Human Genetics

Question 1

Behavioral genetics

Answer 1

The science of how genes and environments work together to influence behavior—observed through adoption study.

Question 2

Monozygotic twins

Answer 2

“Identical twins”—result of a single zygote. Have the same DNA (essentially clones).

Question 3

Dizygotic twins

Answer 3

“Fraternal twins”—develops from 2 zygotes. Share 50% of their DNA. Ordinary siblings that happen to be born at the same time.

Question 4

Quantitative genetics

Answer 4

The scientific discipline in which similarities among individuals are analyzed based on how biologically related they are.

Question 5

Heritability coefficient

Answer 5

Varies from 0 to 1, that is meant to provide a single measure of genetic influence if a trait—measures how strongly differences among individuals are related to differences among their genes.

Question 6

Chromosomes

Answer 6

Long strings of genetic material known as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)—an egg and a sperm both contain 23 chromosomes each. Double helix shaped molecules made of nucleotide base pair.

Question 7

Allele

Answer 7

A specific version of a gene.

Question 8

Phenotype

Answer 8

The individual’s inherited physical characteristics which are a combination of genetic and environmental influence—physical characteristics of the offspring.

Question 9

Genotype

Answer 9

The genetic makeup of that individual—determined by the interaction of genetic material supplied by the parents.

Question 10

Dominant allele

Answer 10

Allele whose phenotype will be expressed in an individual that possesses that allele.

Question 11

Recessive allele

Answer 11

Allele whose phenotype will be expressed only if an individual is homozygous for that allele.

Question 12

Homozygous

Answer 12

Consisting of 2 identical allele.

Question 13

Heterozygous

Answer 13

Consisting of 2 different allele.

Question 14

Polygenic

Answer 14

Controlled by more than one gene.

Question 15

Mutation

Answer 15

A sudden, permanent change in gene.

Question 16

Genetic environmental correlation

Answer 16

Our genes influence our environment, and our environment influences that expression of our genes.

Question 17

Epigenome

Answer 17

A dynamic layer of information associated with DNA that differs between individuals and can be altered through various experiences and environment.

Question 18

Epigenetics

Answer 18

The study of gene-environment interactions, such as how the same genotype leads to different phenotypes.

Question 19

Range of reaction

Answer 19

Asserts our genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, and our environment interacted with the genes to determine where in that range we will fall.