mod 1-8 Flashcards
Human Physiology
Study of how the human body functions and the integration of multiple organ systems working together.
Organ Systems
Specialized systems in the body that interact and work together to perform specific functions.
Integrative Physiology
The study of how different organs and tissues work together in a coordinated manner.
Homeostasis
The ability of organisms to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Negative Feedback
A regulatory mechanism that maintains homeostasis by counteracting a stimulus to keep conditions within a normal range.
Positive Feedback
A mechanism that amplifies the response to a stimulus
Endocrine System
System that provides communication between cells through the release of hormones into the bloodstream.
Nervous System
System that provides communication between cells through electrical signals and neurotransmitters.
Musculoskeletal System
System that supports the body
Cardiovascular System
System that transports molecules throughout the body via the bloodstream.
Respiratory System
System responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and eliminating carbon dioxide.
Urinary System
System that filters blood to regulate acidity
Gastrointestinal System
System that breaks down food
Reproductive System
System responsible for generating offspring.
Immune System
System that defends the body against pathogens and abnormal cells.
Integumentary System
System that protects the body from the external environment.
Why is human physiology integrative?
Some organs/tissues are specialized for particular functions
External Environment
includes all parts of the body that are directly connected to the outside world
Internal Environment
consists of fluids and structures within the body that are not exposed to the external environment
food that is digested but not absorbed remains part of the ________ environment until it enters the ___________
external
The body regulates its internal environment through
+/- feedback mechanisms to maintain homeostasis
Most abundant molecule in the body
water
Total Body Water (TBW)
total water contained in body’s internal compartments; divided into Intracellular Fluid (ICF) and Extracellular Fluid (ECF)
Extracellular fluid (ECF)
fluid outside of cells
Intracellular fluid (ICF)
water inside cells
ECF in blood
plasma
ECF outside blood
interstitial fluid
mass balance
body balances out what comes into and leaves the body; body load + intake - output
set point
desired range for a condition
sensor
what notices change in the body
integrating center
compares info from sensor to set point
effector
an organ or cell that acts in response to a stimulus.
Covalent Bonds
Bonds where atoms share electrons
Hydrophobic
Molecules with many nonpolar bonds that interact better with fats than water (lipophilic)
Hydrophilic
Molecules with many polar bonds that interact with water and form hydrogen bonds (lipophobic)
Ions
Charged atoms or molecules that result from loss or gain of electrons
pH
Measure of hydrogen ions in a solution
What are carbohydrates?
Biomolecules consisting of monosaccharide monomers
What is the general formula of carbohydrates?
Consist of general formula C, H, O
What are the main functions of carbohydrates?
Used for energy storage and structural functions
How are carbohydrates typically structured?
Typically found in ring structures
What are lipids primarily composed of?
Long carbon chains or ring structures
What are fatty acids?
Building blocks of lipids
What are triglycerides composed of?
Glycerol and three fatty acids
What are steroids characterized by?
A four-carbon ring structure
What are phospholipids composed of?
Two fatty acids and a phosphate group
What are some functions of lipids?
Energy storage
What are proteins made of?
Proteins are polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
How many different amino acids contribute to the diversity of proteins?
There are 20 different amino acids that contribute to the diversity of proteins.
How is the structure of proteins determined?
The structure of proteins is determined by the sequence of amino acids.
What is the importance of protein folding?
The folding of proteins into specific three-dimensional shapes is critical for their biological activity.
Give examples of different roles that proteins can serve.
Proteins can serve as enzymes
How do the R groups of amino acids affect proteins?
The R group of amino acids can be charged
What are nucleic acids made up of?
Nucleic acids are polymers made up of nucleotides
What are the main types of nucleic acids?
The main types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA
What is the role of ATP in the cell?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a nucleotide that serves as the primary energy currency of the cell.
What is the function of the sequence of nucleotides in DNA?
The sequence of nucleotides in DNA encodes genetic information
Why are nucleic acids vital?
Nucleic acids are vital for heredity
Hydrogen Bonds
Weak non-covalent bonds formed between polar molecules
Non-polar Covalent Bonds
Bonds where electrons are evenly shared
Polar Covalent Bonds
Bonds where electrons are unevenly shared
Acids
Molecules that release H+ ions in water
Bases
Molecules that bind protons (H+)
What are the main biomolecules?
carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins
Explain the difference between non-polar and polar covalent bonds
providing examples of each type of bond.
Describe the significance of hydrogen bonds in biomolecules
and explain how they contribute to the properties of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules.
Discuss the role of ions in biological systems and explain how they contribute to the concept of electrolytes.
Ions are charged atoms or molecules resulting from an uneven sharing of electrons. In biological systems
Explain the relationship between pH and the acidity or basicity of a solution
providing examples of acidic and basic environments within the human body.
Describe the structure and function of proteins
emphasizing the significance of amino acids and the diverse roles proteins play in cells.
Explain the composition and function of nucleic acids
highlighting the significance of nucleotides and providing examples of nucleic acids found in living organisms.
Catabolic reactions
Breaking down large molecules into small ones
Anabolic reactions
Synthesis of large molecules requiring energy harnessed from ATP
Enzymes
Proteins that bind specific substrates and act as catalysts by lowering the activation energy of chemical reactions.
Allosteric regulation
Process where small activators or inhibitors regulate enzymes.
Covalent modification
Regulation of an enzyme by adding a chemical group like a phosphate.
Metabolism
The sum of all chemical reactions in cells.
Endergonic
Anabolic reactions that need energy to proceed.
Exergonic
Catabolic reactions that release energy.
Activation energy
The energy needed to initiate a chemical reaction.
Enzyme-substrate reaction
Highly specific reaction where reactants bind to enzymes in their active site.
Affinity
The degree of attraction between an enzyme and its substrate.
Saturated
When an enzyme reaches its maximum reaction rate and cannot react quicker.
Enzyme expression
Regulation of enzymes through gene expression.
What are allosteric activators?
Small molecules that can bind to enzymes at sites other than the active site
What are allosteric inhibitors?
Small molecules that can bind to enzymes at sites other than the active site
Phosphorylation
Process where a kinase adds a phosphate group to an enzyme
Covalent modification
Process that changes an enzyme’s activity by forming a covalent bond with another enzyme.
Regulatory site
Location on an enzyme where allosteric activators or inhibitors bind.
Chemical group
A group added to an enzyme during covalent modification to alter its activity.
Discuss the role of enzymes in lowering activation energy and how they enhance the likelihood of chemical reactions occurring. Provide examples to support your explanation.
Enzymes play a crucial role in lowering the activation energy required for chemical reactions to occur. By bringing reactants together in the active site and stabilizing the intermediate stages of the reaction
Explain the significance of allosteric regulation in enzyme activity. How do small activators and inhibitors impact enzyme function? Provide a real-life example of allosteric regulation.
Allosteric regulation plays a vital role in enzyme activity by modulating the enzyme’s shape and affinity for substrates. Small activators and inhibitors bind to enzymes outside the active site
Describe the process of covalent modification in regulating enzyme activity. How does covalent modification alter an enzyme’s affinity and activity? Provide an example of covalent modification in a biological system.
Covalent modification involves changing an enzyme’s affinity and activity by adding a chemical group through a covalent bond. This process requires another enzyme to catalyze the bond formation. For instance
Discuss the concept of metabolism and how anabolic and catabolic reactions contribute to cellular energy balance. Provide examples of each type of reaction.
Metabolism refers to all chemical reactions that occur within cells. Anabolic reactions involve the production of large molecules and require energy input
Explain the process of enzyme regulation through enzyme expression and gene expression. How can cells control enzyme activity through gene regulation? Provide examples to illustrate this concept.
Enzyme regulation involves controlling enzyme activity through various mechanisms
Explore the concept of substrate concentration in enzyme activity. How does substrate concentration affect enzyme kinetics
and what is the significance of enzyme saturation? Provide a detailed example to support your explanation.
Hierarchical structure in body
Molecules
Types of Tissues
Epithelial
What is the structure of epithelial tissue?
Epithelial tissue consists of continuous sheets of cells that cover body surfaces and line cavities.
What is the function of the basement membrane in epithelial tissue?
The basement membrane anchors the epithelium to connective tissue.
How are epithelial cells polarized?
Epithelial cells have an apical surface (exposed to the lumen) and a basolateral surface (attached to the basement membrane).
What is the role of tight junctions in epithelial tissue?
Tight junctions between epithelial cells prevent the passage of substances between them
What are the types of glands that epithelial cells can form?
Epithelial cells can form exocrine glands that secrete substances into external environments and endocrine glands that release hormones into the bloodstream.
What is connective tissue characterized by?
Connective tissue is characterized by a sparse population of cells embedded in an extensive extracellular matrix.
What are the major types of connective tissue?
Major types of connective tissue include loose connective tissue
What functions does the matrix of connective tissue provide?
The matrix of connective tissue can be liquid (blood)
What role does connective tissue play in the body?
Connective tissue plays a vital role in connecting and supporting other tissues and organs.
What is the main function of muscle tissue?
Muscle tissue is specialized for contraction and movement.
What are the characteristics of Skeletal Muscle?
Voluntary control
What are the characteristics of Cardiac Muscle?
Involuntary control
Where is Smooth Muscle found and what are its characteristics?
Smooth Muscle is involuntary
How does muscle contraction occur?
Muscle contraction occurs through the sliding filament theory
What is the role of Calcium ions in muscle contraction?
Calcium ions play a crucial role in initiating contraction by binding to troponin
Why is ATP necessary for muscle contraction?
ATP is required for muscle contraction and relaxation
What is nervous tissue composed of?
Nervous tissue is composed of neurons
What are the components of a neuron?
Neurons consist of a cell body
What is the function of glial cells in nervous tissue?
Glial cells outnumber neurons and perform various functions
How do neurons communicate with each other?
Communication between neurons occurs through synapses
How does nervous tissue contribute to homeostasis?
Nervous tissue plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating bodily functions through feedback mechanisms. It integrates sensory information
Cell
Most basic unit of life formed by the four biomolecules
Tissue
Collection of cells with related functions
Organ
Made up of different tissues
Lumen
Center of a tube in the body