Love and Attraction Flashcards
(11 cards)
What are pheromones? (butterfly, messenger molecule, dog)
Substance produced by an organism that elicits a specific unlearned response to another member of the same species. (primal responses)
This was first discovered from a butterfly that released bombykol (a pheromone)
They are messenger molecules and bind to a receptor. This triggers secondary messengers that turn on love and attraction.
There can be overlapping pheromone, like the butterfly and the elephant.
Dogs secrete methyl paraben.
Ophrys exaltalta uses 3 specific bee pheromones. Which are they? And for what purpose?
(Z)-7-hexacosene
(Z)-7-pentacosene
(Z)-7-tricosene
The purpose is to attract male bees more than female bees attract them. After they transfer pollen from plant to plant.
What is androstenone?
Pheromone produced by boars and truffles. This is why boars are used to track down truffles. It is also used in boar spray to stimulate mating.
It is also in human sweat (male sweat). It was shown to relax women.
Andron, a perfume, was the first to contain it.
What is skatole?
It is produced by oral bacteria. Flavour and fragrance industries make a lot of it. It is called civetole in perfume.
It is naturally present in flowers.
It is also an artificial flavour.
Musk (examples, what contains it)
Example is Muscone and Musk Ketone.
Axe contains Musk Ketone.
What is the chemical reward system for romantic love?
Phenethylamine is released more in romantic love. This increase in release also increases dopamine levels. It has a similar effect to cocaine, tobacco, and amphetamines. Gives feel-good feeling and can feel like an addiction.
Increased dopamine causes decreased serotonin.
How does serotonin control mood?
High -anxiety
Normal - balanced personality
Low - Obssessive compulsive behaviour
What 2 chemicals are responsible for long term attachment and bonding in humans? How and when are these chemicals released?
Vasopressin and Oxytocin (released during labor and lactation). Both of these are released during intimacy and sex. Oxytocin antagonists lead to promiscuity.
What are some aphrodisiacs? (Mostly according to the Doctine of SIgnatures)
Rhino horn, stinkhorn, oysters, horny goat weed, spanish fly, which is actually a beetle (crushed beetles are used in bull breading - cantharidin is the key substance. It is also a very dangerous irritant and can cause chemical burn). But internet versions of spanish fly only contain capsaicin.
What are some substances that can increase sexuality? (5)
Testosterone, cocaine, ecstacy, alcohol (but this can impair performance)
Addyi can help with hypoactive sexual desire in women (helps with low sex drive and lack of sexual fantasies). The benefit is more sex but the risks are low blood pressure, dizziness, and you can’t drink alcohol.
What is viagra?
Was a failed blood pressure drug. It inhibits phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), which breaksdown cGMP (which promotes smooth muscle relaxation). The overall effect is enhanced blood flow.
