Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Twin, Gene Knockout, Phenotypic Trait

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

Document Summary

Genotype: the specific genetic makeup of the individual. Phenotype: observable characteristics produced by their genetic environment. Genotypes are present from conception and never change, but phenotypes can be affected by other genes and by the environment. Chromosome: tightly coiled molecule of dna that is partly covered by protein. Genes: dna portion of the chromosome carries the hereditary blueprint units. Every cell in the body, except one type, has 46 chromosomes. Genes can affect our body"s development and functioning through one general mechanism: genes code for the production of proteins. Each individual gene carries the code for a specific protein, and when that gene is activated, the cell produces the specified protein. As the protein levels within a neuron change, there is corresponding change in the function of that neuron of the neural circuits in which it participates. Genotype and phenotype are not identical, because some genes are dominant and some are recessive.