SK277 Human Biology - Book 1

A contractile protein that is a major component of muscle.

Transport processes across membranes that require the expenditure of energy and use specialized transport molecules.

An illness that has a rapid onset and is relatively severe but short lived.

Variations in body structure, or function, or behaviour, which give some members of a species a survival advantage and hence increase their chances of leaving more surviving offspring than do other members of the same species.

The energy currency of the cell. Energy is stored as ATP in the reaction: ADP + P_i→ ATP and made available as required via the breakdown of ATP to ADP and Pi.

Tissue composed of fat cells (adipocytes). The site of storage of fats (triacylglycerols).

A known variation of a particular gene. Each individual carries two alleles of each of their genes, apart from those genes on the sex chromosomes in males, of which there is only one copy, and therefore one allele. For example an ‘eye colour’ gene could have black, brown or blue alleles. The eventual eye colour of an individual will depend upon what alleles they carry, and how the alleles interact with each other and with the environment.

Name given to the substance formed as a result of protein glycation (the binding of glucose to proteins, an abnormal process which can occur when levels of glucose in the circulation remain elevated). Amadori product can bind irreversibly to other proteins, exacerbating the damage caused by excess glucose.

Building block of polypeptides and proteins, so named because of the presence of the amino, –NH2, and carboxylic acid, –COOH, groups of atoms in their structure. There are 20 common naturally occurring amino acids.

Metabolic reactions that result in synthesis of materials and in which energy in the form of ATP is consumed. (Catabolism and anabolism together constitute metabolism.)

Term used to describe someone who has a low level of haemoglobin in their blood, thereby reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.

The study of the structure of the human body and its constituent parts. This study can be undertaken from the microscopic level through to the macroscopic level.

This is the pain experienced during exercise that is a sign that there is a narrowing of the coronary artery.

An eating disorder in which the motivation to be slim gets out of control, resulting in self-starvation and sometimes death. The majority (95%) of anorexic individuals are female.

Specialized glycoproteins (protein with a small amount of sugar bound into the protein molecule). They are secreted by certain white cells of the immune system.