Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Polygynandry, Twin, Kin Selection

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Dr.Mike

Document Summary

Genotype: the specific genetic makeup of an individual. Genotypes are present from birth and never change. Phenotype: the observable characteristics produced by that genetic endowment. Phenotypes can be affected by other genes and the environment. Chromosome: is a tightly coiled molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (dna) that is partly covered by protein. Genes: segments of dna that contain instructions to make proteins-the building blocks of life. Each chromosome contains numerous genes: every cell in the body has 46 chromosomes, exception: sex cell has 23 chromosomes, 23 chrosms from the egg + 23 chrosms from sperm=zygote (46 chrosms, 2 copies of each gene cells. Alleles: alternative forms of a gene that produces different characteristics. Genes affect our body"s development and functioning through one general mechanism: Code for the production of proteins: control the structure of individual cells and all chemical reactions that go within those cells, target brain structure and function, each individual gene carries the code for a specific protein.