Chapter 3 Biology of Behavior

Psychology 0010 with Welch at Brown University

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By: Noni Wang
Created: 2011-02-17
Size: 43 flashcards
Views: 30

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Chromosomes

A coiled-up thread of DNA

-we have 23 pairs of chromosomes in the nucleus

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

A large molecule that contains genes

Genes

Small segments of DNA that contain information for producing proteins

-influences specific characteristics

Genome

All the genetic information in DNA

Alleles

Different forms of a gene

-Genes within a population that take different forms

-Inherits one from each parent

-produces characteristics like eye color

Dominant genes

Genes that show their effect even if there is only one allele for that trait in the pair

Recessive Gene

Genes that show their effects only when both alleles are the same

Behavioral Genetics

The scientific study of the role of heredity in behavior

Four principles of behavioral genetics

1. The relationship between specific genes and behavior is complex

2. Most specific behaviors derive from dozens or hundreds of genes--not one or two

3. By studying twins and adoptees, behavioral geneticists may disentangle the contributions of heredity and environment to behavior

4. environment influences how and when genes affect behavior

Monogenic Transmission

The hereditary passing on of traits determined by a single gene

ex: Huntington's disease

Polygenic Transmission

The process by which many genes interact to create a single characteristic

ex: intelligence, skin color, height etc

Heritability

The extent to which a characteristic is influenced by genetics

Fraternal Twins

Twins that develop from two different eggs fertilized by two different sperm

-They are no more alike or different than non-twin brothers and sisters

Identical Twins

Twins that develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two independent cells

Twin Studies

Research into hereditary influence comparing pairs of fraternal and identicl twins

-if a trait is genetically influenced, identical twins should be more similar

Adoption Studies

Research into hereditary influence in which adopted people are compared to their biological and adoptive parents

Twin-adoption studies

Research into hereditary influence on twins, both identical and fraternal, who were raised apart (adopted) and who were raised together

-Strongest similarity should be in identical twins reared together and next in identical twins reared apart

Gene-by-environment interaction research/Studies

A method of studying heritability by comparing genetic markets that allows researchers to assess how genetic differences interact with environment to produce certain behaviors in some people but not in others

Genetic Marker

Differences in the length of DNA sequences

-Locate genetic marker and compare people with certain environmental experiences

Ex: certain GM makes some people more prone to depression

Epigenetics

Environmental events influence how and when genes are activated or deactivated. Genes can be changed by an individual's behaviors and experiences, and behaviors can be modified by genetic differences.

-the way genes are activated or deactivated w/o changing DNA

Example of Epigenetics

Obese rats that are fed a specific diet have offspring that are normal weight

-Can turn on or off the gene

-ex: parental nurturing produce calmer offspring

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that comprises the brain and spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous system

The part of the nervous system that comprises all the nerve cells in the body outside the central nervous system

Somatic nervous system

Nerve cells of the peripheral nervous system that transmit sensory information to the central nervous system and those that transmit information from the CNS to the skeletal muscles

Human genome

25,000-35,000 genes

At least half code for proteins in the brain, where they play a central role in seeing, hearing, thinking, memory, learning, movement, and all other behavior

Human Nervous System is Comprised of 2 parts

-Central Nervous System

-Peripheral Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System

All the nerves of the peripheral nervous system that serve involuntary systems of the body, such as the internal organs and glands

-Control bodily process over which we have little conscious control

-Physical sensations like sweaty palms

"Autonomic" = Self-governing

Sympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that activates bodily systems in times of emergency

-Flight-or-fight response: activates in times of emergency

-Increase heart rate

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that usually relaxes or returns the body to a less active, restful state

-restful state

-Calming

Glial Cells

Central Nervous System cells that provide structural support, promote efficient communication between neurons, and serve as scavengers, removing cellular debris

Neurons

Cells that process and transmit information in the nervous system

-10 billion neurons

3 Major Principles of neuroscience concerning the neuron

1. Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system. All major structures of brain are composed of neurons

2. Information travels w/in a neuron in the form of an electrical signal by action potentials

3. Info is transmitted b/w neurons by means of chemicals called neurotransmitter

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit info between neurons

Soma

The Cell body of the neuron

-contains a nucleus and other components needed for cell maintenance and function

-Nucleus has genes that direct neural change and growth

Axon

A long projection that extends from a neuron's soma; it transmits electrical impulses toward the adjacent neuron and stimulates the release of neurotransmitters

Dendrites

Fingerlike projections from a neuron's soma that receive incoming messages from other neurons

Terminal buttons

Little knobs at the end of the axon that contain tiny sacs of neurotransmitters

-an electrical impulse reaches the terminal button, triggers the release of neurotransmitters, `

Sensory neurons

Nerve cells that receive incoming sensory info from the sense organs

Myelin Sheath

the fatty substance wrapped around some axons, which insulates the axon, making the nerve impulse travel more efficiently

-Myelination: starts before birth and continues into early adulthood

Synapse

The junction between an axon and the adjacent neuron, where information is transmitted from one neuron to another

Motor neurons

Nerve cells that carry commands for movement from the brain to the muscles of the body

Three kinds of neurons

Sensory neurons

Motor neurons

Interneurons

Mirror Neurons

Nerve cells that are active when we observe others performing an action as well as when we observe others performing an action as well as when we are performing the same action

About this deck

By: Noni Wang
Created: 2011-02-17
Size: 43 flashcards
Views: 30

About StudyBlue

“I have used this website for three exams, and I see a huge difference in my test results.”
Naj