Building Blocks

Question 1

Aetiological

Answer 1

Aetiological refers to causing or contributing to a disease or condition.

Question 2

Allostasis

Answer 2

Allostasis is the process by which the body responds to stressors in order to regain homeostasis.

Question 3

Glands

Answer 3

Glands are cells or groups of cells that secrete substances for use by the body.

Question 4

de novo

Answer 4

from scratch

Question 5

in vivo vs. in vitro

Answer 5

In Vivo: This Latin term means “within the living” and refers to experiments or observations made in living organisms, such as animals or humans. In vivo studies provide comprehensive insights into biological processes in a natural, complex biological system, but they are usually more time-consuming and costly.In Vitro: This Latin term means “in glass” and pertains to experiments conducted outside of living organisms, typically in a controlled environment like a test tube or petri dish. These studies are generally simpler, faster, and less expensive but may not fully capture the complexity of living systems.

Question 6

Acetyl-CoA

Answer 6

Acetyl-CoA is a molecule that participates in many biochemical reactions in protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. Its main function is to deliver the acetyl group to the citric acid cycle to be oxidized for energy production.

Question 7

Allostatic load

Answer 7

Allostatic load is often described as “the wear and tear on the body” which accumulates as an individual is exposed to repeated or chronic stress.

Question 8

Apoptosis

Answer 8

Apoptosis is the death of cells which occurs as a normal and controlled part of an organism’s growth or development.

Question 9

Cellular respiration

Answer 9

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert nutrients, primarily glucose, into energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to fuel cellular activities.

Question 10

Holocrine secretion

Answer 10

Holocrine secretion is a method characterized by the purposeful self-destruction of the sebaceous gland’s primary cellular unit, the sebocyte, in order to produce sebum.

Question 11

Kinase

Answer 11

Kinase is a type of enzyme (a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body) that adds chemicals called phosphates to other molecules, such as sugars or proteins. This may cause other molecules in the cell to become either active or inactive. Kinases are a part of many cell processes.

Question 12

Lipogenesis

Answer 12

Lipogenesis refers to the conversion of fatty acids and glycerol into fats, or a metabolic process through which acetyl-CoA is converted to triglyceride for storage in fat.

Question 13

Paracrine signaling

Answer 13

Paracrine signaling is a method of cellular communication by which the cell secretes signaling molecules only to the nearby cells that have the relevant receptors, ultimately altering the behavior of those cells.

Question 14

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Answer 14

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that are generated as by-products of various metabolic processes, primarily during cellular respiration in the mitochondria. ROS include free radicals, such as superoxide anion (O2•-), hydroxyl radical (•OH), and non-radical molecules like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). At low to moderate levels, ROS play essential roles in cellular signaling, immune function, and other physiological processes. However, when ROS levels become too high, they can cause damage to cellular components, such as proteins, lipids, and DNA. This damage is known as oxidative stress.

Question 15

Triglyceride

Answer 15

Triglyceride is the most common type of fat in the body.

Question 16

methylation

Answer 16

Methylation is a biochemical process in which a methyl group (CH3) is added to molecules, notably DNA, playing a critical role in regulating gene expression and maintaining DNA integrity. This process influences various bodily functions, from cell growth and repair to brain function and immune response, making it essential for overall health and well-being.

Question 17

hydrolyze

Answer 17

To “hydrolyze” means to chemically break down a compound by reacting it with water. In this process, a water molecule (H2O) is used to break chemical bonds, typically resulting in the fragmentation of a larger molecule into smaller components. Hydrolysis is a common reaction in biology and chemistry, playing a key role in many physiological processes, such as the digestion of food where macromolecules like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are hydrolyzed into their constituent parts (amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars, respectively) for absorption and use by the body.

Question 18

nucleic acid

Answer 18

Nucleic acids are large molecules essential for storing and transmitting genetic information. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries genetic blueprints in cells, while RNA (ribonucleic acid) helps in protein synthesis based on those blueprints.

Question 19

Enzyme

Answer 19

Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in our bodies. They act like a key to a lock, binding to specific molecules, called substrates, to carry out their jobs. Enzymes help with various functions, such as breaking down food in digestion or building DNA in cells. Without enzymes, these reactions would be too slow to support life.

Question 20

adipocytes

Answer 20

Adipocytes, commonly known as fat cells, are specialized cells that store energy in the form of fat (triglycerides) and release it when the body requires energy. They are a major component of adipose tissue, which is found throughout the body, primarily under the skin (subcutaneous fat) and around internal organs (visceral fat). In addition to their role in energy storage, adipocytes are involved in the endocrine system, producing hormones such as leptin, which regulates appetite and energy expenditure, and adiponectin, which enhances sensitivity to insulin and has anti-inflammatory properties. These hormones play critical roles in metabolism, influencing body weight regulation, insulin sensitivity, and the inflammatory response.