Chapter 4: Biological Beginnings

Summary
Genetic Foundations of Child Development
All children have a set of genetic instructions that influence their characteristics at birth as well as their
many characteristics that emerge as they grow. Most of the genes that children inherit are ones that they
share with other children, giving them a common human heritage. Other genes contribute to children's
individuality by disposing them to look and act in certain unique ways. Genes exert their effects on children
through complex and interactive processes in cells and bodily systems; the effects of genes are mediated
by children's health, other physiological processes, and children's experience in particular environments.
Acknowledging the powerful effects of nature, teachers and other professionals can show that they value
children's genetically based traits, such as having a certain temperament, physical appearance, or unusual
talent. Practitioners can also express their confidence that, whatever children's natural abilities, children
have the potential to achieve high personal and academic standards.
Prenatal Development
At conception, the new being inherits a unique genetic makeup and begins the lifelong process of growing,
changing, and interacting in and with the environment. Development begins at conception, when the
zygote, a one-celled being, divides multiple times and becomes a ball of cells that burrows into the uterus.
Two to nine weeks after conception, the embryo grows rapidly, forming structures needed to sustain future
growth and developing rudimentary organs and body parts. Between week nine and birth, the fetus
continues to grow rapidly, now putting the finishing touches on the body and brain and becoming sufficiently
heavy and strong to live in the world. Professionals can support healthy prenatal growth of children by
informing prospective parents (and all sexually active women) about the damaging effects of teratogens to
unborn children; the need to evaluate their health and medical regimens prior to a pregnancy; and the value
of stress reduction, a healthful diet, appropriate exercise, and ongoing medical care during pregnancy.
Birth of the Baby
The birth of the baby is an exciting event for parents and other family members, who can ease their anxiety
and the mother's pain by preparing for childbirth. Birth is a multistage process that is often helped along by
family members and professionals in the medical community, such as doctors, nurses, and midwives. The
health and medical needs of newborn infants depend on their birth weight, size, prenatal exposure to
teratogens, the mother's health, and the newborn infants' genetic vulnerabilities. Family educators and
other professionals can help parents develop realistic expectations about their newborn infants and
respond sensitively to their physical and psychological needs.
Quiz
1. Gene is to chromosome as
tree is to forest.
2. Down Syndrome is an example of what?
chromosome abnormality

3. Tamika has tremendous musical talent, so she asked her parents to send her to voice lessons.
This is an example of what?
active gene-environment relation
4. Joann is a microbiologist and a mother of two daughters aged 10 and 12. Joann bought a
microscope for her daughters and spends Saturday afternoons helping her daughters examine
microscopic specimens such as food bacteria. This is an example of what?
passive gene-environment relation
5. A human being with one X chromosome and one Y chromosome is what?
definitely male
6. What is the correct order of the following structures from innermost to outermost?
DNA molecules, genes, chromosomes, cells
7. Monozygotic twins are developed from what?
one ovum fertilized by one sperm cell
8. Children with Klinefelter syndrome have what chromosomal abnormality?
one Y chromosome and two X chromosomes
9. Children with Turner syndrome have what chromosomal abnormality?
one X chromosome and a missing second sex chromosome
10. Fingers and toes are first recognized as separate digits during what phase of prenatal
development?
Embryo
11. What period of prenatal development lasts from the ninth week until birth?
fetus
12. What findings have been shown from studies of traits of identical twins?
Nature and nurture both play central roles in physical development.
13. During childbirth, the placenta and fetal membranes are delivered during which stage of labor?
third stage
14. Infants see best from what distance?
612 inches
15. Maria touched the corner of her baby's mouth and noticed the baby turned toward Maria's breast.
This is an example of what reflex?
rooting