biology 120 module 5+6 review

Chemical Messengers

Substances that transmit signals in the body; classified into autocrine, paracrine, neurotransmitters, and endocrine.

Endocrine System

A system that uses hormones released into the bloodstream to regulate distant target cells.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted into the blood by ductless glands that affect specific target cells.

Peptide Hormones

Water-soluble hormones that bind to surface receptors on target cells.

Steroid Hormones

Lipid-soluble hormones that pass through cell membranes to bind intracellular receptors.

Amine Hormones

Hormones derived from amino acids, which can be either water-soluble or lipid-soluble.

Insulin

A hormone from the pancreas that promotes glucose uptake and storage.

Glucagon

A hormone from the pancreas that triggers glycogen breakdown to release glucose.

GLUT Transporters

Proteins that facilitate the transport of glucose into cells.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 Diabetes

A condition characterized by insulin resistance, often linked to lifestyle factors.

Chronic Hyperglycemia

Persistent high blood sugar levels that lead to various health complications.

Macrovascular Complications

Health issues affecting large blood vessels, leading to heart disease and strokes.

Microvascular Complications

Health issues affecting small blood vessels in organs, leading to damage, such as diabetic nephropathy.

Neuropathy

Nerve damage that occurs due to poor blood flow, often associated with diabetes.

Metformin

A pharmaceutical drug that helps lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.

Facilitated Diffusion

The movement of glucose across cell membranes via transport proteins.

Insulin Resistance

A condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, impacting glucose uptake.

Blood Functions

Transporting gases, fighting infections, aiding in coagulation, and distributing nutrients.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Cells that carry oxygen in the bloodstream using hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin (Hb)

A protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen for transport.

Myoglobin (Mb)

An oxygen-binding protein found in muscles, providing oxygen storage.

Circulatory System

A system comprising the heart and blood vessels, responsible for transporting blood.

Icefish

A type of fish found in Antarctic waters that lacks hemoglobin.

Gene Deletion

Loss of specific genes, such as those responsible for hemoglobin production in icefish.

Cold Water Adaptation

The physiological changes in icefish that allow them to thrive at low temperatures.

Oxygen Affinity

The strength with which hemoglobin binds oxygen, influenced by oxygen concentration.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per unit of time.

Adaptation

Physiological changes that enable organisms to survive in specific environments.

Transportation of Nutrients

The function of blood in moving essential substances throughout the body.

Hormonal Regulation

The control of physiological processes through the release and action of hormones.

Signal Transduction Pathway

The series of molecular events triggered by hormone-receptor binding, leading to cellular responses.

Beta Cells

Insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Alpha Cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce glucagon.

Glycogenesis

The process of converting glucose to glycogen for storage.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen into glucose when blood sugar levels are low.

Non-Regulated Transporters

GLUT transporters present in the membrane at all times, not dependent on insulin.

Regulated Transporters

GLUT transporters that are inserted into the membrane in response to insulin.

Adipose Tissue

Fat tissue that stores energy in the form of fat and helps in glucose uptake.

Thermal Tolerance

The ability of an organism to survive at varying temperatures.

Environmental Factors

External conditions that influence the survival and adaptations of species.

Glucose Homeostasis

The balance of insulin and glucagon to maintain blood sugar levels.

Public Health Concern

Significant issues affecting community health, such as diabetes prevalence.

Complications of Diabetes

Additional health problems resulting from mismanaged blood sugar, including neuropathy and cardiovascular issues.

High Oxygen Availability

Condition where oxygen levels are sufficient for organisms, such as icefish in Antarctic waters.

Oxygen Transport Mechanisms

The processes by which oxygen is carried from the environment to tissues, primarily by hemoglobin and myoglobin.

Evolutionary Changes

Genetic modifications influencing the characteristics and survival of a species over time.

Antarctic Habitat

The unique cold environment of the Antarctic region, affecting icefish survival.

Sustained Low Metabolic Rate

A reduced metabolic demand that allows certain organisms to survive in low-oxygen environments.

Cooperative Binding

The process where the binding of one molecule increases the likelihood of binding additional molecules, such as oxygen to hemoglobin.

Gene Functional Loss

The situation where genes responsible for producing certain proteins (like hemoglobin) are no longer expressed.

Healthy Lifestyle Interventions

Strategies including diet and exercise recommended for managing conditions like diabetes.

Evolutionary Persistence

The continued existence of certain traits or adaptations in a species due to favorable environmental conditions.

Blood Pressure Regulation

The maintenance of optimal pressure in blood vessels for proper circulation.

Nutrient Distribution

The role of blood in delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to cells.

Insulin Signaling

The pathway activated by insulin binding to receptors, facilitating glucose uptake.

Diabetes Management,

The strategies employed to monitor and control blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

Physiological Adaptations

Changes in organisms that enhance their survival in response to environmental challenges.