Assignment #2

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Fordham University *

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1100

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Biology

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Feb 20, 2024

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pdf

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1

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Assignment #2 Epigenetics / Practice searching the scientific literature 1. Pick a gene from those listed below. Find an empirical article that discusses the relationship between the gene and the associated cognitive function. Provide answers to questions below. Genes: Foxp2 Gene & Language COMT & Executive Functioning APOE & Cognitive Aging 1a. What search engine did you use to find the articles?: I used PubMed. 1b. List the DOI number with active links to the articles: 10.1037/neu0000501 1c. Did the empirical article use human participants or animals as research subjects?: It used human participants. 2. Read the introduction of the paper linked in BlackBoard (Theusch & Gitschier, 2011) and answer the following questions (in your own words). a. What is the hypothesis that the investigators aim to test?: The hypothesis being tested in the study is whether genetic factors play a role in the acquisition and development of absolute pitch. The researchers aim to investigate the influence of genetics on absolute pitch and determine the inheritance pattern of this trait. Specifically, the study explores the idea that genetic factors contribute to the manifestation of absolute pitch abilities. b. Provide three pieces of background information that support this hypothesis (bulleted format is acceptable): 1. Twin Study Concordance Rates: The study reports a casewise concordance rate of 78.6% for monozygotic (identical) twin pairs, which is significantly higher than the 45.2% concordance rate for dizygotic (non-identical) twin pairs. This difference in concordance rates suggests a genetic influence, as identical twins, who share more genetic material, show a higher concordance in absolute pitch compared to non-identical twins. 2. Segregation Analysis: The segregation analysis of 1463 families indicates a segregation ratio (pD) of 0.089, suggesting a genetic component in the development of absolute pitch. The segregation analysis explores the pattern of inheritance and, in this case, supports the idea that absolute pitch is not inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion but has a genetic basis. 3. Genetic Heterogeneity: The study suggests that absolute pitch is likely genetically heterogeneous, meaning that multiple genetic factors may contribute to its development. This conclusion is drawn from the recognition that absolute pitch is not inherited in a straightforward Mendelian manner. The researchers propose that environmental, epigenetic, and stochastic factors may also play a role in the manifestation of absolute pitch in addition to genetic influences.
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