Psych ch 2

observable characteristics

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

rodlike structures which store and transmit genetic information

chemical that chromosomes are made of

segment of DNA along the length of the chromosome

a unique feature of DNA that it can duplicate it self

sex cells-- the sperm and ovum

division process through which gametes are formed, which halves the number of chromosomes normally present in cell bodies

results from when the sperm and ovum unite at conception

chromosomes next to each other break over at one or more points along their length and exchange segments so that genes from one are replaced by genes from another

(meaning not sex chromosomes) n22 matching pairs of chromosomes, which geneticists number from longest (1) to shortest (22)

the most common type of multiple birth, resulting from the release and fertilization of two ova

a zygote that has started to duplicate separates into two clusters of cells that develop into two individuals

gene that forms when two forms of a gene occur at the same place on the chromosomes one inherited from the mother and one from the father

if the alleles from both parents are alike, and the child will display the inherited trait

when alleles are different, and the relationship between alleles determine the phenotype

occurs when only one allele affects the child's characteristics

when a heterozygous individual passes the recessive allele on to their children

enhance or dilute the effects of other genes

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

when a harmful allele is carried on the X chromosome, males are more likely to be affected because their sex chromosomes don't match

alleles are imprinted, or chemically marked, in such a way that one pair member is activated regardless of its makeup

a sudden but permanent change in a segment of DNA

in which many genes affect the characteristic in question

the most common chromosomal disorder

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

medical procedures that permit detection of developmental problems before birth

mutually supporting each others parenting behaviors

• combines 3 vairables 1. years of education
• 2. prestige of ones job an skill it requires
• income

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

parent and child live with one or more adult relative

people define themselves as part of a croup and stress group over individual goals

people think of themselves as separate entities and are largely concerned with their own personal needs

laws and gov programs designed to improve current conditions

is a field devoted to uncovering the contributions of nature and nurture to this diversity in human traits and abilities

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

compare characteristics of family members

each person's unique genetically determined response to the environment

the tendency of heredity to restrict the development of some characteristics to just one or a few outcomes

our genes influence the environments to which we are exposed

the tendency to actively choose environments that complement our heredity

development resulting from ongoing bidirectional exchanges between heredity an all levels of the environment