1.    Distinguish between genotype and phenotype.                                                                                             2.    Explain two characteristics that monozygotic twins usually have in common and state why this is so.   3.    Discuss two ways in which dizygotic twins are likely to differ.

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Chapter1: The Science Of Psychology
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In another approach to gene-environment interactions, the field of epigenetics looks beyond the genotype itself and studies how the same genotype can be expressed in different ways. In other words, researchers study how the same genotype can lead to very different phenotypes. [Also,] ... gene expression is often influenced by the environmental context in ways that are not entirely obvious. For instance, identical twins share the same genetic information (identical twins develop from a single fertilized egg that split, so the genetic material is exactly the same in each; in contrast, fraternal twins develop from two different eggs fertilized by different sperm, so the genetic material varies as with non-twin siblings). But even with identical genes, there remains an incredible amount of variability in how gene expression can unfold over the course of each twin’s life. Sometimes, one twin will develop a disease and the other will not. In one example, Tiffany, an identical twin, died from cancer at age 7, but her twin, now 19 years old, has never had cancer. Although these individuals share an identical genotype, their phenotypes differ as a result of how that genetic information is expressed over time. The epigenetic perspective is very different from a range of reactions because here the genotype is not fixed and limited.


Genes affect more than our physical characteristics. Indeed, scientists have found genetic linkages to a number of behavioural characteristics, ranging from basic personality traits to sexual orientation to spirituality (for examples, see Mustanski et al., 2005; Comings, Gonzales, Saucier, Johnson, & MacMurray, 2000). Genes are also associated with temperament and a number of psychological disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. So, while it is true that genes provide the biological blueprints for our cells, tissues, organs, and body, they also have a significant impact on our experiences and our behaviours.
Source: https://opentext.wsu.edu/psych105/chapter/3-1-human-genetics/

Questions
1.    Distinguish between genotype and phenotype.                                                                                            
2.    Explain two characteristics that monozygotic twins usually have in common and state why this is so.  
3.    Discuss two ways in which dizygotic twins are likely to differ.                                                                     
4.    Based on your understanding of evolutionary psychology and the nature-nurture debate, provide a reasonable explanation for the difference between Tiffany and her twin as it relates to cancer.                                      
5.    Does nature or nurture play a greater role in the development of psychological disorders? Explain. 

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