Alopecia Areata and Genetic Inheritance Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What primarily characterizes alopecia areata?

It is a contagious disease.

It is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks hair follicles. (correct)

It solely affects the scalp.

It is caused by genetic inheritance.

Which statement best describes genetic inheritance?

It is unrelated to physical characteristics.

It explains how characteristics are acquired and passed from parents to offspring. (correct)

It focuses on environmental influences on development.

It only occurs in humans.

What does the microsystem in Bronfenbrenner's theory refer to?

The biological aspects of a child's development.

The interactions between different social systems.

The broad societal factors affecting a child.

The immediate environment including family and peers. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the immune system in relation to alopecia areata?

It selectively targets only the scalp hair follicles. Signup and view all the answers

How do parents influence genetic traits in their offspring?

By contributing genetic material from their genes. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can alopecia areata impact a person socially?

It may lead to social isolation due to visible hair loss. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT included in Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory?

Comparison of physical traits across individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly identifies a consequence of genetic inheritance?

Inherited genetic material can determine various traits, including eye color. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of proper nutrition prior to birth in a child's biological development?

It significantly influences the child's health and development. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes anencephaly?

It refers to the complete absence of a functioning brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of spina bifida in a child?

Partial or complete paralysis of the lower body. Signup and view all the answers

How does gender differences in development affect a child's biological growth?

There are variations in growth and development patterns based on gender. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'genotype' refer to in biological development?

An organism's complete set of genes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can negatively influence a child's biological development?

Exposure to harmful substances. Signup and view all the answers

Which trait would be classified as a phenotype?

Eye color influenced by environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What role do environmental factors play in a child's development?

They can modify an individual's observable traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily intake of folic acid to significantly decrease the risk of certain birth defects?

400 mcg Signup and view all the answers

What is anencephaly?

A serious birth defect where a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical life expectancy for infants born with anencephaly?

100% lethal in the first year of life Signup and view all the answers

What does spina bifida involve?

Improper formation of the spine and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of hirsutism in women?

Excessive production of androgens Signup and view all the answers

What are the common consequences of spina bifida?

Physical and intellectual disabilities of varying severity Signup and view all the answers

How do androgens affect gender development in children?

By promoting the development of male sex characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is alopecia?

A condition leading to hair falling out in patches Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alopecia Areata

Autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.
Can cause hair loss anywhere on the body but typically affects the head and face.
Affects the hair follicles, the structures in the skin that form hair.

Genetic Inheritance

Explains how characteristics are passed from one generation to the next.
DNA is transferred from parents to offspring, determining various traits.
Examples include: eye color, hair type, height, body size, and freckles.
Applies to all living organisms, not just humans.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of multiple environments influencing a developing child.
Recognizes the broader context of development beyond individual factors.

Microsystem

First level in Bronfenbrenner's theory.
Includes immediate environments and individuals directly interacting with the child.
Examples include parents, siblings, teachers, and peers.
Relationships are bi-directional, meaning the child can influence others and be influenced by them.

Biological Development

Progressive changes in size, shape, and function of an organism.
Driven by the interaction of genetic potential (genotype) and environmental factors.

Phenotype

Observable traits like height, eye color, and blood type.
Shaped by both genetic and environmental factors.

Genotype

An organism's complete set of genes.
Determinant of an individual's genetic makeup.
Can refer to specific gene variants.

Factors Affecting Biological Development

Nutrition, gender, and environment play crucial roles.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for overall development.
A mother's diet and health before and during pregnancy are critical.
Folic acid intake (400 mcg daily) during pregnancy reduces the risk of birth defects like anencephaly and spina bifida.
Folic acid is found in leafy vegetables, beans, peas, nuts, oranges, lemons, bananas, melons, and strawberries.

Anencephaly

A serious birth defect where a baby is born without parts of the brain and skull.
Often fatal within the first year of life.

Spina Bifida

A birth defect where the spine and spinal cord don't form properly.
Caused by the incomplete closure of the neural tube during embryonic development.
Can lead to physical and intellectual disabilities.
Severity of disabilities can range from mild to severe.

Gender

Physical differences are evident in reproductive organs.
Hormonal production further differentiates biological sex.
Boys produce more androgens (male sex hormones).
Girls produce more estrogens (female sex hormones).

Hirsutism

Excessive growth of dark, coarse hair in a male-like pattern (face, chest, back).
Caused by an excess of androgens, produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, or hair follicles.

Alopecia

Hair loss in small patches, which can be unnoticeable.
Can occur in both men and women.
Causes range from hormonal fluctuations to autoimmune disorders.

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Description

Test your knowledge on alopecia areata, a unique autoimmune condition that affects hair follicles, and explore how genetic inheritance works to pass down traits from parents to offspring. Additionally, dive into Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, examining how various environments impact child development, including the microsystem's role in immediate relationships.