Key Terms
Gene
Sequence of DNA that codes for a trait Allele: specific version of a gene Genotype: genetic makeup (what's in the DNA) P
Theory of evolution by natural selection
Organisms better suited to their environment survive and reproduce; poorly suited ones die off.
Why sickle cell persists in Africa
Carriers get malaria immunity. Sickle cell stays in the gene pool because the benefit (malaria protection) outweighs the
Range of reaction
Genes set the ceiling on potential; environment determines how much of that potential is reached. A person with high int
Genetic-environmental correlation
Genes and environment influence each other bidirectionally. Example: an athletic parent passes athletic genes to a child
Epigenetics
Same genotype can produce different phenotypes depending on environmental experience. Identical twins share 100% of DNA
Evolutionary psychology
Universal patterns across all humans; how cognition and behavior evolved over millions of years. Focuses on fear, mate s
Behavioral genetics
Individual differences right now; uses twin studies and adoption studies to separate genetic from environmental contribu
Takeaway
Genes alone don't cause schizophrenia. Environment is the activating variable.
Glial cells
Support neurons physically and metabolically. Provide scaffolding, insulation, nutrient/waste transport, and immune resp
Neurons
Information processors. 100 billion at birth.
Dendrites
Receive incoming signals from other neurons (input) Soma (cell body): contains the nucleus; integrates signals Axon: car
Terminal buttons
End of axon; contain synaptic vesicles Synaptic vesicles: storage containers for neurotransmitters Synaptic cleft: tiny
Resting potential
Neuron at rest; inside is slightly negative. Na+ concentrated outside; K+ concentrated inside.
Threshold of excitation
The charge level that triggers a full action potential. If the incoming signal doesn't reach threshold, nothing fires.