5.4.1 The Influence of Genes, Biological Structures,

• Where are genes found?

  On chromosomes
• What are genes considered to be?

  Units of heredity
• What is alternative splicing?

  One gene can produce multiple proteins
• What does increased magnitude and number of expressed genes indicate?

  More genes are active in the brain
• What is the name of the structure labeled as "PREFRONTAL CORTEX" in the image?

  Prefrontal cortex
• What structures contain genes?

  Chromosomes
• What are ncRNAs?

  Non-coding RNA molecules
• What are the key changes observed in the brain during increased gene expression?

  • Increased number of genes expressed
  • Increased gene expression magnitude
  • Increased abundance of ncRNAs
  • Brain region/layer-specific expression changes
• What role do chromosomes play in genetics?

  They house the genes within cells
• What are the potential limitations of using this brain image to study human brain structure and function?

  • This is a simplified, generalized diagram and may not capture the full complexity of the human brain
  • Individual variation in brain structure and function is not shown
  • The resolution and detail of the image may be limited compared to more advanced brain imaging techniques
  • The image does not provide information about functional connectivity or dynamic brain activity
• How could the structures in this brain image be used to understand human behavior and cognition?

  • Prefrontal cortex: involved in decision-making, problem-solving, and higher-order cognitive functions
  • Amygdala: processes emotional responses, particularly fear and anxiety
  • Hippocampus: plays a key role in memory formation and spatial navigation
  • Cerebellum: coordinates movement and contributes to some cognitive functions
• How do genes influence traits?

  They provide instructions that determine traits
• What does the hypothalamus regulate?

  Temperature control and hunger
• What is the name of the structure labeled as "HYPOTHALAMUS" in the image?

  Hypothalamus
• What is the name of the brain region labeled in the image?

  Brain stem
• How does serotonin affect mood?

  It stabilizes mood and reduces anxiety
• What are the main structures and regions of the brain shown in the image?

  • Hypothalamus
  • Prefrontal cortex
  • Pituitary gland
  • Amygdala
  • Cerebellum
  • Hippocampus
  • Brain stem
• What is more complex in the brain than in other tissues?

  Gene expression
• What are the potential implications of increased gene expression and alternative splicing in the brain?

  • Increased functional diversity of brain-specific proteins
  • Altered brain region/layer-specific functions
  • Changes in neural connectivity and information processing
  • Links to neurological disorders and brain development
• What is the name of the structure labeled as "PITUITARY GLAND" in the image?

  Pituitary gland
• What role do ncRNAs play in gene expression?

  They regulate gene expression
• What do genes control in brain development?

  Formation of neural structures
• Why does increased gene expression lead to increased abundance of ncRNAs?

  ncRNAs are transcribed from genes, so increased gene expression results in more ncRNAs being produced
• How could this brain image be used in an educational setting to teach about the human brain?

  • Identify and label the major structures of the brain
  • Discuss the general functions associated with each brain region
  • Explain how damage or dysfunction in these regions could impact human behavior and cognition
  • Use the image as a starting point to explore more advanced topics in neuroscience and neuroanatomy
• How do amyloid plaques and α-synuclein deposits differ in their effects on the brain?

  • Amyloid plaques are associated with Alzheimer's disease and disrupt normal brain function
  • α-synuclein deposits are associated with Parkinson's disease and lead to neurodegeneration in different brain regions
• What does norepinephrine increase?

  Alertness and blood pressure
• How do genes and chromosomes interact in determining traits?

  Genes are located on chromosomes and dictate traits
• What is the relationship between genes and neurochemistry in brain development?

  • Genes direct neural structure formation
  • Influence neurochemical production
  • Affect brain conditions like AD, PD, ALS
• What is the function of dopamine?

  Drives motivation, pleasure, and movement
• What is the relationship between genes and heredity?

  Genes are the units of heredity passed from parents
• How does complex genetic regulation affect the brain?

  • Contributes to adaptability
  • Supports development of unique psychological traits
• What is the function of the prefrontal cortex?

  Decision making, planning
• Which conditions demonstrate the role of genes in brain development?

  Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS
• What is the function of the cerebellum?

  Motor coordination
• What is the name of the structure labeled as "AMYGDALA" in the image?

  Amygdala
• What type of expression patterns are found in the brain?

  Brain-specific and region/layer-specific
• How do genes function in relation to the brain?

  They provide blueprints for brain development
• What is the cerebellum's role in the brain?

  It functions as one of the brain's rooms
• What is the role of the hippocampus?

  Memory formation
• What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in the brain?

  It serves as one of the brain's rooms