BIOL 2P97 Final Exam Notes

Study Guide > BIOL 2P97 Final Exam Notes

Brock University BIOL 2P97 BIOL 2P97 What is Physiology? -the study of the normal functioning of a living organism and its component parts (chemical and physical processes) Levels of Organization: Atoms-Molecules-Cells-Tissues-Organs-Organ SystemsOrganisms-Populations of one Species-Ecosystems of different Species-Biosphere Major focus of p ...[Show More]

Brock University
BIOL 2P97
BIOL 2P97

What is Physiology?

-the study of the normal functioning of a living organism and its component parts (chemical and physical processes)

Levels of Organization: Atoms-Molecules-Cells-Tissues-Organs-Organ SystemsOrganisms-Populations of one Species-Ecosystems of different Species-Biosphere

Major focus of physiology: integration of the function across many of these levels of organization

Integration between Organ Systems -physiology courses are generally organized by organ systems but they communicate with each other

Major Themes of Physiology

1. Structure and function are closely related

Molecular Interactions- function depends on the molecular shape (Ex. hemoglobin protein.

Compartmentalization -allows cells, tissues, or organs to isolate specific functions (Ex. cell membrane)

2. Living organisms need energy- all processes in an organism require a continuous supply of energy

3. Information flow coordinates body functions

-information may be in the form of chemical signals or electrical signals -Ex. Hormones (chemical); action potential (electrical)

4. Homeostasis maintains internal stability despite the changing environment -homeo: similar; stasis: condition

-the ability of body to maintain constant internal state despite variable external environment

-pathological state: failure to maintain homeostasis

Basic Biomolecules (4 basic ones) Functional groups

-Lipids – mostly C and H -Amino –NH2

-Carbohydrates – mostly C, H, O -Carboxyl (acid) –COOH

-Nucleotides – mostly C, H, O, N -Hydroxyl –OH

-Proteins – mostly C, H, O, N, S -Phosphate –H2PO4

*biomolecules are organic molecules associated with living organisms

Lipids

-glycerol is the backbone

-fatty acids: carbon and hydrogen

-you can only have up to 3 fatty acids bc glycerol has only 3 carbons

-non polar and insoluble in water

Monoglyceride: Glycerol + 1 fatty acid

Diglyceride: Glycerol + 2 fatty acids

Triglyceride: Glycerol + 3 fatty acids (more than 90% of lipids)

Types of Fatty Acids (fatty acids are long chains of carbon atoms bound to

hydrogens with a carboxylic/acid group at the end of the chain) Saturated: all C-C bonds are saturated with hydrogen

Monounsaturated: one C-C bond is not “saturated” with hydrogen (one double bond)

Polyunsaturated: 2 or more C-C bonds not saturated with hydrogen (multiple double bonds)

Lipid-related Molecules

-Phospholipids make up animal cell membranes

-made from glycerol, 2 fatty acids and a phosphate group

-Steroids – start from cholesterol

-steroids are lipid related molecules whose structure includes 4 linked carbon rings

-cholesterol allows for the membrane to maintain structure

-cholesterol is the primary source of steroids in the human body

-cortisol is a stress hormone; allows to maintain blood pressure and prevents shock

-Carbohydrates: hydrated water carbons; general formula for many carbohydrates Cn(H2O)n

-Ex. glucose – C6H12O6 C6(H2O)6 -carbs are divided into the following:

-Monosaccharides: simple sugars made up of 5 (pentose) or 6 (hexose) carbons