Intro & Histology Week 2 Flashcards
Explain the function of ribosomes
A ribosome is an essential cellular structure that functions as a protein-producing factory. Proteins are crucial for almost all cellular activities, and the ribosome’s role is to translate genetic information from mRNA (messenger RNA) into specific proteins that the body needs for growth, repair, and immune response.
Describe the function of lysosomes
Lysosomes are specialized structures within cells that act as the body’s waste disposal system. They contain enzymes that break down and recycle cellular waste, foreign particles, and worn-out components, maintaining a clean and healthy cellular environment.
Describe the function of peroxisomes
Peroxisomes, on the other hand, contain enzymes that break down fatty acids and neutralize toxins, like hydrogen peroxide, into harmless byproducts.
Explain the importance of mitotic cell division
Mitotic cell division is a process where a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each containing the same genetic material. This type of cell division is crucial for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues. During pregnancy, mitotic cell division is especially important because it enables the rapid growth and development of the fetus, as cells continuously divide to form new tissues and organs.
Describe the specific function of DNA found in the nucleus of the cell
DNA, found in the nucleus of a cell, carries the genetic blueprint that determines all of a person’s inherited characteristics. This genetic information is organized into genes, which provide instructions for making proteins that carry out most of the cell’s functions. Each cell in the body relies on DNA to know its role, whether it’s building muscle tissue, forming neural connections, or supporting organ development.
Explain the major function of RNA
RNA (ribonucleic acid) plays a key role in protein synthesis, acting as a messenger that carries genetic instructions from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are made. While DNA stores the genetic information, RNA is the intermediary that translates these instructions into the specific proteins the body needs. This process is essential for growth, repair, and the proper function of cells, tissues, and organs.
Describe the “active” process by which the cell can exchange substances
The “active” process by which cells exchange substances is known as active transport. Unlike passive transport, which relies on natural movement of substances from high to low concentration, active transport requires energy (usually in the form of ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient, from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration. This process is vital for maintaining proper cell function, as it enables cells to absorb nutrients and expel waste, even when these substances are in lower concentrations outside the cell.
Describe the “passive” process by which the cell can exchange substances
The “passive” process by which cells exchange substances is known as passive transport. In this process, substances move across the cell membrane without requiring energy, relying instead on natural forces like concentration gradients. Substances move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached. There are several forms of passive transport, including diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.
Explain the value of ATP to the body
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in the body, providing the energy necessary for many cellular processes. It powers functions such as muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and the active transport of substances into and out of cells. ATP is produced in the mitochondria of cells and is used by the body whenever energy is needed for activities like growth, repair, and maintaining homeostasis.
Briefly describe how the body converts ATP into glucose
The body does not directly convert ATP into glucose. Instead, glucose is converted into ATP through a process called cellular respiration. In this process, glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, which cells use for energy. This process occurs primarily in the mitochondria of cells. First, glucose is broken down into smaller molecules through glycolysis, then further processed in the mitochondria to produce ATP.
Briefly explain how the body is lack of oxygen affects the body’s ability to convert glucose to ATP
When the body lacks oxygen, it affects its ability to convert glucose into ATP through cellular respiration. Normally, glucose is broken down into ATP in the presence of oxygen, a process that occurs in the mitochondria. However, without sufficient oxygen, the body shifts to anaerobic respiration, a less efficient process. Anaerobic respiration generates far less ATP and produces lactic acid as a byproduct, which can accumulate and lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort.
Define enzyme and describe the mechanism of enzyme activity
An enzyme is a type of protein that acts as a catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process. Enzymes work by binding to specific molecules, known as substrates, to form an enzyme-substrate complex. This binding lowers the energy required for the reaction, making it proceed faster. Once the reaction is complete, the enzyme releases the product and is ready to catalyze another reaction.
Define the following orientation and directional terms:
1) Superior
2) inferior
3) anterior ventral
4) posterior dorsal
5) medial
6) lateral
7) proximal
8) distal
9) superficial
10) deep
- Superior: Positioned above or toward the head. In midwifery, the chest is superior to the abdomen, as it is located higher on the body.
- Inferior: Positioned below or toward the feet. For instance, the pelvis is inferior to the stomach in the body, which is relevant when assessing fetal descent during labor.
- Anterior (Ventral): Positioned toward the front of the body. In pregnancy, the uterus is anterior to the spine, located toward the front of the mother’s body.
- Posterior (Dorsal): Positioned toward the back of the body. For example, the spine is posterior to the uterus, which is important to consider during fetal positioning.
- Medial: Positioned closer to the midline of the body. In a midwifery context, the uterus is medial to the ovaries, lying closer to the center of the body.
- Lateral: Positioned away from the midline of the body. For example, the ovaries are lateral to the uterus, located further from the center.
- Proximal: Positioned closer to the trunk of the body or the point of origin. In midwifery, the thigh is proximal to the knee, meaning it is closer to the hip.
- Distal: Positioned further from the trunk or point of origin. For example, the foot is distal to the knee, which is helpful in assessing leg or foot edema in pregnancy.
- Superficial: Positioned closer to or on the surface of the body. Skin is superficial to muscles, which midwives note when assessing skin color changes or edema.
- Deep: Positioned further below the surface of the body. The uterus is deep to the abdominal muscles, meaning it is located further below the surface.
