Genetics & Behavior
What effect do genetics have on one's behavior?
Genetics
Genetics- the scientific study of heredity - the "passing down" of genes and physical characteristics onto the next generation (offspring).
Burrowed deep inside the body system lies ideas and blueprints that formulate and create a human. These "blueprints and ideas" are the genetic material that is inherited from the offspring(s)' parents. Every DNA code ever made in the world is unique - with the exception of identical twins, no two codes are exactly alike.
On the same note, proteins and cells can be found almost every where within the body. Within these cells is a nucleus. They contain genetic material (DNA) and genes as well. Also found in the nucleus are chromosomes and ribosomes. These chromosomes hold "bundles" of data that causes an organism to inherit genes form their parents. One protein called an enzyme controls just about every chemical reaction that happens within all organisms.
An example of a cancer gene is shown below.
Burrowed deep inside the body system lies ideas and blueprints that formulate and create a human. These "blueprints and ideas" are the genetic material that is inherited from the offspring(s)' parents. Every DNA code ever made in the world is unique - with the exception of identical twins, no two codes are exactly alike.
On the same note, proteins and cells can be found almost every where within the body. Within these cells is a nucleus. They contain genetic material (DNA) and genes as well. Also found in the nucleus are chromosomes and ribosomes. These chromosomes hold "bundles" of data that causes an organism to inherit genes form their parents. One protein called an enzyme controls just about every chemical reaction that happens within all organisms.
An example of a cancer gene is shown below.
A "Genetic Test"
Recently, 207 people were tested to see if abnormalities in a certain gene led to unique differences in influences of strands of DNA that changed perceptual understanding. The gene that was tested was ADRA2B; scientists found that if the gene lacks certain amino acids, the carrier has more norepinephrine in their system. Because of this, the gene is connected to emotional, personal, vivid memories - this could make someone more likely to finding and observing the negative scenarios in real life.
Genes
Mutations in a gene occur in the process of assembling the gene itself - when the "rungs of the DNA ladder" (as seen above) are assembled, some can be put together wrong. This can cause the carrier to have mutations... For example, the carrier could become more prone to acquiring diseases or disorders easily.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is a hormone that uses functions and sympathetic nerves as a neurotransmitter.
Genetic Tests
Various types of genetic tests are used to identify any clues, hints, or mutations in the gene that could lead to a disorder.
Methods of Genetic Testing
There are numerous ways to test a gene to see if it could lead to genetic disorders. Listed below are just a few of the many genetic tests.
- Biochemical tests examine the activity levels or the amount of proteins one has. Any irregularities point to DNA changes that can lead to a genetic disorder.
- Molecular test analyze single genes or short lengthed DNA. This is to check for mutations or variations in the gene.
- Chromosomal tests investigate whole chromosomes or long lengths of DNA. Doing this helps to search for massive changes such as an extra chromosome.
The Answer
Behavioral Genetics - The study of the nervous system variation and function. This is particularly related to the brain.
Diseases, disorders, and other eccentricities - such as cystic fibrosis and poly/monogeneic diseases inherited from parents or developed - can change the way a human behaves. Genes control the synthesis, levels, and the distribution of neurotransmitters. Through genetic tests, changes in the DNA can lead to, for example, diseases such as autism. The DNA and the genes can alter and distort the distribution of neurotransmitters. This could conclude in emotional and behavioral changes.
Moreover, most organisms reactions are usually instinctive. They aren't taught or learned but are determined by the genetic makeups. Genetics don't necessarily need to have disorder in the DNA to cause effects in the organism's behavior.
Diseases, disorders, and other eccentricities - such as cystic fibrosis and poly/monogeneic diseases inherited from parents or developed - can change the way a human behaves. Genes control the synthesis, levels, and the distribution of neurotransmitters. Through genetic tests, changes in the DNA can lead to, for example, diseases such as autism. The DNA and the genes can alter and distort the distribution of neurotransmitters. This could conclude in emotional and behavioral changes.
Moreover, most organisms reactions are usually instinctive. They aren't taught or learned but are determined by the genetic makeups. Genetics don't necessarily need to have disorder in the DNA to cause effects in the organism's behavior.
Links
For more information, visit the links below!
- http://pss.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/09/19/0956797613492423.abstract
- http://www.worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar220280&st=genetics
- http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testing/genetictesting
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/study-links-gene-variation-to-a-darker-view-of-life/2013/10/12/728bfc76-32b8-11e3-89ae-16e186e117d8_story.html
- http://www.worldbookonline.com/advanced/article?id=ar053120&st=behavior