[40] Pharmacology from a Biochemical Perspective Flashcards
What does “Pharmacology from a Biochemical Perspective” refer to?
It refers to the study of drug action and interactions with living organisms from a biochemical viewpoint.
What is pharmacology?
The study of substances that interact with living systems through chemical processes, especially by binding to regulatory molecules and activating or inhibiting normal body processes.
Name some key biochemical processes involved in pharmacology.
- Drug metabolism
- Drug transport
- Drug-receptor interaction
- Signal transduction
- Drug resistance
What is drug metabolism?
The process by which the body breaks down and converts medication into active chemical substances.
What role does drug metabolism play in pharmacology?
It affects the duration and intensity of drug action by determining the speed and manner in which drugs are transformed and eliminated from the body.
What is drug transport?
The movement of drugs into, within, and out of the body.
What role does drug transport play in pharmacology?
It influences drug distribution and accumulation in various tissues, affecting drug efficacy and toxicity.
What is a drug-receptor interaction?
The binding of a drug to its specific receptor to produce a biological response.
What role do drug-receptor interactions play in pharmacology?
They are fundamental to the drug’s effects, both therapeutic and adverse. The nature and intensity of a drug’s effect often depend on its binding affinity and intrinsic activity at its receptor.
What is signal transduction in the context of pharmacology?
The process by which a drug-receptor interaction triggers a sequence of biochemical events, leading to the drug’s pharmacological effect.
How does signal transduction contribute to the action of drugs?
It mediates the conversion of the drug-receptor interaction into a cellular response, dictating the magnitude and specificity of the drug effect.
What is drug resistance?
The reduction in effectiveness of a medication in curing a disease or condition.
How does drug resistance affect pharmacology?
It can limit the efficacy of drugs, especially in the treatment of infections and cancer, and drive the need for the development of new drugs or treatment strategies.
What is pharmacodynamics?
The study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action.
How does pharmacodynamics apply to a biochemical perspective of pharmacology?
It involves understanding how drugs interact with their molecular targets (e.g., receptors, enzymes, ion channels), trigger biochemical pathways, and affect physiological processes.
