Last Minute Lecture

Understanding Psychopathology — The Multidimensional Integrative Approach, Diathesis-Stress, and Neuroscience | Chapter 2 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology Psychopathology is rarely caused by a single factor. Chapter 2 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology introduces the multidimensional integrative model, showing how biological, psychological, emotional, social, and developmental influences interact to produce mental disorders. In this summary, we’ll examine the diathesis-stress and gene-environment correlation models, the emerging field of epigenetics, key neuroscience insights, and the roles of cognition, emotion, culture, and lifespan development. Use this guide to deepen your understanding and ace your exams. Watch the Chapter Summary Prefer to learn by listening? Watch the full chapter summary below and be sure to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more chapter-based study guides. The Multidimensional Integrative Approach Gone are the days of single-cause theo...

Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity — Genetic and Environmental Influences Explained | Psychology Chapter 4 Summary This detailed summary of Chapter 4 from Psychology (13th Edition) by David G. Myers and C. Nathan DeWall examines the complex interplay between genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors that shape human behavior, identity, and diversity. Understanding these influences provides insight into how individual differences emerge while recognizing the shared biological foundations that unite us. Watch the full YouTube podcast summary for an in-depth exploration of behavioral genetics, culture, and evolution. Behavior Genetics: Predicting Individual Differences Genes and DNA provide the biological blueprint for physical and psychological traits. Research methods like twin and adoption studies help differentiate genetic influences from environmental ones. Heritability: The proportion of variation in traits explained by genetics. Gene-Environment In...

Regulation of Gene Expression — Operons, Epigenetics, and Noncoding RNAs Explained | Chapter 18 of Campbell Biology Welcome to Last Minute Lecture! This post explores the complex world of gene expression regulation, as presented in Chapter 18 of Campbell Biology . Learn how prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells control gene activity through operons, epigenetic modifications, transcription factors, and noncoding RNAs. Watch the full video summary below and subscribe for clear, chapter-by-chapter molecular biology breakdowns! Introduction: Why Regulating Gene Expression Matters Gene regulation ensures that the right genes are expressed at the right time, allowing cells to respond to environmental changes, specialize for different functions, and properly develop from a single fertilized egg. Misregulation can result in diseases like cancer. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes: The Operon Model Operons: Groups of bacterial genes regulated together under a single promoter. Examples...

How Genes and Environment Shape Development — Summary of Chapter 3 from The Developing Person Through the Life Span How much of who we are is determined by our DNA? How do external factors like nutrition or culture interact with genetics? Chapter 3 of Kathleen Stassen Berger’s The Developing Person Through the Life Span explores the fascinating relationship between genes, environment, and human development. This chapter provides essential insights into how genetic blueprints and life experiences collaborate to shape individual traits, behaviors, and health outcomes. Watch the full summary above or read below for a detailed breakdown of key concepts, from DNA to epigenetics to ethical debates around gene editing. The Blueprint: Genes and DNA At the foundation of human development are genes —segments of DNA located on chromosomes . Humans have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. Each gene may exist in different forms, known as alleles , which lead to variations in traits s...

Genes, Evolution, and Personality — Summary of Chapter 9 from The Personality Puzzle Chapter 9 of The Personality Puzzle by David C. Funder explores how genetics, evolutionary theory, and gene-environment interactions contribute to the development of personality. This chapter blends behavioral science with biology to uncover the hidden mechanisms behind our traits, tendencies, and behaviors. Behavioral Genetics and Heritability Behavioral genetics studies how personality traits are inherited using twin studies and heritability estimates. By comparing monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins, researchers determine how much trait variation is genetic vs. environmental. While studies confirm a genetic influence on traits like extraversion or neuroticism, they do not explain how genes influence specific behaviors or account for individual experiences. Molecular Genetics and Specific Genes Unlike heritability studies, molecular genetics seeks to identify individual genes lin...