Lecture 1

Question 1

What are the unifying themes in physiology?

Answer 1

1. Physiology is integrative.
2. Physiological processes obey the laws of
   chemistry and physics
3. Physiological processes are shaped by
   evolution
4. Physiological systems are usually regulated

Question 2

Phenotypic Plasticity

Answer 2

production of different phenotypes by a single genotype as a result of environmental changes

Question 3

reversible physiological changes

Answer 3

acclimitization: process of physiological change in response to naturally changing environmental conditions
acclimation: process of physiological change in response to a controlled or manipulated environmental variable (under laboratory conditions)

Question 4

irreversible physiological changes

Answer 4

polyphenism (developmental plasticity): development under different conditions results in different adult phenotypes

Question 5

reaction norm

Answer 5

the range of phenotypes that can be produced by a given genotype when it is exposed to different environments

Question 6

requirements for adaptive evolutionary change

Answer 6

1. must be variation among individuals in the trait
2. trait must be heritable
3. trait must increase fitness
4. relative fitness of different genotypes depends on environmental conditions

Question 7

conformers

Answer 7

allow internal conditions to change with variation in external conditions

Question 8

regulators

Answer 8

maintain constant internal conditions regardless of the external conditions (homeostasis)

Question 9

positive feedback loop

Answer 9

maximize change in regulated physiological parameters (explosive response)

Question 10

negative feedback loops

Answer 10

maintain parameters within optimal physiological range (homeostasis)

Question 11

enantiostasis

Answer 11

maintenance of function when physiological variables are changing. eg. maintaining membrane fluidity at different T0 (functions retained)