Lesson 2: Heredity, Prenatal Development, and Birth

Question 1

What is the basic building block of the nature perspective in heredity?

Answer 1

The gene is the basic building block, influencing the structure and functions of cells.

Question 2

How many genes are estimated to exist in humans?

Answer 2

Approximately 20,500 genes according to the Human Genome Project.

Question 3

What process creates most cells in the human body?

Answer 3

Mitosis, where the cell nucleus makes an exact copy of all chromosomes and splits into two cells.

Question 4

How are gametes formed, and how are they unique?

Answer 4

Gametes are formed through meiosis, producing cells with half the genetic material, resulting in genetic uniqueness.

Question 5

What determines the sex of a child genetically?

Answer 5

The 23rd pair of chromosomes, with XY resulting in a male and XX in a female.

Question 6

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Answer 6

Genotype is the total set of genes inherited, while phenotype is the expressed physical traits.

Question 7

What does homozygous mean?

Answer 7

Homozygous refers to inheriting the same version of a gene from both parents.

Question 8

What are dominant and recessive genes?

Answer 8

Dominant genes express themselves in the phenotype even when paired with a different gene, while recessive genes require two similar copies to be expressed.

Question 9

What is polygenic inheritance?

Answer 9

Traits resulting from the interaction of multiple genes.

Question 10

What is incomplete dominance, and give an example?

Answer 10

When a dominant gene does not fully suppress a recessive one, as in carriers of sickle cell disease.

Question 11

What are examples of recessive genetic disorders?

Answer 11

Sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and PKU.

Question 12

How is Huntington’s disease inherited?

Answer 12

It is a dominant genetic disorder affecting the nervous system and appears in midlife.

Question 13

Why are males more at risk for sex-linked disorders?

Answer 13

Males have only one X chromosome, so a single recessive gene on it can cause a disorder.

Question 14

What are examples of sex-linked disorders?

Answer 14

Hemophilia, color blindness, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Question 15

What is genetic counseling, and why might individuals seek it?

Answer 15

It provides guidance on genetic risks, often sought due to family history or maternal age.

Question 16

What causes chromosomal abnormalities?

Answer 16

Errors in cell division, often related to maternal age.

Question 17

What is Down syndrome?

Answer 17

A condition caused by an extra chromosome 21, leading to developmental and physical challenges.

Question 18

What is Turner Syndrome?

Answer 18

A condition where part or all of one X chromosome is missing, affecting females.

Question 19

What is Klinefelter Syndrome?

Answer 19

A condition in males with an extra X chromosome, causing infertility and other symptoms.

Question 20

What are trisomy disorders, and name two examples?

Answer 20

Conditions caused by an extra chromosome; examples include Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18.

Question 21

What is behavioral genetics?

Answer 21

The study of how genetics and environment influence behavior.

Question 22

What are genotype-environment correlations?

Answer 22

Ways genes influence the environment, including passive, evocative, and active correlations.

Question 23

What is niche-picking?

Answer 23

Seeking environments that complement one’s genetic tendencies.

Question 24

How does epigenetics affect gene expression?

Answer 24

Environmental factors like stress and nutrition can modify DNA expression without altering the sequence.

Question 25

What is an example of genotype-environment interaction?

Answer 25

Children with genetic predispositions to mental health issues are more affected by parenting styles.

Question 26

What are the three stages of prenatal development?

Answer 26

Germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages.

Question 27

What happens during the germinal period?

Answer 27

Fertilization to implantation, involving cell division and the formation of the blastocyst.

Question 28

What defines the embryonic period?

Answer 28

Major organ formation and vulnerability to teratogens.

Question 29

When does the fetal period begin?

Answer 29

From the ninth week of pregnancy to birth.

Question 30

What is cephalocaudal development?

Answer 30

Growth from head to tail direction in the embryo.

Question 31

What is a teratogen?

Answer 31

An environmental factor that causes birth defects.

Question 32

How does the timing of teratogen exposure affect the fetus?

Answer 32

Damage is most severe during critical periods of organ development.

Question 33

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?

Answer 33

A condition caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leading to physical and cognitive impairments.

Question 34

How does smoking affect prenatal development?

Answer 34

It can lead to low birth weight, preterm birth, and respiratory issues.

Question 35

What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?

Answer 35

Withdrawal symptoms in babies born to mothers using addictive drugs.

Question 36

How does maternal age impact pregnancy?

Answer 36

Older mothers face higher risks of complications like genetic disorders and preeclampsia.

Question 37

What are common pregnancy complications in teenagers?

Answer 37

Higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and anemia.

Question 38

What is gestational diabetes?

Answer 38

A condition causing high blood sugar during pregnancy, potentially harming mother and baby.

Question 39

How does stress affect pregnancy?

Answer 39

High stress levels can lead to preterm birth and low birth weight.

Question 40

What is postpartum depression?

Answer 40

A serious mood disorder occurring after childbirth.

Question 41

What is the purpose of ultrasounds in pregnancy?

Answer 41

To monitor fetal health, growth, and development.

Question 42

What is amniocentesis?

Answer 42

A procedure to test amniotic fluid for genetic conditions.

Question 43

What is chorionic villus sampling (CVS)?

Answer 43

A test involving placental tissue to detect genetic abnormalities.

Question 44

Why is prenatal care essential?

Answer 44

It identifies and mitigates risks to mother and fetus.

Question 45

How does maternal blood screening help?

Answer 45

It detects potential genetic or chromosomal issues.

Question 46

What is ectopic pregnancy?

Answer 46

A condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

Question 47

What is preeclampsia?

Answer 47

A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage.

Question 48

What is spontaneous abortion?

Answer 48

A miscarriage, often caused by chromosomal abnormalities.

Question 49

How do infections affect pregnancy outcomes?

Answer 49

They increase risks of premature birth and birth defects.

Question 50

What are the risks of excessive weight gain during pregnancy?

Answer 50

It can lead to gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Question 51

What is the Lamaze method?

Answer 51

A childbirth preparation technique focusing on relaxation and breathing.

Question 52

What are the stages of vaginal delivery?

Answer 52

Labor, delivery of the baby, and delivery of the placenta.

Question 53

Why might a Caesarean delivery be performed?

Answer 53

To address complications like fetal distress or breech position.

Question 54

What is the Apgar score?

Answer 54

A test evaluating a newborn’s physical condition immediately after birth.

Question 55

What are common newborn health issues?

Answer 55

Jaundice, respiratory distress, and feeding difficulties.

Question 56

How does paternal age affect offspring?

Answer 56

Older fathers have higher risks of passing on genetic mutations.

Question 57

What role does paternal behavior play in prenatal health?

Answer 57

Exposure to secondhand smoke or hazardous chemicals can harm the fetus.

Question 58

How do occupational hazards impact paternal contributions?

Answer 58

Chemicals like pesticides can cause genetic mutations in sperm.

Question 59

How can fathers support healthy pregnancies?

Answer 59

By maintaining healthy lifestyles and reducing exposure to toxins.

Question 60

What is the significance of paternal involvement during pregnancy?

Answer 60

Active support improves maternal well-being and prenatal outcomes.