Brunner 1993 Biological - genetics

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To explain the behaviour of a family in the netherlands where the males are affected by borderline mental retardation and violent behaviour.

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Quasi natural experimental case study

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

All the males in the family had a hereditary genetic disorder.

• 5 males with brunner syndrome
• 2 carrier females and 1 non carrier were used as a control compared to 3 affected males.
• females can carry, but are not affected.

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

• all males acted aggressively when angry, fearful or frustrated
• flawed monoamine metabolism - deficit of monoamine oxidase (MAOA)
• affects men because the x chromosome produces MAOA

Question 5

Conclusions

Answer 5

deficit in gene causing flawed serotonin metabolism, this was the cause of retardation.