Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's reward pathway?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the brain's reward pathway?
- Dopamine (correct)
- Norepinephrine
- GABA
- Serotonin
What amino acid is the precursor for dopamine synthesis?
What amino acid is the precursor for dopamine synthesis?
- Glutamine
- Tyrosine (correct)
- Glycine
- Tryptophan
Which of the following is a macromolecule that contains genes influencing brain function?
Which of the following is a macromolecule that contains genes influencing brain function?
- Dopamine
- ATP
- Mitochondria
- DNA (correct)
Mutations in which of the following genes are associated with schizophrenia?
Mutations in which of the following genes are associated with schizophrenia?
Which organelles are responsible for generating ATP in neurons?
Which organelles are responsible for generating ATP in neurons?
Dysfunction of mitochondria is implicated in which of the following diseases?
Dysfunction of mitochondria is implicated in which of the following diseases?
What cellular mechanisms are fundamental to memory formation?
What cellular mechanisms are fundamental to memory formation?
Which of the following best describes how neurons transmit information?
Which of the following best describes how neurons transmit information?
Which process is most directly associated with the strengthening of synaptic connections in the hippocampus, crucial for memory formation?
Which process is most directly associated with the strengthening of synaptic connections in the hippocampus, crucial for memory formation?
Damage to the brain, particularly through axonal shearing, is characteristic of which condition, potentially impacting cognitive and emotional functions?
Damage to the brain, particularly through axonal shearing, is characteristic of which condition, potentially impacting cognitive and emotional functions?
The amygdala plays a central role in processing which type of stimuli, often resulting in activation of the autonomic nervous system?
The amygdala plays a central role in processing which type of stimuli, often resulting in activation of the autonomic nervous system?
What is the primary hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to ACTH during the HPA axis activation, that is critically involved in the stress response?
What is the primary hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to ACTH during the HPA axis activation, that is critically involved in the stress response?
Which concept, central to humanistic psychology, describes achieving one's full potential?
Which concept, central to humanistic psychology, describes achieving one's full potential?
Which therapeutic approach, often involving repeated exposure or practice, directly applies the principles of neuroplasticity to strengthen neural pathways?
Which therapeutic approach, often involving repeated exposure or practice, directly applies the principles of neuroplasticity to strengthen neural pathways?
Which condition is characterized by reduced fear responses due to damage in the amygdala?
Which condition is characterized by reduced fear responses due to damage in the amygdala?
What does the term 'allostatic load' refer to, as it relates to chronic activation of the HPA axis?
What does the term 'allostatic load' refer to, as it relates to chronic activation of the HPA axis?
What is the main focus of humanistic approaches in therapy, such as person-centered therapy?
What is the main focus of humanistic approaches in therapy, such as person-centered therapy?
Which technique is explicitly mentioned as a method to help individuals develop coping strategies to modulate their stress response?
Which technique is explicitly mentioned as a method to help individuals develop coping strategies to modulate their stress response?
Flashcards
Dopamine
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter in the brain, synthesized from tyrosine. It plays a central role in the reward system, particularly in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.
Mesolimbic dopamine system
Mesolimbic dopamine system
The brain's system involved in experiencing pleasure and motivation, regulated by dopamine release. Areas like the nucleus accumbens are key.
Oxidative phosphorylation
Oxidative phosphorylation
The process by which the cell's powerhouses (mitochondria) produce energy. It's crucial for the brain's high energy needs.
Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD)
Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD)
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DNA
DNA
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Genetic studies
Genetic studies
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Mitochondria
Mitochondria
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Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
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What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?
What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?
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How does brain tissue damage affect behavior?
How does brain tissue damage affect behavior?
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What is the role of the amygdala?
What is the role of the amygdala?
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What is the HPA axis and what does it do?
What is the HPA axis and what does it do?
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What is humanistic psychology?
What is humanistic psychology?
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What is neuroplasticity?
What is neuroplasticity?
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What are synapses and how do they work?
What are synapses and how do they work?
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What are neurons?
What are neurons?
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What are glial cells?
What are glial cells?
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What are axons?
What are axons?
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Study Notes
Biological Bases of Psychology
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Molecules: Dopamine, a neurotransmitter synthesized from tyrosine, plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward pathway. Increased dopamine levels are associated with rewarding stimuli. Deficient dopamine is linked to depression and Parkinson's disease, while excessive dopamine is tied to schizophrenia and addiction.
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Macromolecules: Genetic variations in genes like COMT and DISC1 are linked to schizophrenia. These gene variants affect dopamine metabolism and synaptic connections impacting cognitive and emotional function. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identify genetic risk factors.
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Organelles: Mitochondria, the cell's energy producers, are vulnerable to dysfunction. Mitochondrial mutations or oxidative stress damage can impair energy production. Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in Alzheimer's (beta-amyloid aggregation) and Parkinson's (PINK1 or PARKIN gene mutations). Strategies to improve mitochondrial health, like antioxidants, are explored.
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Cells: Neural pathways and cellular mechanisms (like long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD)) are crucial for learning and memory. LTP strengthens synaptic connections, particularly in the hippocampus. Understanding synaptic changes is key to treating conditions like Alzheimer's.
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Tissues: Brain tissue damage, such as in traumatic brain injury (TBI), results in axonal shearing disrupting communication networks. This can lead to cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and changes in personality. Rehabilitation focuses on neuropsychological assessments and targeted therapies.
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Organs: The amygdala, located in the temporal lobe, processes emotional stimuli, particularly threats. It activates the autonomic nervous system for fight-or-flight responses. Damage results in reduced fear responses. Excessive amygdala activity links to anxiety disorders and PTSD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy address maladaptive fear responses.
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Organ Systems: The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis plays a role in the stress response. Chronic activation can lead to allostatic load and contribute to mental health issues (depression or anxiety). Mindfulness and stress management techniques aim to regulate the HPA axis by reducing cortisol levels. Stress inoculation therapy (SIT) builds coping strategies.
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Organism: Humanistic psychology emphasizes the integration of biological, psychological, and social dimensions of a person. Self-actualization, according to Maslow, is the realization of one's full potential. Person-centered therapy promotes a supportive environment through empathy and unconditional positive regard.
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Description
Explore the intricate relationships between molecules, macromolecules, and organelles in psychology. This quiz examines the role of dopamine in mental health, genetic influences on schizophrenia, and the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on neurological diseases. Test your understanding of these vital concepts in biological psychology.
