Question 1

Which of the following is NOT true about behavior genetics?

Accepted Answer

Behavior genetics encompasses a wide range of research methods beyond twin studies, including family studies, adoption studies, and molecular genetic studies. Twin studies are a significant tool but not the primary focus of all research in behavior genetics.

Question 2

Mark has difficulty managing his stress. His physician suspects that he has a dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). It is likely that Mark may later be diagnosed with a(n):

Accepted Answer

The HPA axis is involved in regulating the body's response to stress, and dysregulation of this system has been associated with a higher risk for developing depressive disorders. Mark's difficulty managing his stress and potential dysregulated HPA axis suggest that he may be at risk for developing a depressive disorder. Options A, C, and D are less likely given the information provided.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is true about the different drug therapies?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs do produce side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, daytime sedation, sexual dysfunction, and agitation. Phenothiazines are actually considered typical antipsychotics and do carry dangerous side effects such as tardive dyskinesia. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are actually the older classes of antidepressants.

Question 4

A major class of anxiety-reducing drugs, _____, appears to reduce the symptoms of anxiety without interfering substantially with an individual's ability to function in daily life. Their most frequent use of these drugs is as sleeping pills.

Accepted Answer

The major class of anxiety-reducing drugs that reduce symptoms of anxiety without interfering with daily functioning is benzodiazepines. They are commonly used as sleeping pills. Barbiturates can cause drowsiness and interfere with daily functioning. Azapirones are less commonly used and have a slower onset of action. Beta-blockers are used to treat physical symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, but do not affect psychological symptoms.

Question 5

_____ is the study of heritable changes in the expression of genes without changes in the gene sequence.

Accepted Answer

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence. These changes can be heritable, meaning they can be passed down to offspring without changes in the genetic code. Epigenetic changes can be caused by a variety of factors including environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and aging. Understanding epigenetics is important in understanding how genes are regulated and how they can be influenced by external factors.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT true about the interaction between genes and the environment?

Accepted Answer

Personalities and interests are reinforced by the environments we choose, so this statement is not true. The other statements are true and demonstrate the complex and dynamic interplay between genes and the environment.

Question 7

The pituitary gland is responsible for:

Accepted Answer

The pituitary gland is primarily responsible for producing a variety of hormones and controlling the secretion of other endocrine glands. It also plays a role in regulating growth, metabolism, and development. It does not directly stabilize mood and emotions or control brain function and relaying messages, although it can influence these processes through its hormonal actions. It is also not directly responsible for managing aggression, although it can regulate hormone levels that may contribute to aggressive behavior.

Question 8

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was originally introduced to treat which mental disorder?

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was originally introduced as a treatment for schizophrenia in the 1930s. However, it has since been used to treat several other mental disorders, including severe depression and bipolar disorder.

Question 9

Sandy was born with a flat face, a small nose, protruding lips and tongue, and slanting eyes. These features were a result of chromosome 21 being present in triplicate. Sandy was most likely born with _____.

Accepted Answer

The features described are consistent with those seen in individuals with Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. Klinefelter syndrome involves an extra X chromosome and typically results in taller than average height and other physical characteristics, but not the facial features described. Tay-Sachs disease and Fragile X syndrome are both genetic disorders, but they do not present with the facial features described in the question.

Question 10

The research on epigenetic processes carried out by Michael Meany found that:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The research on epigenetic processes carried out...

Question 11

A polygenic process:

Accepted Answer

A polygenic process refers to the fact that many genes may interact with environmental factors to create a trait or disorder, rather than a single gene being responsible. This means that there may be multiple genetic abnormalities that contribute to a disorder, rather than just one.

Question 12

Identical twins have _____ of their genes in common.

Accepted Answer

Identical twins come from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos, so they have the exact same DNA. This means they have 100% of their genes in common.

Question 13

When ingested, which of the following substances slows the reuptake process of norepinephrine?

Accepted Answer

Amphetamines and cocaine are known to slow the reuptake process of norepinephrine. The other substances listed may have effects on neurotransmitters, but they do not specifically target norepinephrine reuptake.

Question 14

The "master" gland is also known as the _____.

Accepted Answer

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master" gland because it controls the functions of many other endocrine glands in the body.

Question 15

When corticotropin-release factor (CRF) travels from the hypothalamus to the pituitary, the pituitary releases the body's adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). The bloodstream carries ACTH to the adrenal gland and various other organs. This example illustrates the complex relationship between:

Accepted Answer

The example illustrates the complex relationship between the central nervous system (CNS) and the endocrine system. The hypothalamus, part of the CNS, releases CRF, which triggers the pituitary gland to release ACTH, demonstrating the interaction between the nervous and endocrine systems.

Question 16

Lithium is:

Accepted Answer

Lithium is commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Option A is incorrect as lithium is not found only in natural springs. Option B is incorrect as anticonvulsants and lithium have different mechanisms and side effect profiles, and the choice of treatment depends on individual patient factors. Option D is incorrect as lithium is not used to treat tardive dyskinesia.

Question 17

Which of the following is correct regarding chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in a total of three copies instead of the usual pair.

Answer: D
 This answer is incorrect, as chromosomes are tightly coiled strands of DNA molecules.

Question 18

In the context of emotional responses, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays an important role in _____ symptoms.

Accepted Answer

GABA is known to have an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety. It does not have as direct of an impact on depressive, angry or aggressive symptoms.

Question 19

A _____ is a chemical that carries messages throughout the body, potentially affecting a person's moods, levels of energy, and reactions to stress.

Accepted Answer

Hormones are chemicals produced by various glands throughout the body that carry messages to other parts of the body, potentially affecting a person's moods, levels of energy, and reactions to stress. Neurons and synapses are part of the nervous system and involved in transmitting signals between cells, but they do not produce hormones. A degradation inhibitor is a chemical that prevents the breakdown of other chemicals in the body, but it is not directly involved in carrying messages throughout the body.

Question 20

Which of the following statements is true of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

Accepted Answer

The statement that best aligns with research on ECT is that the side effects of the treatment typically involve confusion and memory loss. A) The actual voltage and duration of the electrical current varies depending on the individual and the circumstances, but 70 to 150 volts for five seconds is not an accurate description for all cases. B) Patients are typically given anesthesia and a muscle relaxant before the procedure, and are not conscious during the seizure. C) The convulsion usually lasts for less than a minute, not three minutes or more.

Quiz 2: Theories and Treatment of Abnormality