Physiology And Function Flashcards
(25 cards)
What are biological molecules?
Molecules essential to life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, vitamins, and minerals.
What is diffusion?
The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration.
What is the basic unit of cell organisation?
Organelle->Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism.
What are enzymes?
Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being used up.
What is respiration?
The process of releasing energy from glucose, either aerobically or anaerobically.
How is digestion related to transport in the body?
Digestion breaks down food into molecules that are absorbed into the blood and transported to cells.
What is osmosis?
The diffusion of water through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated solution.
What is active transport?
The movement of substances against a concentration gradient using energy from respiration.
What does osmosis look like in onion cells?
Water enters or leaves the cells, causing them to become turgid or plasmolysed.
What factors affect the rate of osmosis and diffusion?
Surface area to volume ratio, distance, temperature, and concentration gradient.
What is the role of the xylem?
Transports water and mineral ions from roots to leaves.
What is the role of the phloem?
Transports sucrose and amino acids between leaves and other plant parts.
What are the components of blood?
Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hormones and plasma.
What is the role of plasma in transport?
Carries CO₂, digested food, urea, hormones, and heat energy.
How do artery structures suit their function?
Thick walls to withstand high pressure; small lumen.
How do vein structures suit their function?
Thin walls, large lumen, valves to prevent backflow.
How do capillary structures suit their function?
Very thin walls for efficient exchange of substances.
What is the structure of the heart?
Four chambers: left/right atria and left/right ventricles, valves, and associated vessels.
How does the heart function?
Pumps oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs in a double circulatory system.
What are the two parts of the double circulatory system?
Pulmonary circulation (heart to lungs and back) and systemic circulation (heart to body and back).
Name the four main blood vessels connected to the heart.
Aorta, vena cava, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein.
What is the role of enzymes in metabolic reactions?
Enzymes act as biological catalysts, speeding up the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
How does temperature affect enzyme function?
Temperature can increase enzyme activity up to an optimum point. Beyond this point, high temperatures can denature the enzyme, altering the shape of the active site and preventing the enzyme from functioning.
How does pH affect enzyme function?
Changes in pH can alter the shape of an enzyme’s active site, reducing its ability to bind to substrates and thus slowing or stopping the enzyme’s activity.
