W2: Prenatal Development, Genes and Environment

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of behavioral genetics?

The interaction of nature and nurture in behavior. (correct)

The influence of genetics on physical traits.

The stability of personality traits over time.

The hereditary diseases in humans.

What is epigenetics primarily concerned with?

Physical traits passed through generations.

The process of DNA replication.

The structure of DNA.

Changes in gene expression due to environmental factors. (correct)

Which of the following best describes genes?

They serve as hereditary information units. (correct)

They are short segments of RNA.

They are identical to chromosomes.

They are only found in sex chromosomes.

What process does meiosis facilitate?

Cell division for sexual reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

How do genes relate to chromosomes?

Genes are segments located on chromosomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about gene-environment interactions is true?

Environmental factors can influence gene expression. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs of chromosomes is associated with an individual's sex?

1 pair of sex chromosomes. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of genetics, what is meant by 'post-genomics'?

Development of gene therapies and gene editing. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is commonly used to study gene-environment interactions in humans?

Twin studies Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary aim of prenatal genetic diagnosis?

To facilitate informed decision making Signup and view all the answers

Which study design compares individuals of varying degrees of genetic relatedness to estimate genetic influence?

Kinship studies Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of epigenetics?

Environmental influences on gene expression Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concerns arise when studying human developmental psychobiology compared to animal models?

Human subjects require more rigorous ethical standards Signup and view all the answers

In which prenatal diagnostic method is chorionic villus sampling utilized?

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of gene-environment correlation involves a child elicits parental reactions?

Evocative correlation Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the vulnerability to depression study by Caspi et al. (2003)?

Environmental stressors enhance genetic influence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of using experimental breeding methods in human genetic research?

Ethical and moral challenges prevent their use Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'epigenetics' primarily refer to in the context of behavioral genetics?

How environmental factors influence gene expression Signup and view all the answers

How do genes and environment interact throughout the lifespan?

Genes turn on and off in response to environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which prenatal diagnostic technique is most effective for assessing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities during early pregnancy?

Chorionic villus sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes passive gene-environment correlation?

Children inherit both genes and environments from their parents Signup and view all the answers

What does active gene-environment correlation lead a child to do?

Seek out experiences that enhance their genetic predispositions Signup and view all the answers

What is not a sex-linked genetic disorder?

Cystic Fibrosis Signup and view all the answers

What does a reaction range in genetic inheritance refer to?

Range of possible phenotypes for each genotype Signup and view all the answers

Which are risk factors for abnormal development PRIOR to conception?

Maternal chronic illness Signup and view all the answers

In the womb, which actions does an infant start to perform? (Select all that apply)

Thumb-sucking Signup and view all the answers

Which is not a maternal disease teratogen?

Chlamydia Signup and view all the answers

What is the phase of development from conception to implantation called?

Germinal Period Signup and view all the answers

What is the most dangerous period for teratogen exposure?

During the first trimester Signup and view all the answers

What are 2 ways that maternal stress can impact a foetus?

Reduced blood flow to uterus impacting foetal growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the Barker Hypothesis?

It suggests that environmental factors during gestation can influence health outcomes later in life. Signup and view all the answers

In animal's, what was prenatal stress associated with?

Increased fear and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Are the effects of prenatal stress irreversible?

No, they can be mitigated with appropriate postnatal interventions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Disclosure

Sibling Contrast Effect: The tendency for parents to view their children differently based on the order of their birth.
Timing of Disclosure / Emotional Aspects: The impact of the timing of disclosure on the individuals receiving the information, including emotional repercussions.
Donor Sperm/Egg/Embryos: The ethical and practical considerations regarding the use of donated reproductive materials.

Epigenetics

Changes in Phenotype: Environmental factors can alter how genes are expressed without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
Environmental Influence on Genes: Environmental events can activate ("turn on") or deactivate ("turn off") genes.

Gene Environment Interactions

Vulnerability to Depression: The study by Caspi et al. (2003) illustrated how individuals with a genetic predisposition for depression were more likely to experience it when exposed to stressful life events.

Timing of Genetic Influences

Genes and Development: Genes act as blueprints for potential development, and their expression changes throughout an individual's lifespan.
Gene-Environment Interaction: The key question is not how much influences are attributed to genes versus environment, but how they work together.

Gene-Environment Correlations

Passive Correlation: Individuals inherit genes and grow up in environments that correlate with those genes (e.g., musical parents passing on musical genes and providing a musical environment).
Evocative Correlation: Child's traits evoke responses from their environment that reinforce those traits (e.g., musically talented child eliciting support and opportunities from parents).
Active (Niche-Picking) Correlation: Individuals actively seek environments that align with their genetic predispositions.

Prenatal Diagnosis and Genetic Counselling

Early Detection: Some genetic and structural abnormalities can be detected in early pregnancy through methods like ultrasounds, maternal serum blood tests, and chorionic villus sampling.
Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound: This scan measures fluid at the back of the neck between 11 and 13 weeks of gestation to assess relative risk.
**Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): ** Used prior to implantation of embryos, it allows for genetic screening of embryos.
Purpose of Genetic Counselling: To provide information and support, enable informed decision-making, and facilitate planning for children with health concerns.

Studying Gene x Environment Interactions

Methods for Studying Gene-Environment Interactions: Research methods like experimental breeding and genetic manipulation are common in animal studies, but ethical considerations limit their use with humans.
Human Developmental Psychobiology: Ethical and moral challenges pose significant limitations in human research involving manipulating genes.

Behavioural Genetics: The Study of Gene-Environment Contributions in Humans

Kinship Studies: Examining genetic relationships (e.g., twins, siblings, parents and children) to estimate the relative contributions of genes and environment.
Twin Studies: Compares monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins to assess heritability.
Adoption Studies: Comparing adopted children to their biological and adoptive parents to understand the roles of genetics and environment.

Estimating Genetic & Environmental Influences

Kinship Studies: Comparing relatives to assess the relative contributions of genes and environment.
Genes as Units of Heredity: Genes are units of hereditary information, acting as blueprints for structures and processes.
Genome: The complete set of genetic instructions in an organism.
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule containing genetic information.
Chromosomes: Structures within cells carrying genes.
Mitosis: Cell division for somatic reproduction (growth, repair) resulting in two identical daughter cells.
Meiosis: Cell division for sexual reproduction, producing unique gametes (sperm and egg).

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in psychology, focusing on the interplay between genetics and environmental factors. Topics include the Sibling Contrast Effect, emotional impacts of disclosure, and gene-environment interactions related to mental health. Test your knowledge on how these elements influence human behavior and development.