Neuro 3402 > Class 6 > Flashcards

Class 6 Flashcards

(70 cards)

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1
Q

What is the primary function of a gene?

A

It is a segment of DNA providing instructions for making proteins.

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2
Q

The set of inherited genes from parents that determines an organism’s traits is called the _____.

A

Genotype

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3
Q

What term describes the observable physical, biological, and behavioral characteristics of an individual?

A

Phenotype

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4
Q

Term: Allele

A

Definition: Different forms of a gene contributed by each parent.

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5
Q

In Mendelian genetics, which type of allele requires contributions from both parents to express a trait?

A

Recessive allele

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6
Q

What is meant by the term ‘polygenic’ in the context of illnesses and complex behaviors?

A

They arise from the additive or interactive effects of many different genes.

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7
Q

What are the three components that make up a nucleotide?

A

A phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

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8
Q

Which specific sugar is found in the nucleotides of DNA?

A

Deoxyribose

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9
Q

Which nitrogenous base replaces Thymine ($T$) in RNA molecules?

A

Uracil ($U$)

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10
Q

Term: Codon

A

Definition: A group of three nucleotides that specifies one amino acid.

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11
Q

How many standard amino acids exist as the building blocks of proteins?

A

20

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12
Q

During transcription, which enzyme transcribes a DNA strand into messenger RNA (mRNA)?

A

RNA polymerase

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13
Q

In which part of the cell does the process of transcription occur?

A

The nucleus

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14
Q

Where does mRNA travel to after exiting the nucleus to undergo translation?

A

The cytoplasm

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15
Q

Which cellular structures read mRNA codons to assemble a chain of amino acids into proteins?

A

Ribosomes

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16
Q

What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) during the process of translation?

A

It assists ribosomes by delivering the specific amino acids corresponding to mRNA codons.

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17
Q

What is the function of a promoter region in DNA?

A

It acts as a ‘start here’ signal for the transcription machinery to begin making mRNA.

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18
Q

What are the proteins that bind to promoter regions to decide if a gene is turned ‘on’ or ‘off’?

A

Transcription factors

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19
Q

Physical exercise rapidly increases the activation of which transcription factor in the hippocampus?

A

CREB

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20
Q

Which ‘immediate early gene’ involved in synaptic plasticity is upregulated by activated CREB?

A

c-Fos

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21
Q

Increased expression of the c-Fos gene in the hippocampus is associated with which cognitive benefit?

A

Enhanced memory formation

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22
Q

What is the frequency threshold for a genetic change to be classified as a polymorphism in a population?

A

At least $1\%$

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23
Q

Genetic variations occurring at a single nucleotide position are known as _____.

A

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)

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24
Q

On which chromosome is the BDNF gene located?

A

Chromosome 11

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25
The BDNF Val66Met SNP involves a single nucleotide change from $G$ to which other base?
$A$
26
In the BDNF Val66Met SNP, the codon 'GTG' is altered to which codon?
'ATG'
27
Which amino acid replaces Valine in individuals carrying the BDNF Met allele?
Methionine
28
What is a primary neurobiological consequence of the BDNF Met allele?
Decreased neuroplasticity in the hippocampus
29
Term: Epigenetics
Definition: Modifications that alter gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
30
What is the typical effect of adding methyl groups to a gene's promoter region?
It decreases gene expression.
31
How does histone acetylation generally affect DNA accessibility?
It makes DNA more accessible to the transcription machinery.
32
In offspring of Holocaust survivors, increased methylation was found in the promoter region of which gene?
$NR3C1$ (Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene)
33
How does decreased expression of Glucocorticoid Receptors (GRs) affect the body's stress response?
It results in heightened and prolonged stress responses due to reduced feedback inhibition of cortisol.
34
At which life stage can maternal diet and toxin exposure first alter an individual's epigenetics?
Early Development (Embryogenesis and Fetal Development)
35
During which life stage do DNA methylation patterns change naturally, contributing to aging-related processes?
Aging
36
What determines whether a lipid-soluble hormone like cortisol can directly influence gene expression?
Its ability to cross the cell membrane and bind to intracellular receptors.
37
How does the communication speed of the endocrine system compare to that of the nervous system?
The endocrine system is slower and produces longer-lasting signals.
38
Where do cortisol and its receptor bind to activate or repress transcription of specific genes?
The nucleus
39
What are the specific segments of DNA that bind to hormone-receptor complexes called?
Glucocorticoid Response Elements (GREs)
40
Term: Transrepression
Definition: The process by which a Glucocorticoid Receptor inhibits other transcription factors to repress genes.
41
Which specific bacterium has been linked to depression by producing unusual phospholipids that trigger $IL-6$?
Morganella morganii
42
What inflammatory marker is fueled by the 'Kennedy pathway' products of Morganella morganii?
$IL-6$
43
Which behavior therapy has been shown to reduce BDNF methylation in treatment responders with Bipolar Disorder?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (I-DBT)
44
In the 'tongue rolling' Punnett square example, what percentage of offspring from two heterozygous parents ($Rr$) will be able to roll their tongue?
$75\%$
45
What is the relationship between stress and neuroplasticity in the context of the BDNF gene?
Stress can increase methylation of the BDNF gene, leading to decreased synaptic plasticity.
46
The ability of the brain to reshape its architecture by altering neural connections is called _____.
Neuroplasticity
47
Which type of hormone receptor is used by water-soluble hormones like adrenaline?
Cell Surface Receptors
48
What internal state does the endocrine system help maintain by regulating growth, metabolism, and mood?
Homeostasis
49
Which brain region serves as the command center for directing biological processes and receiving body feedback?
The brain
50
Which specific lipid-soluble hormone is noted for disrupting hormonal balance during chronic stress?
Cortisol
51
What is the primary role of ribosomes in the protein synthesis process?
They serve as the site where mRNA instructions are translated into amino acid chains.
52
What distinguishes a mutation from a polymorphism in terms of disease association?
Mutations are typically rare and directly cause disease, whereas polymorphisms are common variations.
53
In the context of epigenetics, what happens when chromatin is 'condensed'?
Transcription is turned off because the DNA is not accessible.
54
Which system is primarily responsible for the 'slow' transport of chemical messengers through the bloodstream?
The endocrine system
55
How can non-pharmacological treatments like mindfulness practice impact HPA axis genes?
They can reduce DNA methylation changes on those genes.
56
Which biochemical molecules are considered the 'workhorses of the cell'?
Proteins
57
What is the role of RNA polymerase during transcription?
It unwinds the DNA double helix and creates an mRNA copy of one DNA strand.
58
Which nitrogenous bases pair with each other in a DNA molecule?
$A$ pairs with $T$, and $C$ pairs with $G$.
59
What does the term 'Heterozygous' signify in genetics?
Inheriting two different alleles for a particular gene (e.g., $Rr$).
60
How does early life neglect or abuse manifest clinically in adulthood according to the epigenetic model?
Through mental illnesses such as depression, self-injury, or substance use.
61
According to the lecture, what is the 'mechanistic link' that neuroscience provides for lifestyle factors?
It explains the biological process by which a lifestyle variable causes a change in the brain.
62
Which part of a nucleotide provides the 'sugar' component in RNA?
Ribose
63
What is the effect of exercise on the PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus?
It activates the pathway, leading to improved learning and memory performance.
64
In the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, which allele is associated with an increased risk for depressive symptoms?
The Met allele
65
Which epigenetic mechanism involves 'opening' chromatin to facilitate transcription?
Histone Acetylation
66
What triggers the release of secondary messengers inside a cell during endocrine signaling?
The binding of water-soluble hormones to cell surface receptors.
67
What determines the unique structure and function of a specific protein?
The specific sequence of its amino acids.
68
The process where DNA is coiled up into structures during cell division results in the formation of _____.
Chromosomes
69
What is the central theme of the 'NEUR 3402' course as per the source material?
The impact of lifestyle and social interactions on mental health.
70
Which system's ability to protect the body is disrupted by the biological changes of chronic stress?
The immune system
Neuro 3402
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