Genes are associated with temperament. While genes provide the biological blueprints for our cells, tissues, organs, and body, they also have a significant impact on our experiences and our behaviors.

Genes and Temperament

Genes are associated with a number of psychological disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia, demonstrating that our genetic blueprints significantly impact our experiences and behaviors.

Genes and Psychological Disorders

Genes affect more than our physical characteristics; scientists have found genetic linkages to a number of behavioral characteristics, ranging from basic personality traits to sexual orientation to spirituality.

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Genes are specific sequences of DNA that provide the code for particular traits. These traits can be both physical and psychological characteristics, and their ultimate expression is determined by the interplay between genetics and environmental factors.

Genes

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

- Coiled lengths of DNA that contain genes
- Found within the cell nucleus 

Chromosome

- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1 (NR3C1) encodes glucocorticoid receptor.
   - Can function as a transcription factor that binds to glucocorticoid response elements in the promoters of glucocorticoid responsive genes to activate their transcription.
    - Can function as a regulator of other transcription factors.
- It is involved in inflammatory responses, cellular proliferation, and differentiation in target tissues.
- Mutations in this gene are associated with generalized glucocorticoid resistance.

NR3C1 Gene

The manipulation of genetic material, by replacing defective genes or introducing new genes, to treat or prevent disease. Vectors are used to transport DNA into cells.

Gene therapy

Polygenic refers to traits that are controlled by multiple genes (i.e. height, skin color, weight). 

Polygenic

Traits are characteristics of an individual that are at least partially controlled by genes. While commonly associated with observable physical attributes like eye or hair color, the concept of traits also extends to non-physical characteristics, including behavioral patterns, personality, and temperament. The complete set of an individual's observable traits, both physical and behavioral, constitutes their phenotype.

Traits

Two identical twins, who share the exact same genetic makeup, were separated at birth and raised in significantly different environments. As adults, Twin A is outgoing and confident, while Twin B is shy and anxious. Based on the modern understanding of how genes influence traits, what is the most likely explanation for this difference in their psychological characteristics?

Using your understanding of how genetic and environmental factors interact, explain the most likely reason for the different psychological outcomes in the following scenario.

Analysis of Twin Outcomes

An allele is a specific version or variation of a gene. While a single gene may provide the code for a general trait, such as hair color, the different alleles of that gene determine the specific variation of the trait that an individual expresses.

Alleles

A mutation is a sudden, permanent change in a sequence of DNA. Mutations serve as a primary source for harmful genes, such as the one causing Phenylketonuria (PKU). While many mutations can be detrimental or lethal, they can occasionally be beneficial, conferring an advantage to an individual that enhances their survival and reproductive success compared to others.

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