body fluids

What role does water play in a cell's operations?

Water acts as a diffusion medium for the distribution of gases, nutrients, and wastes.

What is the primary energy compound in living cells?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary compound that provides energy to drive processes in living cells.

How is ATP converted to ADP?

ATP is broken down to ADP by breaking a molecular bond, releasing energy used for life.

What are the six levels of organization in biological systems?

Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organs, Systems, Organism.

How does the percentage of water vary in the body?

The % water in the body varies by sex, age, and different organs.

What is the total body water (TBW) as a percentage of body weight?

Total body water is approximately 60% of total body weight.

What are the key components of fluid balance?

Fluid balance occurs when the amounts of water gained and lost each day are equal.

What is the approximate daily water gain required to maintain balance?

Approximately 2500 ml/day is required to balance water loss.

What is the function of the plasma membrane in cells?

The plasma membrane functions for physical isolation, acts as a barrier, and is semipermeable to regulate exchange with the environment.

What are the key characteristics of the phospholipid bilayer?

It has a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail, which creates a barrier to ions and water-soluble compounds.

What is diffusion?

Diffusion is the net movement of a substance from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

What are the three types of tonicity?

Isotonic, Hypotonic, and Hypertonic.

What is meant by isotonic solution?

An isotonic solution has the same concentration, creating dynamic equilibrium.

What defines a hypotonic solution?

In a hypotonic solution, water moves into the cell causing it to swell, lyse, or rupture.

What happens in a hypertonic solution?

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell causing it to shrivel.

What is the significance of electrolytes in the body?

Electrolytes are inorganic ions that can conduct electrical currents in solution and are vital for bodily functions.

How does carrier-mediated transport work?

Carrier proteins transport substances across the membrane, either down or against the concentration gradient, undergoing conformational changes.

What is facilitated diffusion?

Facilitated diffusion involves carrier proteins that transport molecules too large for channel proteins by binding and changing shape.

What is osmosis?

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

How do aquaporins affect water transport?

Aquaporins facilitate the rapid transport of water across membranes, as they outnumber solute channels.