Module 5 Burnell Flashcards
how do pregnancy tests work?
Wick soaked in urine
Test contains mobile antibodies that bind to hCG (hormone). They also are attached to a dye
They carry along test to reach window
bind to immobolised antibodies that only bind to a hCG-antibody complex. If pregnant, a first line shows
More immobolised antibodies that only bind to free antibodies. This forms a second line regardless of pregnancy/hCG presence. This is to show it works
how are anabolic steroids tested for?
by testing urine and doing gas chromatography.
How are drugs tested for?
in urine. Broken into two samples, using monoclonal antibodies on one and gas chromatography on the other
what are early symptoms of kidney failure?
protein in the urine- are filtered out when they shouldn’t be
blood in the urine- filtering process not working
what happens when kidneys fail completely, as a result of urea and mineral ions building up?
loss of osmotic balance due to bad electrolyte balance
build up of toxic urea
high blood pressure
what is glomerular filtration rate and what is it useful for?
It is used as a measure to indicate kidney disease. The amount of creatinine (breakdown product of muscles) is measured in the blood. If levels of creatinine go up, it is a sign that the kidneys are not working properly
What other factors need to be taken into account when looking at GFR?
decreases with age
Those with more muscle mass (Men) have higher levels of creatinine
How does haemodialysis work?
blood flows into machine, and flows between partially permeable membranes that mimic the Bowman’s capsule. The other side of the membrane has dialysis fluid that has normal plasma levels of glucose and mineral ions so there is no net movement, and no urea so there is a large concentration gradient for it to flow down. A countercurrent system is used.
How does peritoneal dialysis work?
It is done inside the body, making use of the natural dialysis membrane in the abdomen. The dialysis fluid is introduced into the body by a catheter. It lasts a few hours, then the fluid is drained.
What are the main problems with kidney transplants and how can these be resolved?
rejection- can be treated with immunosuppressants, and only using donors that have a very similar tissue and blood type (often relative). Immunosuppressants must also be taken for the rest of your life.
Waiting for a donor is also a big problem
what are the advantages and disadvantages of dialysis?
keeps you alive until you get a donor
more readily available
expensive
must be hooked up for 8 hours, multiple times per week
can cause damage when used long term
what is homeostasis?
the maintenance of a steady internal environment within a narrow range, despite the external conditions. often through negative feedback loops
what is an ectotherm?
an animal that uses its surroundings to warm their bodies
why don’t underwater ectotherms have much problem regulating their temperature
due to water being a very stable environment due to its high specific heat capacity, and because ice floats
how can ectotherms warm up?
bask in the sun face the sun/expose maximal surface area to the sun press against warm surfaces contract muscles/vibrate be a darker colour increase heart rate
how can ectotherms cool down?
seek shade/ dig burrows press against cool surfaces move into water minimise movement reduce heart rate be a lighter colour
what is an advantage of being an ectotherm?
needing less food as less energy is used on thermoregulation
what is an endotherm?
an animal that maintains a very stable core temperature regardless of its environment
