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Behavioural Genetics
Epigenetics - changes in gene expression as a result of environmental conditions.
DNA methylation - cytosine and adenine can have a methyl group added, which changes their activity without actually changing the underlying gene. This can happen at many stages in development. DNA methylation usually functions to suppress or silence a gene's expression.
Histone modification - can modify the expression of a gene (increasing or suppressing) without changing the underlying gene.
Gene-environment correlations - our genetics and environment interact with each other to produce gene expression.
- Passive gene-environment correlation: Relationship between genetic makeup and environment you are raised in.
- Example: A parent who is quiet, shy, and reclusive is likely to have children who are also quiet, shy, and reclusive - the child is influenced by their genotype and their environment, which is largely influenced by parents' genetic expression.
- Evocative gene-environment correlation: Individual's behaviour (heritable) causes an environmental response.
- Example: A person who is depressed may find that there is more conflict in their relationships, not because being in conflict causes depression, but because depression leads to tension in a relationship.
- Active gene-environment correlation: Individual's genetic makeup leads them to choose particular environments.
- Example: A person with a genetic predisposition for risky behaviour chooses skydiving as a hobby.
Practice: Epigenetics
Epigenetic changes do NOT...