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)