Class 2 - Biological and Evolutionary Theories

Question 1

Why are theories important?

Answer 1

they help to explain and predict phenomena of interest

Question 2

What are the 5 groups of theories?

Answer 2

1. Biological and evolutionary
2. Psychoanalytic Theories (3 families within)
3. Learning theories
4. Cognitive Theories
5. System theories

Question 3

A human cells contains how many xmes and is divided into what?

Answer 3

• 23 pairs of xmes made up of DNA
• divided into segments called genes

Question 4

What do genes found in each cell nucleus influence?

Answer 4

• particular feature or development pattern

Question 5

A gene controlling a specific characteristic is found where?

Answer 5

• always appears in the same locus on the same xme in every individual of the same species

Question 6

xme unwrapped diagram

Answer 6

Question 7

What is the structure of an epigenome? (2)

Answer 7

1. DNA is wound around histones (protein) to form what resembles beads on a string, called nucleosomes
2. Deposited along the nucleosomes are epigenetic markers, collectively making up the epigenome

Question 8

What happens when chromatin is loosely spaced? packed?

Answer 8

• gene expression is possible
• tightly packed, genes are silenced

Question 9

When epigenetic markers signal chromatin to open, what occurs?

Answer 9

• genes (segments of DNA base pairs) are ready to be transcribed and translated into proteins

Question 10

What is it meant when DNA is static? (3)

Answer 10

• it can turn off or on depending on experience
• still has potential to go the other way
• epi. can carry it on from generations onwards

Question 11

What is a genotype?

Answer 11

• specific genetic material on an individual chromosomes

Question 12

What is a phenotype?

Answer 12

• observed characteristic of the individual, such as brown eyes and black hair

Question 13

what is epigenetics?

Answer 13

Regulation patterns that alter gene function (phenotype) without changing gene structure (genotype)
ie. we look different bc of gene suppression but genes stay the same

Question 14

Give an example of how nurses can affect “nurture” (4)

Answer 14

• twins
• nature + genotype is the same
• environment impacts them through behavioural genes, etc.
• thus nurses cannot change genotype but can nurture (find parenting groups, teaching and providing resources)