Biology Genetics Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does a gene refer to in the context of heredity?

A type of chromosome responsible for replication

A structure that stores genetic information

An environmental factor influencing behavior

A unit that dictates the traits and functions in an organism (correct)

What role do chromosomes play in genetic information?

They replicate and distribute genetic information (correct)

They modulate personality traits through upbringing

They act as environmental influences on behavior

They store nutritional information necessary for growth

Which researcher's work is foundational in studying the heritability of traits using twins?

Albert Einstein

Charles Darwin

Gregor Mendel

Sir Francis Galton (correct)

What does the term 'nurture' imply in the context of behavioral genetics?

The influence of environmental factors on behavior Signup and view all the answers

What did the Genome-Wide Association Study conducted in 2010 analyze?

Millones of genetic variants from DNA samples Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a crash test dummy?

To measure human injury during vehicle crashes Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of behavioral genetics?

The degree to which heredity affects behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the allele 334 in relation to behavior?

It is referred to as the infidelity gene Signup and view all the answers

What type of amnesia is characterized by the inability to form new memories?

Anterograde Amnesia Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves replacing animal studies with alternative techniques?

Replacement Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best encapsulates the debate of nature vs. nurture in behavioral genetics?

Both genetics and environment play essential roles in behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for inventing the lobotomy as a treatment for mental illness?

Walter Jackson Freeman Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes retrograde amnesia?

Inability to remember past events while forming new memories is possible Signup and view all the answers

Which variable is defined as what the researcher manipulates in an experiment?

Independent Variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the Reduction principle in animal research?

To minimize the number of animals used in research Signup and view all the answers

In which type of study are causal relationships measured without random assignment?

Quasi Experimental Study Signup and view all the answers

What role does environment play in the success of children living in poverty?

It almost always plays a greater role than genetics. Signup and view all the answers

What did Gregor Mendel study in his experiments?

Inheritance of dichotomous traits in pea plants Signup and view all the answers

Which temperament type is NOT mentioned as one of the basic temperaments in children?

Reserved Signup and view all the answers

What percentage range is estimated for temperament’s influence from genetics?

20% to 60% Signup and view all the answers

For children in middle class and wealthy homes, which factor becomes important for determining future success?

Good genes Signup and view all the answers

What is a phenotypic expression?

The observable traits of an organism Signup and view all the answers

What must be true for a recessive trait to be expressed?

Both connected alleles must be recessive. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that genetics plays a part in developing personality traits?

Children exhibit personality characteristics in infancy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of case studies in biopsychology?

Studies that focus on a single subject or very small number of subjects Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research is primarily motivated by the curiosity of the researcher?

Pure Research Signup and view all the answers

Which division of biopsychology studies the effects of brain damage on behavior?

Neuropsychology Signup and view all the answers

What does neurochemistry primarily focus on?

Chemical bases of neural activity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research involves the use of both human and nonhuman subjects?

Biopsychological Research Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of psychopharmacology?

To manipulate neural activity and behavior with drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is neuroendocrinology concerned with?

Interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about human subjects in biopsychological research?

They must always provide informed consent Signup and view all the answers

What does being heterozygous refer to in genetics?

Genotypes made of two different alleles Signup and view all the answers

Which trait is NOT typically included in the definition of temperament?

Intellectual capacity Signup and view all the answers

What is characterized by the inheritance of a single pair of alleles?

Monohybrid cross Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of feral children?

Limited exposure to human interaction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits might be exhibited by a feral child due to their upbringing?

Making animal-like sounds Signup and view all the answers

During which age range is the critical stage for a child's development mentioned in the context of feral children?

Ages 1-3 Signup and view all the answers

Developmental delays in feral children are often associated with which area of growth?

Emotional regulation Signup and view all the answers

What can result from a lack of socialization in feral children?

Underdeveloped social skills Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature vs. Nurture

Gene: A hereditary unit that dictates an organism's traits and functions.
DNA: Stores and transmits genetic information, essential for growth, development, and reproduction.
Chromosomes: Responsible for genetic replication and distribution.
Shared Environment: Refers to familial and home upbringing impacting behavior and traits.
Behavioral Genetics: Studies the influence of heredity on behavior, addressing the role of genes in personality traits, abilities, and disorders.
Sir Francis Galton: Pioneered twin studies for heritability of traits, suggested that nature plays a significant role in producing "men of genius."

Genome-Wide Association Study

Conducted in 2010, involves DNA sampling to identify genetic variants linked to traits or disorders.

Research Types in Biopsychology

Pure Research: Driven by curiosity to acquire knowledge without immediate benefits.
Applied Research: Aims to provide direct benefits to humanity.

Major Divisions of Biopsychology

Physiological Psychology: Investigates neural mechanisms behind behavior.
Neuropsychology: Examines psychological consequences of brain damage.
Comparative Psychology: Studies behavior across different species.
Psychophysiology: Explores the relationship between physiological processes and psychological phenomena.
Neuropharmacology: Studies drug effects on neural activity.
Cognitive Neuroscience: Examines higher intellectual processes and their biological basis.

Animal Research Ethics

Animal Welfare Committee: Ensures humane treatment of animals in research.
3Rs Principle: Reduction (minimizing animal use), Refinement (improving care), Replacement (substituting with alternative methods).

Memory Conditions

Korsakoff's Syndrome: Results in anterograde amnesia (inability to form new memories) often due to thiamine deficiency.
Anterograde Amnesia: Retention of past memories, but inability to make new ones.
Retrograde Amnesia: Loss of past memories but capacity to form new ones.

Lobotomy

Walter Jackson Freeman: Medical pioneer who developed lobotomy as psychosurgery.
Dr. Egas Moniz: Nobel Prize recipient who advanced prefrontal lobotomy.

Genetics and Personality

Mendelian Genetics: Gregor Mendel's work on inheritance is fundamental to understanding genetic influence.
Dominant Trait: Dominates over recessive traits; expressed in offspring if present.
Temperament Studies: Emphasize genetic contributions (20-60%) to personality; children exhibit traits early on.

Feral Children

Feral children are isolated from human contact, lacking language skills, social norms, and exhibiting developmental delays as a result of insufficient interaction and learning opportunities.

Key Characteristics of Feral Children

Lack of Language Skills: Limited to sounds or gestures due to absent exposure to human speech.
Social Isolation: Difficulty in normal human interactions and comprehension of social behaviors.
Physical Behavior: May mimic animal-like behaviors due to their upbringing.
Developmental Delays: Cognitive and emotional milestones may be significantly delayed.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of genetics with this quiz focusing on genes and DNA. Understand how these units of heredity influence the traits and functions in organisms. Perfect for reinforcing your knowledge in biology.