1. Objective 10/12/16
Provided notes, SWBAT evaluate the role genetics plays in determining behavior.
Agenda:
-Do Now: what makes you who you are?
-Notes: genetics
-Review

2. Do Now: 10/12/16 Read the article on genetics
Once you have read, write a brief summary on your thoughts about what you have read (be ready to share) You may also include what you believe makes us who we are.

3. Introductory Psychology: Biological Bases of Behavior
AP psychology: Unit II
Topic: Behavior Genetics
“We share half of our genes with a banana…” – Robert May

4. What is Behavior Genetics?
The study of the relative power & limits of genetics and environmental influences on behavior
Nature v. nurture

5. The Biological Bases: Basic Genetic Principles
Part one

6. Basics: Genes – Our Code for Life
Chromosomes
Strands of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) that carry genetic information; located in the nucleus of every human cell
Humans: 46 chromosomes (23/23)
Genes
DNA segments; key functional units in hereditary transmission
Can be active (expressed) or inactive
Sex Chromosomes
Autosomes

7. Basics: Genes – Our Code for Life
Like chromosomes, genes operate in pairs, with one gene in each pair coming from each parent
Homozygous Condition
Paired genes are the same
Heterozygous Condition
Paired genes are different
In this case, one gene in the pair masks the other

8. Basics: Genes – Our Code for Life
Genotype
A person’s genetic makeup; determined at conception and fixed forever
Phenotype
The ways in which a person’s genotype is manifested in observable characteristics; may change over time
**Different genotypes can yield the same phenotype
**Genes are pliable
Polygenic Inheritance
Characteristics that are influenced by more than one pair of genes

9. Basics: Genes – Our Code for Life
Genetic & Chromosomal Problems
Cystic Fibrosis
Two recessive genes; respiratory & digestive tract
Sickle Cell Anemia
Two recessive genes; blood disorder
Tay-Sachs Disorder
Two recessive genes; fatal neurological disorder
Phenylketonuria
Two recessive genes; difficulty digesting a certain amino acid – phenylalanine

11. Basics: Genes – Our Code for Life
Genetic & Chromosomal Problems
Down Syndrome
Extra chromosome (21st pair)
Klinefelter’s Syndrome
Extra X chromosome; reduced masculine characteristics (e.g. enlarged breasts, obesity, etc.)
Turner’s Syndrome
Missing X chromosome (e.g. infertility, sexually underdeveloped, etc.)

12. The Biological Bases: Heritability
Part two
The ultimate nature-versus-nurture laboratory

13. What is Heritability?
The extent to which the differences among people are attributable to their differing genes
What percentage of the difference among height can be attributed to genes?
90%
Individual differences v group differences?
Nature v. Nurture?

14. Heritability: Twin Studies
Monozygotic
Dizygotic

16. Heritability: Twin Studies
Used to determine the heritability of a trait

17. Heritability: Jim Lewis
Middle class
Wife: Betty
Son: James Alan
Dog: Toy
Hobby: Woodworking
Bad Habits: Chain smoker, fingernail biter…
Other: Drove a Chevy, watched stock-car racing & drank Miller…
Conditions: High blood pressure & migraines…

18. Heritability: Jim Springer
In 1980, Jim Springer called Jim Lewis (37 year separation)
Everything down to their dog’s name was the same (except sons James Allan & James Alan)
When listening to each other's voices, they would mistake themselves for the other
First in Thomas Bouchard’s “Minnesota Twin Study”

19. Heritability: Adoption Studies
Compare children's’ traits with those of their biological and adopted parents
Studies suggest that adoptees tend to be more similar to their biological parents
Two adopted children in the same household bear no more resemblance to each other than two biological siblings (in terms of personality)

20. Heritability: Adoption Studies
S0 does parenting even have an effect?
YES!
It has an effect on biologically related and unrelated children alike
Effects attitudes, values, manners, beliefs, faith, etc.
Different from personality…
“Heredity deals the cards, environment plays the hand…”

21. The Biological Bases: Molecular Genetics
Part three
DEFINITION: A branch extension of behavior genetics that asks the question, “Do specific genes influence behavior?”
GOAL: To find some of the many genes that influence normal human traits (e.g. body weight, sexual orientation, extraversion)