Module 3 : Does Our Biology Shape Who We Are?

How many nuerons are in the brain?

100 billion

DNA

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes. (small)

Genome

All the genetic information in an organism; all of an organism's chromosomes. > do all the work

Dendrites

Branchlike parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information.

Genes are made up of DNA. Each chromosome contains many genes

Chromosomes > DNA > Genes

Genes

DNA segments that serve as the key functional units in hereditary transmission. (larger)

Genes are made up of DNA chromosomes contain many genes

DNA, Gene, Chromosome

Synapse

Gap between neurons

Nature vs. Nurture

Heredity vs. Environment

synaptic vesicles

Membrane-bounded compartments in which synthesized neurotransmitters are kept.

terminal buttons

Small knobs at the end of axons that secrete chemicals called neurotransmitters

Nuerons

a nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system

Chromosome

a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

Soma

cell body

Epigenesis

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

range of reaction

each person's response to the environment is unique based on his or her genetic make-up > why / how we are able to do so

behaviorial genetics

field of study devoted to discovering the genetic bases for personality characteristics

Examples of Nuerotransmitters

norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine

Epigenome

overall pattern of chromatin modifications possessed by each individual organism > tells genome what to do

Parts of a neuron

soma, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, axon terminal

glial cells

support cells found in the nervous system

Nueroplasticity

the ability within the brain to constantly change both the structure and function of many cells in response to experience or trauma

Axon

the extension of a neuron, ending in branching terminal fibers, through which messages pass to other neurons or to muscles or glands

Epigenetics

the study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change > tells genome what to do

Chromosomes

threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes (smallest)