Mechanisms of Cellular Injury and Adaptation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cellular injury, adaptation, metabolism, and cancer, allowing for effective review of the course content.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the principle of maintaining a stable internal environment in the body.

What are the basic differences between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism?

Aerobic metabolism requires oxygen and produces more ATP (36 ATP), while anaerobic metabolism occurs without oxygen and produces less ATP (2 ATP).

What are some causes of cellular injury?

Causes of cellular injury include mechanical, infectious, ischemic, hypoxic, chemical, radiation, nutrient depletion, and oxidative stress.

What is the difference between necrosis and apoptosis?

Necrosis is uncontrolled cell death due to injury, characterized by inflammation, whereas apoptosis is programmed cell death that is a controlled and orderly process.

What is the role of DNA in cellular function?

DNA contains the genetic information necessary for controlling cell structure and function.

What are mutations?

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence, which may result from the substitution, loss, addition, or rearrangement of base pairs.

What is the process of transcription?

Transcription is the process of converting DNA into RNA.

What is the key difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Benign tumors are slow-growing, well-defined, and not invasive, while malignant tumors are fast-growing, invasive, poorly differentiated, and can metastasize.

What is paraneoplastic syndrome?

Paraneoplastic syndrome refers to systemic effects caused by cancer, often due to hormone-like substances produced by tumors.

How does chronic inflammation contribute to cancer development?

Chronic inflammation can promote cancer by stimulating a wound-healing response that involves cellular proliferation and new blood vessel growth.