression.
Both genetic predispositions and environmental stressors contribute to the development of disorders.
Identify basic parts of a neuron.
Describe neuron communication.
Explain the roles of drugs in neurotransmitter systems.
Neurons: Main cells for processing information in the nervous system, interconnected for communication.
Glial Cells: Support neurons by providing nutrition, insulation, and structural support.
Parts of Neurons:
Soma: Cell body, containing the nucleus.
Dendrites: Branches that receive signals.
Axon: Long extension transmitting signals to other neurons.
Myelin Sheath: Insulation that speeds up signal transmission.
Action Potential: Electrical signal that travels along the axon.
Synaptic Transmission: Neurotransmitters released from terminal buttons into synaptic cleft, interacting with receptors on adjacent neurons.
All-or-None Principle: Action potential occurs fully or not at all; it is propagated without reduction in strength.
Types of Neurotransmitters: Various neurotransmitters affect specific behaviors and physiological functions.
Psychotropic Medications: Correct imbalances by acting as agonists (mimicking) or antagonists (blocking) neurotransmitter receptors.
Reuptake Inhibitors: Prevent neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed, keeping them active longer (e.g. SSRIs for depression).
Distinguish between the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Explain somatic vs. autonomic nervous systems.
Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Extends beyond the CNS, connects the body to the environment.
Controls voluntary movements through motor (efferent) and sensory (afferent) neurons.
Regulates involuntary body functions; divided into sympathetic (stress response) and parasympathetic (restoration) systems.
Describe spinal cord functions and brain structures.
Acts as a relay for signals and a center for reflexes.
Distinct regions carry out different functions; each hemisphere is divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital
Frontal Lobe: Involved in reasoning, motor control.
Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information.
Temporal Lobe: Associated with hearing and emotional responses.
Occipital Lobe: Handles visual processing.
Left side controls right body functions; right side controls left body functions; some functions are lateralized.
Various imaging techniques (CT, PET, MRI, fMRI, EEG) provide insights into brain functions and structures.
Identify major glands and their functions.
Pituitary Gland: Master gland; regulates other glands.
Thyroid: Regulates growth and metabolism.
Adrenal Glands: Produce stress response hormones.
Pancreas: Controls blood sugar levels.
Gonads: Secrete sexual hormones influencing reproduction.
Hormones regulate numerous body functions, with effects that tend to be slower and longer-lasting than neurotransmitter effects.
Explain basic principles of evolution by natural selection.
Describe differences between genotype and phenotype.
Discuss gene-environment interactions critical for the expression of physical and psychological characteristics.
Human Genetics Importance: Researchers study genetics to understand biological factors contributing to certain behaviors.
Genetic Variation: Despite similar biological mechanisms, individual expression varies widely in behaviors, thoughts, and reactions.
Definition: A genetic condition where red blood cells become crescent-shaped, impacting their function.
Impact: Sickle-shaped cells can obstruct blood vessels, leading to serious health issues.
Example of Genetic Advantage: Carriers of one sickle cell allele have some immunity to malaria, illustrating how genetic traits can vary in effectiveness based on environmental context.
Sickle cell gene remains common in Africa despite its harmful effects because it provides malaria protection.
Darwin's Theory of Evolution: Organisms best suited for their environment survive and reproduce.
Focuses on how behavior and cognitive processes have evolved over time.
Investigates adaptive behaviors such as fear responses and mating preferences.
Examines individual differences and how they arise from genetic and environmental interactions.
Utilizes twin studies and adoption studies to assess the contributions of genetics and environment to behavior.
Begins at fertilization, combining genetic material from egg and sperm.
Chromosomes contain DNA and genes controlling traits (e.g., eye color).
Genotype: Genetic makeup.
Phenotype: Observable characteristics influenced by genotype and environment.
Alleles: Variations of genes that determine traits. Dominant and recessive allele interactions define physical expressions.
Used to predict inheritance patterns of traits and probabilities of offspring characteristics.
Most human traits (e.g., height, weight, skin color) are polygenic, influenced by multiple genes.
Can be harmful or beneficial, driving evolution through variability and adaptation in changing environments.
Race as a genetic parameter has been deemed less significant; more genetic diversity exists within racial categories than between them.
Focus should be on ancestry to understand genetic diversity better.
Range of Reaction: Genes set potential limits; environment influences achievement within those limits.
Example: A stimulating environment improves potential outcomes for individuals with high intellectual predispositions.
Explores how environmental factors can influence gene expression, highlighting that genotype can lead to varied phenotypes depending on context.
Example: Identical twins with the same DNA may have different health outcomes based on environmental influences.
Genetic factors can link to traits and disorders, including schizophrenia and depression.
Both genetic predispositions and environmental stressors contribute to the development of disorders.
Identify basic parts of a neuron.
Describe neuron communication.
Explain the roles of drugs in neurotransmitter systems.
Neurons: Main cells for processing information in the nervous system, interconnected for communication.
Glial Cells: Support neurons by providing nutrition, insulation, and structural support.
Parts of Neurons:
Soma: Cell body, containing the nucleus.
Dendrites: Branches that receive signals.
Axon: Long extension transmitting signals to other neurons.
Myelin Sheath: Insulation that speeds up signal transmission.
Action Potential: Electrical signal that travels along the axon.
Synaptic Transmission: Neurotransmitters released from terminal buttons into synaptic cleft, interacting with receptors on adjacent neurons.
All-or-None Principle: Action potential occurs fully or not at all; it is propagated without reduction in strength.
Types of Neurotransmitters: Various neurotransmitters affect specific behaviors and physiological functions.
Psychotropic Medications: Correct imbalances by acting as agonists (mimicking) or antagonists (blocking) neurotransmitter receptors.
Reuptake Inhibitors: Prevent neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed, keeping them active longer (e.g. SSRIs for depression).
Distinguish between the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Explain somatic vs. autonomic nervous systems.
Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Extends beyond the CNS, connects the body to the environment.
Controls voluntary movements through motor (efferent) and sensory (afferent) neurons.
Regulates involuntary body functions; divided into sympathetic (stress response) and parasympathetic (restoration) systems.
Describe spinal cord functions and brain structures.
Acts as a relay for signals and a center for reflexes.
Distinct regions carry out different functions; each hemisphere is divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital
Frontal Lobe: Involved in reasoning, motor control.
Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information.
Temporal Lobe: Associated with hearing and emotional responses.
Occipital Lobe: Handles visual processing.
Left side controls right body functions; right side controls left body functions; some functions are lateralized.
Various imaging techniques (CT, PET, MRI, fMRI, EEG) provide insights into brain functions and structures.
Identify major glands and their functions.
Pituitary Gland: Master gland; regulates other glands.
Thyroid: Regulates growth and metabolism.
Adrenal Glands: Produce stress response hormones.
Pancreas: Controls blood sugar levels.
Gonads: Secrete sexual hormones influencing reproduction.
Hormones regulate numerous body functions, with effects that tend to be slower and longer-lasting than neurotransmitter effects.
