Introduction to Physiology Flashcards
what is physiology
the study of how animals function
what are the four main types of biomolecules
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids
what is the most abundant element in the human body
hydrogen 63%
what are the 3 main types of chemical bonds
hydrogen, ionic, covalent
what is an ion
an atom that has gained or lost 1 electron making it charged
why are hydrogen bond important in biological molecules
they help maintain molecular structures such as DNA and proteins
what does it mean for a molecule to hydrophilic
it dissolves easily in water due to polar bonds or ionized groups
what is an amphipathic molecule
a molecule with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, such as phospholipids
how does water contribute to temperature regulation in the body
it has a high specific heat capacity allowing it to absorb and retain heat without large temperate changes
what is a monosaccharide
simple sugar
what is a disaccharide
contains two monosaccharide
what is a polysaccharide
long chain of sugars
what are the main types of lipids
fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids
what are the 4 levels of protein structure
primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary
what are the two types of nucleic acid
RNA, DNA
what type of macromolecule is an enzyme
A protein
what does pH measure
the concentration of free hydrogen atoms in a solution
what is an acid
a molecule that releases hydrogen into a solution
what is the pH of pure water
7
What is homeostasis
The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Why is homeostasis important?
It maintains optimal conditions for enzyme function, cellular processes, organ function, and prevents cell damage.
Give three physiological variables regulated by homeostasis.
Body temperature, blood glucose levels, blood pressure (others: pH, oxygen & CO₂ levels, fluid balance).
What happens if homeostasis is disrupted?
It can lead to disease and, in extreme cases, death
What are the two types of feedback mechanisms?
Negative feedback (stabilizes) and positive feedback (amplifies).
