Unit+3+-+The+Brain



Summary of National Geographic Article: This article discussed how the brain will not fully develop until after teen years. Therefore because teenagers do not have fully matured brains, they are more likely to take risks than adults.

Results to Risk Quiz: "You are a moderate risk taker. You like to have fun, but you usually play it safe." - I agree with these results. Whenever I don't want to do something even a little risky, my friends can convince me to and i will.

Main Parts of a Neuron 1. What is the function of the cell body, or soma? - To hold the nucleus 2. What is the function of the dendrites? - To receive messages from other neurons 3. What is the function of the axon? - 4. Describe the process of axonal conduction. 5. Describe the process of synaptic transmission. 6. How are excitatory synapses different from inhibitory synapses?

Frontline Questions: Segment #1: 1) Many adolescents, like Charlie, don't want to get up in the morning when their parents wake up for school. He also needs reminders from his parents for different tasks. There's also this attitude and talking back to his parents whenever they talk to him, and his procrastination.

Segment #2: 4) The brain is still growing until the teen years and so when teens make poor choices like experimenting in drugs or alcohol damages the brain and it therefore begins to have obstructions in full maturity.

Segment #3: 2) Yes, theyshould be more tolerant because they expect it to happen and have learned to expect mood swings from teenagers.

Segment #4: 1) The implications for this are that teens and adults will not be able to replicate the emotions adults have because they see something different.

Segment #5: 1) The effects this has on learning is that having no fuel in the tank at the start of the day prevents teens from paying attention, staying awake, and learning. There is little interaction in the classroom.

Segment #6: 3) I think parents' involvement in teens' lives is very important because they need that love and compassion. WIth that feeling of security, teens will a lways be able to feel they can go to them about anything they need.

__**Nature vs Nurture**__ __**Define these terms:**__

** //nature (of people):// The natural human characteristics such as feelings, thoughts, and behavior of a human that distinguishes who they are. ** **//nurture:// How an individual interacts with others //. // How you learn. **


 * //genetics:// The study of the genes in an individual. **


 * //environment:// What is around you to influence your behavior, feelings and thoughts. **

__**TRAITS:**__ _extreme, repeated violence >> GE _ schizophrenia >> GE _alcoholism >> GE _ manic-depression >> E _ intelligence >> GE _ shyness >> GE _obesity >> GE _Alzheimer's disease >> G _ homosexuality >> E _ thrill seeking >> GE _temperament >> G _ dyslexia >> G _ nicotine dependence >>G E _ hyperactivity >> G
 * //geneitc:// A gene that you have been given from your parent. **

__**Explain how the environment and genetics could interact to produce the follpwing traits:**__
 * 1) alcoholism >> This could be environmentally influenced because you could see your friends having drinks all the time and end up getting addicted to it yourself. It could be genetically influenced because you could be born an alcoholic because it is in your genes.
 * 2) nicotine dependence >> This could evironmentally influenced because you could try a cigarette one day and then become addicted and needing the nicotine. It could be genetically influences because your mother could have smoked while pregnant with you and therefore you could be born addicted to nicotine.
 * 3) obesity >> This could be environmentally influenced because we are all constantly surrounded by food and eating that we end up eating what we see. This could be genetically influenced because everyone in your generation could be obese and therefore the gene was passed down to you.
 * 4) extreme violence >> This could be environmentally influenced because drugs or alcohol could be a factor in your agression and anger. This could be genetically influenced because past generations could have all been violent and therefore the gene was created and passed down to you.
 * 5) intelligence >> This could be environmentally influenced because you can see your peers working hard and becoming smarter and then have an influence on you to want to strive for more. This could be genetically influenced because the family history could show many lines of intelligence.

__**Genetic Revolution discussion questions:**__

1). If it were possible, would you want to take a genetic test telling you whcih diesases you are likely to suffer from later in life? >> No I wouldn't like to know because I know that I would be constantly worrying over it and if it's going to happen anyways, why should I think about it before the end is near? I think my answer would change if I was aware of the ways that this knowledge could help me in overcoming the disease.

2). Suppose you or your partner are pregnant. Would you want the unborn child tested for genetic defects? >> I think I would because then I would be able to try and make the most comfortable possible living for my child. That way, if I didn't find out beforehand, then as soon as my baby were born, I wouldn't be completely thrown off guard and worrying about what I could possibly do.

3). Do you think it should be legal for employers to use genetic tests in deciding whom to hire? >> No because I don't think it's really relavent to know if your employer will have a genetic disease later in life.