Building Blocks Flashcards
(20 cards)
Aetiological
Aetiological refers to causing or contributing to a disease or condition.
Allostasis
Allostasis is the process by which the body responds to stressors in order to regain homeostasis.
Glands
Glands are cells or groups of cells that secrete substances for use by the body.
de novo
from scratch
in vivo vs. in vitro
In Vivo: This Latin term means “within the living” and refers to experiments or observations made in living organisms, such as animals or humans. In vivo studies provide comprehensive insights into biological processes in a natural, complex biological system, but they are usually more time-consuming and costly.In Vitro: This Latin term means “in glass” and pertains to experiments conducted outside of living organisms, typically in a controlled environment like a test tube or petri dish. These studies are generally simpler, faster, and less expensive but may not fully capture the complexity of living systems.
Acetyl-CoA
Acetyl-CoA is a molecule that participates in many biochemical reactions in protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. Its main function is to deliver the acetyl group to the citric acid cycle to be oxidized for energy production.
Allostatic load
Allostatic load is often described as “the wear and tear on the body” which accumulates as an individual is exposed to repeated or chronic stress.
Apoptosis
Apoptosis is the death of cells which occurs as a normal and controlled part of an organism’s growth or development.
Cellular respiration
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert nutrients, primarily glucose, into energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to fuel cellular activities.
Holocrine secretion
Holocrine secretion is a method characterized by the purposeful self-destruction of the sebaceous gland’s primary cellular unit, the sebocyte, in order to produce sebum.
Kinase
Kinase is a type of enzyme (a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body) that adds chemicals called phosphates to other molecules, such as sugars or proteins. This may cause other molecules in the cell to become either active or inactive. Kinases are a part of many cell processes.
Lipogenesis
Lipogenesis refers to the conversion of fatty acids and glycerol into fats, or a metabolic process through which acetyl-CoA is converted to triglyceride for storage in fat.
Paracrine signaling
Paracrine signaling is a method of cellular communication by which the cell secretes signaling molecules only to the nearby cells that have the relevant receptors, ultimately altering the behavior of those cells.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that are generated as by-products of various metabolic processes, primarily during cellular respiration in the mitochondria. ROS include free radicals, such as superoxide anion (O2•-), hydroxyl radical (•OH), and non-radical molecules like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). At low to moderate levels, ROS play essential roles in cellular signaling, immune function, and other physiological processes. However, when ROS levels become too high, they can cause damage to cellular components, such as proteins, lipids, and DNA. This damage is known as oxidative stress.
Triglyceride
Triglyceride is the most common type of fat in the body.
methylation
Methylation is a biochemical process in which a methyl group (CH3) is added to molecules, notably DNA, playing a critical role in regulating gene expression and maintaining DNA integrity. This process influences various bodily functions, from cell growth and repair to brain function and immune response, making it essential for overall health and well-being.
hydrolyze
To “hydrolyze” means to chemically break down a compound by reacting it with water. In this process, a water molecule (H2O) is used to break chemical bonds, typically resulting in the fragmentation of a larger molecule into smaller components. Hydrolysis is a common reaction in biology and chemistry, playing a key role in many physiological processes, such as the digestion of food where macromolecules like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are hydrolyzed into their constituent parts (amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars, respectively) for absorption and use by the body.
nucleic acid
Nucleic acids are large molecules essential for storing and transmitting genetic information. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries genetic blueprints in cells, while RNA (ribonucleic acid) helps in protein synthesis based on those blueprints.
Enzyme
Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in our bodies. They act like a key to a lock, binding to specific molecules, called substrates, to carry out their jobs. Enzymes help with various functions, such as breaking down food in digestion or building DNA in cells. Without enzymes, these reactions would be too slow to support life.
adipocytes
Adipocytes, commonly known as fat cells, are specialized cells that store energy in the form of fat (triglycerides) and release it when the body requires energy. They are a major component of adipose tissue, which is found throughout the body, primarily under the skin (subcutaneous fat) and around internal organs (visceral fat). In addition to their role in energy storage, adipocytes are involved in the endocrine system, producing hormones such as leptin, which regulates appetite and energy expenditure, and adiponectin, which enhances sensitivity to insulin and has anti-inflammatory properties. These hormones play critical roles in metabolism, influencing body weight regulation, insulin sensitivity, and the inflammatory response.
