DNA Testing
How do we use DNA testing to influence traits?
Personality is a complex trait and is influenced by many different genetic and environmental factors.
Personality traits are a polygenic which means multiple genes are involved in determining a trait
The goal of behavioral genetics is to discover how genes affect our behavior
Family studies determines whether or not a trait runs your family
Twin studies involves analysis of any differences between identical twins and fraternal twins
Adoption studies involve an analysis of similarities between biological relations vs. adoptive relations
Genes and environmental influences all work together to determine how you end up.
The simplest thing DNA can tell you is whether someone is male or female
All you need to know is if the have X or Y chromosomes
Many redheads have a different version of a gene that prevents pigment-producing cells called melanocytes responding to a hormone that instructs them to make a dark pigment
At least four genes work together to determine eye color
ADHD is caused by a genetic stutter in the gene DAT1
Particular versions of the Klotho gene are associated with longevity in humans
DNA testing can be used to determine traits like tongue rolling, cleft chin, blood type, ear lobes, finger length, and blond hair.
We have two copies of our genes (from dad and mom)
Copies come in different forms called alleles
Our genes are affected by the environment
Tongue rolling is dominant trait
People who share the same DNA don’t always have ability to roll tongue
Someone with cleft chin can have right gene but not right trait
That’s why you don’t have cleft chin as a kid but you do as an adult
Environment can affect traits
Injury in the womb can keep a child's eye blue
Eye was initially brown
Blood type is all a matter of the parents genes
There are certain blood groups in certain countries
An AB child with an O parent
An A or B child with O parents
An Rh+ child with Rh- parents
Hair color is due to many genes in the body
A parent with dark hair can have a child with dark hair
Different from red-head gene
Finger length is influenced by testosterone in the womb
Women tend to have and index finger and ring finger the same size
Men have a longer ring finger
Genes play a role in forming character traits like self control, decision making, and sociability.
Identical twins are twice as likely to share traits than non-identical twins
The stronger the genetic link, the more likely character traits are passed through a family
The strongest genetic influence is self-control
Affects how they will get on with people
Affects the ability to continue learning and developing
The environment often dominated psychological well-being
Happiness is also affected by your genes
Work Cited
Roundy, Lisa. "Is Personality Genetic? DNA's Influence on Tempermant."Study.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2016.
Randerson, James. "What Can DNA Tell Us?" Theguardian.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2016.
"Understanding Genetics." Understanding Genetics. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.
ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2015.
"Do You Have Attached or Detached Earlobes?" IGN Boards. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.
"What Is a Cleft Chin?" WiseGEEK. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.
"Latest Finger Length Study Measures the “Politeness” of Men." The Skeptics Guide to the Universe. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.