psychology ch. 2
Order by
38 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 gametes | the sex cells from the mother and father that form a new cell at conception |
| zygote | the new cell formed by the process of fertilization |
| genes | the basic unit of genetic information |
| DNA | the substance that genes are composed of that determines the nature of every cell in the body and how it will function |
| chromosomes | rod-shaped portions of DNA that are organized in 23 pairs |
| monozygotic twin | twins who are genetically identical |
| dizygotic twins | twins who are produced when two separate ova are fertilized by two separate sperm at roughly the same time |
| dominant trait | the one trait that is expressed when two competing traits are present |
| recessive trait | trait within an organism that is present, but is not expressed |
| genotype | the underlying combination of genetic material present (but not outwardly visible) in an organism |
| phenotype | an observable trait; the trait that actually is seen |
| homozygous | inheriting from parents different forms of a gene for a given trait |
| polygenic inheritance | inheritance in which a combination of multiple gene pairs is responsible for the production of a particular trait |
| x-linked genes | genes that are considered recessive and located only on the x chromosome |
| behavioral genetics | the study of the effects of heredity on behavior and psychological characteristics |
| down syndrome | a disorder produced by the presence of an extra chromosome on the 21st pair; once referred to as mongolism |
| fragile x syndrome | a disorder produced by injury to a gene on the x chromosome, producing mild to moderate mental retardation |
| sickle-cell anemia | a blood disorder that gets its name from the shape of the red bood cells in those who have it |
| tay-sachs disease | a disorder that produces blindness and muscle degeneration prior to death; there is no treatment |
| klinefelter's syndrome | a disorder resulting from the presence of an extra x chromosome that produces underdeeloped genitals, extreme height, and enlarged breasts |
| genetic counseling | the discipline that focuses on helping people deal with issues relation to inherited disorders |
| ultrasound sonography | a process in which high-frequency sound waves scan the mother's womb to produce an image of the unborn baby, whose size and shape can then be assessed |
| chorionic villus sampling | a test used to find genetic defects that involves taking samples of hairlike material that surrounds the embryo |
| anmiocentesis | the process of identifying genetic defects by examining a small sample of fetal cells drawn by a needle inserted into the amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn fetus |
| temperament | patterns of arousal and emotionality that represent consistent and enduring characteristics in an individual |
| multifactorial transmission | the determination of traits by a combination of both genetic environmental factors in which a genotype provides a range within which a phenotype may be expressed |
| fertilization | the process by which a sperm and an ovum--the male and female gametes, respectively--join to form a single new cell |
| germinal stage | the first, and shortest, stage of prenatal period, which takes place during the first two weeks following conception |
| placenta | a conduit between the mother and fetus, providing nourishment and oxygen via the umbilical cord |
| embryonic stage | the period form two to eight weeks following fertilization during which significant growth occurs in the major organs and body systems |
| fetal stage | the stage that begins at about eight weeks after conception and continues until birth |
| fetus | a developing child, from eight weeks after conception until birth |
| infertility | the inability to conceive after 12 to 18 months of trying to become pregnant |
| artificial insemination | a process of fertilization in which a man's sperm is placed directly into a woman's vagina by a physician |
| in vitro fertilization | a procedure in which a woman's ova are removed from her ovaries, and a man's sperm are used to fertilize the ova in the labratory |
| fetal alcohol syndrome | a disorder causd by the pregnant mother consuming substantial quantities of alcohol during pregnancy, potentially resulting in mental retardation and delayed growth in the child |
| fetal alcohol effects | a condition in which children discplay some, although not all, of the problems of fetal alcohol syndrome due to the mother's concumtion of alcohol durin gpregnancy |
| teratogen | a factor that produces a birth defect |
First Time Here?
Welcome to Quizlet, a fun, free place to study. Try these flashcards, find others to study, or make your own.