Cellular Structure and Function Review Flashcards

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to cellular structure, function, metabolism, and the pharmacological processes.

Phospholipid bilayer

Structure of the plasma membrane made of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, regulating cell entry and exit.

Glycoproteins

Carbohydrates attached to the plasma membrane that act as surface markers to identify cells as 'self.'

Sodium-potassium pump

Active transport mechanism that moves Na⁺ out and K⁺ into the cell, crucial for maintaining membrane potential.

Cytoplasm

Gel-like fluid inside the cell containing water, ions, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Mitochondria

Cellular organelles that produce ATP through aerobic metabolism.

Atrophy

Cellular adaptation characterized by a decrease in cell size due to lack of use.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that maintains membrane integrity and does not trigger inflammation.

Alleles

Alternate forms of a gene at the same locus that influence phenotypic traits.

Karyotype

An organized display of chromosomes that shows chromosome number, structure, centromere placement, and band patterns.

Therapeutic classification

Classification of drugs based on their clinical effects.

Five Rights of medication administration

Guidelines to prevent medication errors: Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

Agency that ensures drugs are safe and effective and regulates their approval and monitoring.

Bioavailability factors

Factors influencing the effectiveness of a drug: route of administration, first-pass metabolism, absorption, distribution, and protein binding.

Anaerobic metabolism

Energy production without oxygen, yielding 2 ATP and producing lactic acid.

Free radicals

Unstable molecules that can damage DNA, lipids, and proteins, potentially causing aging and diseases.

Etiology

The original cause of a disease or cellular alteration, important for understanding disease processes.

Necrosis

Uncontrolled cell death due to injury that leads to loss of membrane integrity and inflammation.

Genetic mutations

Alterations in genetic code that can impact protein production and lead to various diseases.

Drug approval phases

Sequential steps in drug testing: Preclinical, Phase 1 (Safety), Phase 2 (Efficacy), Phase 3 (Adverse reactions), Phase 4 (Post-marketing surveillance).

Common reasons for medication non-adherence

Factors that discourage adherence include side effects, cost, forgetfulness, and misunderstanding instructions.