Chapter 2

Question 1

Phenotypes

Answer 1

Directly observable characteristics.

Question 2

Genotype

Answer 2

The complex blend of genetic information that determines our species and influences all our unique characteristics.

Question 3

Chromosomes

Answer 3

Rod-like structures which store and transmit genetic information.

Question 4

Deoxyribonucleis Acid (DNA)

Answer 4

What chromosomes are made of.

Question 5

Gene

Answer 5

A segment of DNA along the length of the chromosome.

Question 6

Protein-Coding Genes

Answer 6

Directly affect the body’s characteristics.

Question 7

Regulator Genes

Answer 7

Modify the instructions given by protein-coding genes.

Question 8

Gametes

Answer 8

Sex cell - sperm or ovum.

Question 9

Meiosis

Answer 9

Process by which gametes are formed through cell division.

Question 10

Zygote

Answer 10

Product of sperm and ovum uniting at conception.

Question 11

Fraternal (Dizygotic) Twins

Answer 11

The most common type of multiple offspring, resulting from the release and fertilization of two ova.

Question 12

Identical (Monozygotic) Twins

Answer 12

A zygote that has started to duplicate separates into two clusters of cells that develop into two individuals. Have the same genetic makeup.

Question 13

Allele

Answer 13

The form of gene which you get from each of your parents.

Question 14

Homozygous

Answer 14

If alleles from both parents are alike, the child will display the inherited trait.

Question 15

Heterozygous

Answer 15

If the alleles from both parents differ the relationships between the alleles influence the phenotype.

Question 16

Dominant-Recessive Inheritance

Answer 16

Only one allele affects the child’s characteristics. It is called dominant; the second allele, which has no effect, is called recessive.
Happens in heterozygous pairings.

Question 17

Carriers

Answer 17

Heterozygous individuals with just one recessive allele can pass that trait to their child.

Question 18

Incomplete Dominance

Answer 18

A pattern of inheritance in which both alleles are expressed in the phenotype, resulting in a combined trait, or one that is intermediate between the two.

Question 19

X-Linked Inheritance

Answer 19

When a harmful allele is carried on the X chromosome. Males are more likely to be affect because their sex chromosomes do not match.

Question 20

Genomic Imprinting

Answer 20

Alleles are imprinted, or chemically marked through regulatory processes within the genome, in such a way that one pair member (either mother or father’s) is activated, regardless of its makeup.

Question 21

Mutation

Answer 21

A sudden but permanent change in a segment of DNA.

Question 22

Polygenic Inheritance

Answer 22

Many genes affect the characteristic in question.

Question 23

Genetic Counseling

Answer 23

A communication process designed to help couples assess their chances of giving birth to a baby with a hereditary disorder and choose the best course of action in view of risks and family goals.

Question 24

Prenatal Diagnostic Methods

Answer 24

Medical procedures that permit detection of developmental problems before birth.

Question 25

Coparenting

Answer 25

Mutually supporting each other’s parenting behaviors.

Question 26

Socioeconomic Status

Answer 26

Combines three related but not completely overlapping, variables which measure economic status:

1. ) Years of Education
2. ) Prestige of One’s Job & Skill it Requires
3. ) Income

Question 27

Subcultures

Answer 27

Groups of people with beliefs and customs that differ from those of the larger culture.

Question 28

Extended-Family Households

Answer 28

In which parent and child live with one or more adult relatives.

Question 29

Public Policies

Answer 29

Laws and government programs designed to improve current conditions.

Question 30

Behavioral Genetics

Answer 30

A field devoted to uncovering the contributions of mature and nurture to this diversity in human traits and abilities.

Question 31

Heritability Estimates

Answer 31

Measure the extent to which individual differences in complex traits in a specific population are due to genetic factors.

Question 32

Kinship Studies

Answer 32

Compare the characteristics of family members.

Question 33

Gene-Environment Interaction

Answer 33

Which means that because of their genetic makeup, individuals differ in their responsiveness to qualities of the environment.

Question 34

Gene-Environment Correlation

Answer 34

Our genes influence the environments to which we are exposed.

Question 35

Niche-Picking

Answer 35

The tendency to actively choose environments that complement our hereditary.

Question 36

Epigenesis

Answer 36

Which means development resulting from ongoing, bidirectional exchanges between heredity and all levels of the environment.

Question 37

Methylation

Answer 37

A biochemical process triggered by certain experiences, in which a set of chemical compounds (called a methyl group) lands on top of a gene and changes its impact, reducing or silencing its expression.