Causes of Disease 2 Flashcards
List two waste products and describe how their build-up in the body causes disease.
Urea – If urea builds up due to kidney failure, it leads to uremia, which can cause confusion, fatigue, and even death.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – CO₂ buildup can cause acidosis, affecting enzyme function and brain activity, potentially leading to unconsciousness.
How can hormone imbalance cause disease?
Too much or too little of a hormone (e.g., insulin) can lead to diseases like diabetes, which affects energy metabolism and damages organs over time.
How can a lack of homeostasis in fluid/blood cause disease?
Imbalance in fluid levels can cause dehydration or fluid overload, leading to low blood pressure, shock, or edema. Disrupted blood volume affects oxygen and nutrient delivery.
How can neurotransmitter imbalance cause disease?
Low dopamine is linked to Parkinson’s disease. Imbalances in serotonin or norepinephrine are linked to depression or anxiety.
How can electrolyte imbalance cause disease?
Imbalances in sodium, potassium, or calcium can cause arrhythmias, muscle cramps, or even seizures due to disrupted nerve and muscle function.
How can enzyme imbalance cause disease?
Lack of digestive enzymes (e.g., in lactose intolerance) or other metabolic enzymes (e.g., in phenylketonuria) causes accumulation of harmful substances or nutrient deficiencies.
How can imbalance in clotting factors cause disease?
Reduced clotting factors (like in hemophilia) lead to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries, due to the inability to form proper clots.
How do mutagens cause mutations?
Mutagens like UV light, viruses (e.g., HPV), radiation, and free radicals damage DNA. If not repaired, this leads to permanent DNA changes that may cause cancer or genetic disorders.
How can inherited genetic changes cause disease?
Mutations in sperm or egg DNA can be passed to offspring. If the mutation is recessive, disease occurs only if both alleles are mutated (e.g., cystic fibrosis). If dominant, one copy is enough.
What is an X-linked trait and why are males more affected?
X-linked traits are coded on the X chromosome. Males (XY) only have one X, so if it carries a mutation (e.g., hemophilia), they have no backup. Females (XX) often have a second normal X to mask the mutation.
How do genetics, environment, and socioeconomics contribute to disease?
Diseases often result from a combination of:
Genetics (e.g., family history, inherited risks)
Environment (e.g., smoking, diet, pollution)
Socioeconomics (e.g., stress, access to healthcare, housing).
Healthy lifestyle can reduce risk even with genetic predisposition.
