NURS 6501 Midterm Exam Review Guide (Weeks 1-6)
Cellular Processes and the Genetic Environment
• Describe cellular processes and alterations within
... [Show More] cellular processes
The eight specialized cellular functions are movement,
conductivity, metabolic absorption, secretion, excretion,
respiration, reproduction, and communication.
The chief functions of the nucleus are cell division and
control of genetic information.
Importantly, the ER is responsible for protein folding and
sensing cell stress.
Lysosomes are saclike structures that originate from the
Golgi complex and contain digestive enzymes. These
enzymes are responsible for digesting most cellular
substances completely to their basic components, such
as amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. A newly
understood role of lysosomes is nutrient-dependent signal
transduction. The signaling function cooperates with the
known degradative role to mediate basic cell functions,
such as nutrient sensing, metabolic adaptation, and
quality control of proteins and organelles. 8. Four
pathways of degradation in lysosomes include
endocytosis, phagocytosis, macropinocytosis, and
autophagy.
. Mitochondria are found in great numbers in most cells
and are responsible for cellular respiration and energy
production. The enzymes of the respiratory chain
(electrontransport chain), found in the inner membrane of
the mitochondria, generate most of the cell’s ATP.
The chemical tasks of maintaining essential cellular
functions are referred to as cellular metabolism.
Anabolism is the energy-using process of metabolism,
whereas catabolism is the energy-releasing process. 2.
ATP functions as an energy-transferring molecule. Energy
is stored by molecules of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein,
which, when catabolized, transfer energy to ATP. 3.
Oxidative phosphorylation occurs in the mitochondria and
is the mechanism by which the energy produced from
carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is transferred to ATP.
• What is the impact of the genetic environment on disease?
Family members share genes and a common environment;
therefore, resemblance in traits, such as high blood pressure,
reflects both genetic and environmental factors (nature and
nurture, respectively).
A genetic predisposition may interact with an environmentallifestyle factor to increase the risk of disease; this is called a
gene-environment interaction.
The complete human genome sequence will facilitate gene
identification, diagnosis, and disease treatment.
An individual’s genotype is the person’s genetic makeup, and
the phenotype reflects the interaction of genotype and
environment.
Environmental factors, such as diet and exposure to certain
chemicals, may cause epigenetic modifications.
• Explain how healthy cell activity contributes to good health and how
its breakdown in cellular behavior and alterations to cells lead to
health issue.
• What are the roles genetics plays in disease processes?
Changes in many genes, each with a small effect, may underlie
susceptibility to many common diseases, including cancer,
obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mental illness. In people
with a genetic predisposition, the risk of disease can depend on
multiple factors in addition to an identified genetic change
• What is the relationship of how cells are involved in disease
processes?
All diseases are disturbances at the cellular level (Rudolph
Virchow, 1858) To treat disease, we must understand its cause.
To understand the cause of a disease, we must understand the
alterations that occur at the level of individual cells.
Systemic manifestations of cellular injury include fever,
leukocytosis, increased heart rate, pain, and serum elevations
of enzymes in the plasma.
Manifestations of cellular injury include accumulations of water,
lipids, carbohydrates, glycogen, proteins, pigments,
hemosiderin, bilirubin, calcium, and urate. [Show Less]