Genetics of Behavior Review

Neurotransmission is the process of how neurons (cells in the brain) communicate with each other. Define the following terms related to neurotransmission.

1. Synapse:
2. Presynaptic neuron:
3. Postsynaptic neuron:
4. Neurotransmitter:
5. Reuptake transporter protein:
   Twin studies support the view that sleep has an inherited component. Monozygotic twins are more likely to have similar sleep habits (duration, schedule, etc.) in comparison to dizygotic twins. This is true even if twins are separated at birth. In lecture, we discussed two genes linked to sleep. Describe the relationship of the following peptide and gene to sleep.
6. Hypocretin (encoded by HCRT gene):
7. Period 2:
   Drug addiction is defined as compulsively seeking and taking a drug despite knowing its adverse effects.
8. Name and define the two key characteristics of drug addiction.
9. Name the four major areas of the brain that have been implicated in addiction.
10. Genes that encode __________, _________, and _____________________ may be involved in addiction.
    The most common symptoms of major depression disorder are lethargy and chronic depression. It impairs a person’s ability to function on a day to day basis. If affects approximately 6% of the population.
11. Name the neurotransmitter that has been implicated in major depressive disorder.
12. Why are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors a good treatment option for major depressive disorder (i.e. how do these drugs exert their effects)?
    Schizophrenia is characterized by an inability to organize thoughts and perceptions. People with schizophrenia may have auditory hallucinations or suffer with paranoia. Symptoms of schizophrenia usually start off rather minor with a person having trouble paying attention but will eventually progress to more troublesome symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions.
13. Is schizophrenia caused by the environment or is it purely genetic? Explain your answer using the information provided in the textbook and/or lecture.
    Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by a loss of language and communication skills. Symptoms usually arise in early childhood.
14. Two genes, _ and __, have been implicated in the development of autism. _____ is located on the presynaptic neuron, while ________________is located on the postsynaptic neuron. Mutations in the genes that encode these proteins may prevent the proteins in the synapse from interacting properly. Therefore, the behaviors of autism may be the result of too few synapses in brain regions associated with learning and memory

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