-
Antibody
A blood protein that is synthesized in lymphoid tissue in response to a foreign substance called an antigen. Antibodies circulate in the plasma to attack antigens.
-
Arachidonic acid
An essential fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by the body but can be synthesized by linoleic acid in the body.
-
Arthralgia
Pain in the joint without swelling.
-
Ataxia
The shaky movements and unsteady gait that results from the brain's failure to regulate the body's posture and limb movements.
-
Atony
A state of loss of muscle elasticity.
-
Carnitine
An amino acid that carries free fatty acids into cell mitochondria to be used for energy.
-
Catabolic
Describes the chemical decomposition of complex substances in the body to form simpler ones, releasing energy.
-
Catabolism
The chemical decomposition of complex substances in the body to form simpler ones, releasing energy.
-
Citric acid cycle
A complex cycle of reactions catalyzed by enzymes occurring in cells. In the presence of oxygen, acetate is broken down to produce energy in the form of adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) and carbon dioxide. The cycle is the final step in the oxidation of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
-
Coenzyme
A non-protein organic compound that has a role in the reaction catalyzed by an enzyme. Coenzymes frequently contain the B vitamins.
-
Collagen
A protein that is the primary substance in white fibrous connective tissue. It is also found in skin, bone, cartilage, and ligaments.
-
Cytoplasm
A jelly-like substance that surrounds the nucleus of cells.
-
Deamination
A process that occurs in the liver during the metabolism of amino acids. The amino group (-NH2) is removed from an amino acid and converted to ammonia, which is ultimately converted to urea and excreted.
-
Decarboxylation
A key reaction in cell metabolism involving the removal of a carboxyl group (- COOH).
-
Diffusion
A process in which substances move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration in a fluid.
-
Edema
Excessive accumulation of fluids in the body resulting in swelling.
-
Elastin
A protein that is the primary substance of elastic tissue, which is found in the dermis of the skin.
-
Fibronectin
A glycoprotein that acts as a host defense mechanism. On the cell surface it induces protein linkage, important in the formation of new epithelium in wound healing. It is also involved in platelet aggregation.
-
Gluconeogenesis
The process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids. This process occurs in the liver and kidneys.
-
Glyceraldehyde
A form of glycerol, a clear liquid that is obtained by hydrolysis of fats.
-
Glycoproteins
A group of proteins with varying carbohydrate components that have similar antigenic properties.
-
Heat-labile
Describing a substance that is not stable in heat.
-
Hematopoiesis
The production of blood cells and platelets occurring in the bone marrow.
-
Homocysteine
A substance in the plasma that is involved in methionine metabolism. Recent research suggests that high homocysteine levels may be a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
-
Hyperlipidemia
A condition in which there is a high concentration of fats in the blood.
-
Immunoglobulin
A protein that acts as an antibody. There are five classes of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM.
-
Interleukin-2
A protein that stimulates the immune system by stimulation of T-lymphocytes.
-
Jaundice
A yellowing of the skin or eyes indicating excess bilirubin (a bile pigment) in the blood.
-
Linoleic acid
One of the unsaturated fatty acids that are essential for growth but cannot be synthesized by the body. Linoleic acid is mainly found in corn and soybean oil.
-
Lipogenesis
The process of conversion of glucose from dietary carbohydrate to fatty acids in the body.
-
Lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell involved in the immune system. B-lymphocytes produce antibodies, and T-lymphocytes are responsible for cell-mediated immunity.
-
Methionine
A sulfer-containing essential amino acid.
-
Myelin sheath
Lipid membrane covering the shafts of nerve cells, serving as a protector and insulator.
-
Nonheme
A term used to describe the type of iron that is not from blood.
-
Peritoneal cavity
The cavity containing the abdomen.
-
Pernicious anemia
A condition caused by the absence of the intrinsic factor normally present in gastric juice, which is needed for vitamin B12 absorption.
-
Pruritus
Itching caused by irritation or nervous disorders.
-
Purine
A nitrogen-containing compound with a two-ring molecular structure. Adenine and guanine are purines that form nucleotides of nucleic acids.
-
Pyruvate
A compound derived from carbohydrates that may be oxidized by a complex series of reactions in the Krebs' cycle to yield carbon dioxide and energy in the form of ATP.
-
Transketolation
In glucose oxidation, the transfer of the first two-carbon group from one sugar to another.
-
Urticaria
An allergic reaction caused by the release of histidine, causing large red wheals on the skin.
Take a Study Break
-
Every Shakespeare Play Summed Up in a Quote from The Office
-
QUIZ: Are You Living in a Literary Dystopia?
-
QUIZ: Can You Guess the Book from a Bad One-Sentence Summary?
-
Pick 10 Books and We'll Guess Whether You're an Introvert or an Extrovert
-
Greek Mythology Summed Up in John Mulaney Quotes
-
Every Book on Your English Syllabus, Summed Up in Marvel Quotes
-
Literary Characters Summed Up in Quotes from The Office