Deck 5: Genetics and Prenatal Development

Question 1

The period of pregnancy when the fetus is carried in the uterus is called:

A) pruning
B) gestation
C) conception
D) formation

Answer 1

gestation

Question 2

The ectoderm is one of three layers of cells in the embryo that develops into the:

A) circulatory, skeletal, and muscular systems
B) digestive and glandular systems
C) brain, sensory organs, and nervous system
D) neural group dividing the brain into the right and left hemispheres

Answer 2

brain, sensory organs, and nervous system

Question 3

During the first five months of gestation the fetal brain:

A) develops 200,000 cells per minute
B) grows slowly, limited by the containing force of the skull
C) does not yet have differentiated areas
D) looks furled and gnarled as that of an older child

Answer 3

develops 200,000 cells per minute

Question 4

The large size and complexity of the human brain at birth assures that babies will be able to learn:

A) specific pieces of information
B) English
C) other languages
D) whatever they need to survive in a unique environment

Question 5

"Wiring the brain" refers to:

A) the connections made among neurons
B) the axons and dendrites
C) the process of "pruning"
D) the importance of early experiences

Question 6

By age three a baby's brain grows to about what percentage of its adult size?

A) 30%
B) 50%
C) 70%
D) 90%

Question 7

The nucleus of each cell contains 6 feet of DNA packed into 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent. The one set of sex chromosomes determine gender. Women have chromosomes:

A) AB
B) XX
C) XY
D) YY

Question 8

Genes provide the blueprint for how the body will develop. However, early experiences, including prenatal experiences, tell the gene whether or not to express itself (turn on) through:

A) chromosomes
B) DNA
C) genomes
D) hormones

Question 9

A fetus can make a fist, grasp, suck, and swallow by the end of the:

A) first trimester
B) second trimester
C) third trimester
D) fourth trimester

Question 10

In the first trimester, the cells:

A) triple in size
B) differentiate and become blood cells, liver cells, bone cells, etc.
C) determine whether to become male or female
D) shed unused DNA

Question 11

During the second trimester, the fetus:

A) develops arms and legs
B) develops internal organs
C) develops as directed by the brain
D) grows rapidly in length and weight

Question 12

In the third trimester, the fetus is learning about:

A) positioning itself for birth
B) how to breathe
C) movement and language
D) the family's culture

Question 13

The term, "the womb as an environment for development" means that:

A) life is enjoyable for the fetus in the womb
B) pregnant women must be aware of what can affect the fetus in the womb
C) nothing can harm the developing baby
D) the womb is a safe place for the developing fetus

Question 14

Josh, an Early Head Start teacher, gave brochures to pregnant mothers on the effects of lead, cleaning products, and alcohol on the developing fetus. He obviously knew about:

A) structural/metabolic birth defects
B) maternal infections that can cause harm to the fetus
C) toxins and teratogens
D) inaccurate migration of cells

Question 15

Which of the following would be important information to provide to families on nutrition during pregnancy?

A) Mothers need to eat much more than usual during pregnancy
B) There are certain nutrients that mothers need to be sure to get
C) It is wise to ignore cultural beliefs during pregnancy
D) Do not change your diet during pregnancy

Question 16

Premature babies are at risk for:

A) the effects of domestic violence
B) Respiratory Distress Syndrome
C) the TORCH syndrome
D) cleft palate

Question 17

How does a mother's anxiety, stress, depression, and experience of domestic violence affect the baby?

A) The fetus is not affected by the emotions of the mother.
B) The fetus can be harmed because more blood flows to the uterus.
C) The fetus is affected because the mother eats too much food when depressed.
D) The fetus can be harmed because of increased cortisol levels.

Question 18

The newborn is born with all of its brain cells, but very few synaptic connections. Through sensory and responsive, interactive experiences, the brain begins to develop connections at the rate of:

A) 2 million per hour
B) 2 million per minute
C) 2 billion per minute
D) 2 million per second

Question 19

The young brain needs a steady diet of:

A) consistent, predictable messages of love and communication
B) new vocabulary words
C) high protein foods
D) strict guidance and high expectations

Question 20

Synapses form when:

A) infants have a regularly repeated experience
B) one neuron blends into another
C) the nucleus sends chemical messages to the other nuclei
D) one neuron's axon attaches to another neuron's dendrite

Question 21

Some people think that it doesn't matter what experiences babies have during the first 3 years of life. What information would you give them to convince them that the first 3 years are important for brain development?

Question 22

Describe toxins and teratogens that can affect the fetus and how they affect the fetus.