Organisation Flashcards
What are the levels of organization in living organisms?
“Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organism (e.g., muscle cell → muscle tissue → heart → circulatory system → human).”
What is the function of the digestive system?
“To mechanically and chemically break down food into small, soluble molecules (e.g., glucose, amino acids) for absorption into the bloodstream.”
Name the enzyme that breaks down starch and its products.
“Amylase breaks down starch into maltose (a sugar).”
Where is amylase produced?
“Salivary glands (mouth), pancreas (releases into small intestine), and small intestine.”
What does protease break down, and where is it produced?
“Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids. Produced in the stomach (as pepsin), pancreas, and small intestine.”
What is the role of lipase, and where is it made?
“Lipase breaks down lipids (fats) into fatty acids and glycerol. Produced in the pancreas and small intestine.”
What does bile do in digestion?
“Emulsifies fats (creates smaller droplets for lipase) and neutralizes stomach acid to create an alkaline pH for enzymes in the small intestine.”
Where is bile stored and produced?
“Produced in the liver; stored in the gallbladder.”
How are villi adapted for absorption?
“1. Large surface area 2. Thin walls (one-cell thick) 3. Rich blood supply (capillaries) 4. Microvilli on surface.”
What is the function of the circulatory system?
“Transports oxygen, nutrients (e.g., glucose), hormones, and waste (e.g., CO₂) around the body via blood.”
Name the four chambers of the heart.
“Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle.”
Why do arteries have thick, muscular walls?
“To withstand high pressure from blood pumped by the heart (e.g., aorta carries oxygenated blood).”
How do veins prevent backflow?
“Veins contain valves to ensure one-way blood flow back to the heart (e.g., in legs).”
What is the role of capillaries?
“Tiny, thin-walled vessels for exchanging substances (e.g., oxygen, glucose) between blood and tissues.”
List the four components of blood.
“1. Plasma (liquid) 2. Red blood cells (carry oxygen) 3. White blood cells (immunity) 4. Platelets (clotting).”
How are red blood cells adapted to carry oxygen?
“1. Biconcave shape (increases surface area) 2. No nucleus (more space for hemoglobin) 3. Hemoglobin binds oxygen.”
What do white blood cells do?
“Phagocytes engulf pathogens; lymphocytes produce antibodies that bind to pathogens marking them for destruction and forming memory cells
What is coronary heart disease (CHD)?
“Build-up of fatty plaques (atherosclerosis) in coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to heart muscle.”
Name three treatments for CHD.
“1. Statins (lower cholesterol) 2. Stents (keep arteries open) 3. Coronary bypass surgery (vein graft).”
What are the risks of stents?
“Blood clots, infection, or artery re-narrowing (restenosis).”
What are the pros and cons of statins?
“Pros: Reduce cholesterol, lower CVD risk. Cons: Long-term medication, side effects (e.g., muscle pain).”
What is cancer?
“Uncontrolled cell division forming tumors. Benign tumors stay in one place; malignant tumors spread (metastasis).”
Name three lifestyle risk factors for cancer.
“1. Smoking (lung cancer) 2. UV exposure (skin cancer) 3. Obesity (linked to liver/colon cancer).”
What is a non-communicable disease?
“A disease not caused by pathogens; cannot be transmitted (e.g., heart disease, diabetes).”
