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Genes and Environment definitions

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  • Gene

    Biological unit of heredity, inherited from parents, consisting of a DNA segment that influences traits.
  • DNA

    Molecule containing genetic information, organized into chromosomes, forming the blueprint for biological traits.
  • Chromosome

    Thread-like structure organizing and packaging DNA, with humans possessing 23 pairs in each cell.
  • Genotype

    Complete genetic makeup of an organism, representing all inherited genes regardless of expression.
  • Phenotype

    Observable characteristics, including physical traits and behaviors, resulting from gene-environment interaction.
  • Heritability

    Proportion of trait variation in a population attributed to genetic differences, not applicable to individuals.
  • Heritability Estimate

    Numerical value between 0 and 1 indicating the genetic contribution to population-level trait differences.
  • Monozygotic Twins

    Identical siblings sharing 100% of genetic material, useful for studying genetic influences on traits.
  • Dizygotic Twins

    Fraternal siblings sharing about 50% of genetic material, similar to regular siblings genetically.
  • Polygenetic Trait

    Characteristic influenced by multiple genes, common in both physical and behavioral attributes.
  • Adoptee Study

    Research design comparing similarities between adopted individuals and their biological and adoptive parents.
  • Genetic Predisposition

    Inherited tendency increasing likelihood of developing certain traits, modifiable by environmental factors.
  • Behavioral Genetics

    Field examining how genetic and environmental factors interact to shape behaviors and psychological traits.
  • Trait Variation

    Differences in characteristics among individuals within a population, arising from genetic and environmental sources.
  • Environmental Influence

    External factors, such as upbringing or culture, affecting the expression of genetic traits.