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Module 1.1

But in important ways, we also are each unique. We are each a one-of-a-kind package
of looks, language, personality, interests, and cultural background. What causes our striking
diversity? How much is our individuality shaped by our differing genes, and how much
by our environment — by every external influence, from maternal nutrition while in the PRACTICE
womb to social support while nearing the tomb? How does our heredity interact with our
experiences to create both our universal human nature and our individual and social diver- Argumentation (SP 4)
sity? Such questions intrigue behavior geneticists.
(Out of class) Students often dis-
Genes: Our Codes for Life count the interaction of genes and
Barely more than a century ago, few would have guessed that every cell nucleus in your body the environment. They especially
contains the genetic master code for your entire body. It’s as if every room in Dubai’s Burj
Khalifa (the world’s tallest structure) contained a book detailing the architect’s plans for the don’t believe that a person’s genet-
entire structure. The plans for your own book of life run to 46 chapters — 23 donated by your ics can influence their environment.
mother’s egg and 23 by your father’s sperm. Each of these 46 chapters, called a chromosome, Have students find scientifically
is composed of a coiled chain of the molecule DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Genes, small
segments of the giant DNA molecules, form the words of those chapters (Figure 1.1-1). derived evidence on whether a
Altogether, you have some 20,000 genes, which are either active (expressed) or inactive. Envi- person’s appearance affects their
ronmental events “turn on” genes, rather like hot water enabling a tea bag to express its prospects for getting a job or a
flavor. When turned on, genes provide the code for creating protein molecules, our body’s
building blocks. promotion. (Hint: Some research
& Worth Publishers. Not for redistribution.
suggests that people who are
judged as physically attractive are
DNA more likely to get a job or a promo-
Figure 1.1-1
The life code tion over those judged less attrac-
Chromosome The nucleus of every human cell tive, demonstrating the influence of
contains chromosomes, each of
which is made up of two strands genes on environment.) Have them
of DNA connected in a double share their evidence in class.
helix. Genes are DNA segments
that, when expressed (turned
Gene Worth Publishers.
Cell on), direct the development of
proteins that influence a person’s
individual development. Many of the concepts in this module
CONNECT 1.1-2
Bedford, Freeman & are also covered in biology or anat-

omy classes. This provides a great
opportunity to reinforce content that
environment every nongenetic
influence, from prenatal nutrition
students may already have learned in
Nucleus to our experiences of the people other courses, and to emphasize the
and things around us.
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman
heredity the genetic transfer of
scientific nature of psychology.
characteristics from parents to
genes the biochemical units of
heredity.
Genetically speaking, every other human is nearly your identical twin. Researchers offspring.
genome the complete
exploring the human genome have discovered the common sequence within human instructions for making an
DNA. This shared genetic profile is what makes us humans, rather than tulips, bananas, or organism.
chimpanzees. Copyright ©
Interaction of Heredity and Environment Module 1.1 9

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Interaction of Heredity and Environment Module 1.1 9

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