Biological Psychology

Name: Julliene Armae D. Bitara Date: September 24, 2019 Section: 5

Objectives
 To be able to know what is epigenetics and how it can be biologically explained
 To get to know about the concept of evolution and how it affects behavior
 To be able to know the different processes and stages of brain’s development
during the pre-natal period.

I. Epigenetics

Define epigenetics.

The term Epigenetics literally means ‘outside conventional genetics’. It is the

study of stable alterations in gene expression potential that arise during

development and cell proliferation. Epigenetic processes are fundamental for

development and differentiation either by random change or under the influence of

the environment.

How can experience modify gene expression?

Genetic states are said to be reversible and therefore can be modified by

environmental factors through the entire lifespan. Modification of gene expression

due to experiences are explained around epigenetic tags such as DNA methylation

and acetylation which studies show to be associated, but not limited, with gene

expression responsible for plasticity and behavior changes. Environmentally-driven

epigenetic tags can affect gene activity that may also create functional changes in
neurons and circuits that facilitate memory formation, and prime the genome to

respond to stimuli.

Give at least 2 examples that shows epigenetic phenomena

Cognitive decline associated with aging and Alzheimer’s disease has epigenetic

explanation that has something to do with age-dependent changes in DNA

methylation associated with amyloid precursor protein. The increase of DNA

methylation for several plasticity-related genes whose expression correlates with

spatial behavior and decreases with age. Dramatic changes also happen to the

epigenetic landscape of the central nervous system as we age.

Epigenetic regulation of developmental and plasticity-related genes has also

shown significant contributing factor in developing Schizophrenia. It has been found

that deficits in reelin and GABA synthesis enzyme GAD 67 protein levels causes

significant methylation alterations within the promoter regions of these genes.

Hundreds of gene regions with altered DNA methylation are also found in cases of

Schizophrenia.

II. Evolution

Can humans further evolve? Is this our last form? Explain your answer.

The theory of evolution explains human origin as results of changes in our

characteristics, such as genetic traits, over several generations. It primarily relies on

natural selection which and these modifications happen as our way of better
adapting to environmental changes needed for survival. Looking through the lens of

Evolution theory, humans can further evolve and alterations in our form is highly

possible as the environment continues to change. Though it can be said in two-way

manner as we are also capable of changing the environment for better or for naught.

Brain Development

Explain how the process of how the brain develops during the prenatal stage up to

birth.

Brain develops as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. 16 days after

conception, neural plate forms – the foundation of the baby’s brain and spinal cord,

until it grows longer and turns as the neural tube. Around six or seven weeks, the

neural tube bulges into three sections which will become the major divisions of the

brain (forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain with a part of its rear that will soon become

the spinal cord). Soon after, the brain develops the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain

stem, pituitary gland, and the hypothalamus. Though these parts develop during this

stage, it needs more time to be fully functioning. Special neural cells also form and

move throughout the embryo to form beginnings of nerves. Neurons also start to

connect and communicate with each other.

During the second trimester, the brain starts to direct steady contractions of the

diaphragm and chest muscle as practice of breathing movements. The baby’s

nerves also become covered in myelin sheath. At the tail end of second trimester,
the brainstem is almost entirely mature. The fetal nervous system is developed

enough and at 28 weeks, fetal brainwave activity features sleep cycles and REM.

At third trimester, the brain develops in neurons and wirings rapidly. It starts to

look grooved and indented. The cerebellum develops fast than any other area of the

brain. The cerebral cortex also develops rapidly but it only starts to function around

the time a full-term baby is born.

Reference/s:

Editors, W. t. (2019, April 23.). Fetal Development: Baby's Nervous System and

Brain. https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/fetal-development/fetal-

brain-nervous-system/.

Jaenisch, R., & Bird, A. (2003). Epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Nature

Genetic Supplement Volume 33, 245-254. doi:10.1038/ng1089.

McGowan, P. O., & Roth, T. L. (2015). Epigenetic Pathways through which

experiences become linked with biology. Development and Psychopathology,

637-648. doi: 10.1017/S0954579415000206.