NUFS150 - Basic Principles in Toxicology I Flashcards
What is toxicology?
Toxicology is the study of poisons. Or, the study of the adverse effects of chemicals or physical agents on living organisms.
Why is toxicology important?
Toxicology is important in order to better understand the damage done on the body from toxic agents.
How did toxicology form as a study?
First, poisonous plants were recognized and avoided. Second, poisons were used to kill important social figures. Third, poisons were further studied scientifically.
What was Paracelsus’ contribution to toxicology?
Paracelsus was the first to determine toxic chemicals derived from plants and animals. Then, recorded bodily reactions from these poisons. Most famous quote: “All are poisonous. The difference between a poison and a remedy is the dose.”
What was Mattieu Joseph Bonaventura Orfila’s contribution to toxicology?
Was the founder of toxicology. He was the first to use animals for testing. He also correlated poisons to biological effects. Through autopsies, he was able to see organ damage and connect these damages to the poison.
What are all toxic effects caused by?
All toxic effects are caused by changes in specific cellular molecules and biochemicals.
Define: toxicology
Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of chemicals or physical agents on living organisms.
Describe: toxicologist
A toxicology is a scientist who DETERMINES the ADVERSE EFFECTS OF chemicals/physical AGENTS, and IDENTIFIES the cellular, biochemical, and molecular MECHANISMS RESPONSIBLE FOR those EFFECTS.
What is the difference between toxicants, toxins, and poisons?
Toxicants: any substance that produces an effect; can be physical/chemical. Toxins: specific proteins produced by living organisms. Poisons: toxicants that cause immediate death, or severe illnes in small dosages.
What is a toxic agent?
A Toxic agent is a substance that produces an adverse effect. Examples of toxic agents that produce an adverse effect are cyanide(chemical), radiation(physical), and venon(biological).
What is a toxic substance?
A toxic substance holds toxic characteristics. It is not necessarily a toxin, but will produce toxic effects if combined with other materials.
What is the difference between systemic toxins and organ toxins?
Systemic toxins affect an/multiple organ system(s), whereas organ toxins will affect only one organ.
What is the difference between target organ toxicants and target tissue toxicants?
Target organ toxicants only affect a specific organ, such as central nervous system. Target tissue toxicants only affect specific tissues, such as blood-forming tissue.
What process are germ cells involved in?
Germ cells are involved in the reproductive process.
What process are somatic cells involved in?
Somatic cells are involved in all other cell processes except reproductive processes.
