Recent research suggests that the tendency to smoke may be controlled in part by
A)baseline levels of serotonin.
B)a gene that regulates the reuptake of dopamine.
C)a deficiency in dopamine.
D)a brain area that regulates both serotonin and dopamine.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Recent research has found that a gene that regulates the reuptake of dopamine is associated with the tendency to smoke. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the reward system of the brain, and individuals who have a genetic variation that affects dopamine neurotransmission may be more likely to become addicted to nicotine. Baseline levels of serotonin and deficiencies in dopamine may also be involved in smoking behavior, but the research suggests that the dopamine gene is a particularly important factor. A brain area that regulates both serotonin and dopamine, such as the prefrontal cortex, may also be involved in smoking tendencies, but this is not as well established as the role of the dopamine gene.

Recent Research Suggests That the Tendency to Smoke May Be