Chapter # 1

Genetics and Behavior

Research Methods
 Genetics and Behavior; How
Genes Affect Behavior
• A biologist who speaks of a “gene for brown eyes” does not mean
that the gene directly produces brown eyes. The gene produces a
protein that makes the eyes brown, assuming normal health and
nutrition. If we speak of a “gene for alcoholism,” we should not
imagine that the gene itself causes alcoholism. Rather, it produces a
protein that under certain circumstances increases the probability of
alcoholism. It is important to specify these circumstances as well as
we can. Exactly how a gene increases the probability of a given
behavior is a complex issue.
• There are genes that control brain chemicals. However, genes also
affect behavior indirectly—for example, by changing the way other
people treat you (Kendler, 2001). Suppose your genes make you
unusually attractive. As a result, strangers smile at you and many
people want to get to know you. Their reactions to your appearance
may change your personality, and if so, the genes produced their
behavioral effects by altering your environment! Consequently, we
should not be amazed by reports that nearly every human behavior
has some heritability. A gene that affects almost anything in your
body will influence your activities and the way other people respond.
 Do genes produce innate
behavior?
• The answer is No; they only provide templates for synthesis of appropriate
proteins, protein chains and timing of release. There is programming of
genetic proteins and chains which determine the brain program and
developments which can flourish in a certain environment. The triggering
cues for genetically programmed behaviors come from the environment.
These can be cues from the external environment e.g. External cue could
be lion hunting for food; deer sees the lion it runs to save itself. The internal
cues come from within the organism’s systems the hormones, the needs
and the signals form these lead the organism to action. For example,
internal cues may be signals for food/nutrition; the animals feel hungry and
seek food. If there is rise in the prostaglandins levels birds start nest
building.
High order animals and
environment
• The fact is that there is greater influence of environment with higher
order animals or animals with larger brains size. Thus, this means
there is greater adaptability in animals on the higher evolutionary
scale. Thus, we can safely state, the higher the animal on evolutionary
scale greater, the greater the encephalization, (larger cerebral cortices
and control). And the greater the encepahlization (animals with larger
cerebral cortices) the more they are affected by environment.
Example of genetic influence on
behavior
• The genetic makeup does influence behavioural characteristics: With one X
and one Y chromosome we have normal males (XY), however with increase
in one additional Y chromosome (XYY) evidence of aggressiveness in males
has been shown in studies of inmates and it was found that a lagrge
percentage of inmates who had committed physically aggressive and brutal
criems in Scottish jails studies). With two XX chromosomes we have normal
females; with a Y chromosome attached to these we have a female with
male characteristics. The trisomy (three chromosomes) XXO, XYO lead to
the Downs syndrome (abnormalities). Thus genes determine the
female/male but also the expression of characteristics of being a
male/female. Keeping the above in view we do know that genes have an
important role in the development of physical and other characteristic.
• Keeping a child with the PKU gene on a strict low-phenylalanine diet
prevents the mental retardation that the gene ordinarily causes. The
general point is that sometimes a highly heritable condition can be
modified. PKU, a genetic inability to metabolize the amino acid
phenylalanine.
• Alcoholism: is another trait which evidence has shown to be
genetically linked, especially that it is transmitted from father to sons.
Longitudinal studies have been carried out in Scandinavian countries
by Goodwin and colleagues (1979) as it is possible to follow children
in foster homes through records. It was reported that predisposition
to alcoholism is 4 times higher in males.
Research Methods in
Neuroscience
Experimental Ablation Recording and Neurochemical Genetic Methods
stimulating neural Methods
activity

Producing lesions Recording neural Finding neurons that Twin studies

stereotaxic surgery activity produce particular
neurochemicals
Histological Methods Recording brain’s Localizing particular Adoption studies
metabolic and synaptic receptors
activity

Tracing neural connections Behavioral effects of Targeted Mutations

electrical brain
stimulation
Study of living human brain
For detail of the table
• For detail of the table in previous slide, refer to book of Foundations
(chapter starts from page no 122). You can read summary given at the
end of each topic and also can prepare from table. For deeper
understanding you can read topic in detail.
Correlate brain anatomy with Record brain activity during Examine the effects Examine the effects of
behavior behavior of brain damage stimulating some brain area.

Do people with some unusual For example, we might record After damage or Ideally, if damaging some area
behavior also have unusual brains? changes in brain activity temporary impairs a behavior, stimulating
If so, in what way? during fighting, sleeping, inactivation, what that area should enhance the
finding food, or solving a aspects of behavior behavior.
problem are impaired?

Methods used in it: Methods used in it: Methods used in it: Methods used in it:
1. CT or CAT Computerized axial 1. Electroencephalograph 1. Transcranial
tomography (EEG) Magnetic
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging 2. Magnetoencephalograph Stimulation
(MRI) (MEG) (TMS)
3. Positron-emission 2. Ablation
Tomography (PET)
4. Functional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (fMRI)