Biochemistry Exam III Study Guide

A series of vocabulary flashcards based on critical concepts in biochemistry, covering topics from bone and connective tissue to hormones, muscle physiology, and the nervous system.

Bone fractures

The healing stages include hematoma, fibrocartilage, bony callus, and remodeling.

Epiphyseal growth plate

Responsible for lengthwise bone growth through zones: resting, proliferative, hypertrophic, and ossification.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build bone.

Osteophyte

A bone spur that develops due to stress or degeneration.

Collagen

The most abundant protein in the body that provides tensile strength.

Glycine

The most prevalent amino acid related to sweet taste receptors.

p53 gene

A tumor suppressor gene that stops the cell cycle if DNA is damaged, leading to apoptosis.

Melanoma ABCDE

Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving signs used for skin cancer identification.

Autoimmune disorder

A condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells.

Rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation.

Antibodies

Proteins that come in five types: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgD.

Macrophages

Cells that perform phagocytosis and antigen presentation.

Dendritic cells

Cells that activate T-cells.

Interferons

Proteins released during viral infections.

ADH

Antidiuretic hormone, also known as vasopressin, increases water retention in dehydration.

Calcitriol

A hormone that increases calcium absorption in the intestine.

Calcitonin

A hormone that decreases blood calcium levels.

Calmodulin

An intracellular calcium binding protein.

Peptide hormones

Hormones that use membrane receptors and act quickly.

Steroid hormones

Hormones that enter cells through intracellular receptors to influence gene expression.

Testosterone

A hormone responsible for muscle growth and satellite cell activation.

Cortisol

A hormone that increases blood pressure and glucose during stress.

Sliding filament theory

The theory that actin slides over myosin, shortening the sarcomere during muscle contraction.

Twitch

A single muscle contraction.

Tetany

A sustained muscle contraction occurring with high frequencies of stimulation.

Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)

The electrical potential across the membrane, typically around -70 mV.

Action Potential (AP)

A rapid change in membrane potential that occurs due to ion movement.

Calcium-related molecules

Includes calcitriol, calcitonin, and calmodulin, all influencing calcium metabolism.

Cori Cycle

The process where lactate produced in muscles is converted to glucose in the liver.

Cyanide

A toxin that blocks the electron transport chain, leading to a lack of ATP.

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Part of the parasympathetic nervous system that decreases heart rate.

NMJ (Neuromuscular Junction)

The synapse between a neuron and a muscle fiber that uses acetylcholine.