Human Evolution and Genetics Quiz

Study Notes

Modern Taxonomic Groups

Homo sapiens are the only existing species of the genus Homo
Y-chromosomal Adam is the most recent common ancestor of all living males
Mitochondrial Eve is the most recent common ancestor of all living females

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia effects about 1% of the world population
The heritability of schizophrenia is estimated to be as high as 80%
The genetic component of schizophrenia risk emerged recently in hominid evolution
People with a higher Neanderthal admixture have less severe positive symptoms
Individuals with schizophrenia tend to have a lower NeanderScore

Human Genetic Variation

All humans are 99.9% genetically identical
The 0.1% variation accounts for all human differences
The human genome contains 3 billion nucleotides
Less than 2% of human DNA codes for proteins
The human genome contains approximately 20,000 genes

Natural Selection

Natural selection is based on variation, heritability, struggle for existence, and survival and reproductive rates

Twin Studies

Twin Studies are used to examine the influence of genes and the environment
Monozygotic twins share 100% of their DNA and the same environment
Dizygotic twins share 50% of their DNA and the same environment during gestation, birth, and development

Major Depression

Studies have estimated that the heritability of major depression is between 40% and 50%
The heritability of severe depression is probably higher
If a family member has major depression, an individual has a 2-3 times greater risk of developing depression

Human Karyotype

Humans have 46 chromosomes
There are 22 pairs of chromosomes from each parent
One set of sex chromosomes determines gender:
- Females have XX chromosomes
- Males have an XY chromosome

Structure of DNA

The genome is the complete set of genetic information of an organism
Chromosomes are long strands of DNA wrapped around proteins called histones
Telomeres are located at the end of each chromosome and protect the DNA during cell division
Genes are sections of DNA that code for proteins
Alleles are alternative forms of a gene found at the same locus on a chromosome

Genotype and Phenotype

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism
Phenotype refers to the observable characteristics of an organism, which are influenced by both genes and the environment
Phenotypes can include features like sensitivity to food reward, likelihood of depression, tendency to persist, and risk of developing diabetes

DNA Processes

Transcription occurs in the nucleus and involves copying DNA into mRNA
Translation occurs in the cytoplasm and involves converting mRNA into a protein at the ribosome
The genetic code is a set of three nucleotides called a codon, which specifies which amino acid will be placed in a protein during translation

Transcription and Splicing

Transcription involves copying a gene from the DNA template into a primary RNA molecule
RNA differs from DNA in that it has uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), is shorter in length, and can leave the cell nucleus
During splicing, introns are removed from the RNA molecule and remain in the nucleus, while exons are exported from the nucleus

Description

Explore the fascinating realms of human evolution, genetic variation, and the complexities of schizophrenia. This quiz covers key concepts related to modern taxonomic groups and natural selection. Challenge your understanding of how genetics influences human behavior and traits!