Topic 6: Human Physiology (hard multiple questions)

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary challenge in designing artificial red blood cells for oxygen transport, considering the limitations of current technologies?

Ensuring the artificial cells can replicate autonomously within the body to maintain oxygen-carrying capacity.
Developing a biocompatible membrane that prevents immune rejection and allows for effective oxygen diffusion. (correct)
Achieving a size and shape that allows efficient passage through capillaries without causing blockages.
Creating a system for the artificial cells to synthesize their own hemoglobin using available bodily resources.

How does the presence of a non-competitive inhibitor affect the function of an enzyme involved in digestion?

It binds to the active site, preventing substrate binding and halting digestion completely.
It increases the enzyme's affinity for the substrate, accelerating the digestion rate.
It competes with the substrate for binding to the active site, slowing down but not stopping digestion.
It alters the enzyme's tertiary structure, potentially reducing or halting its activity, regardless of substrate concentration. (correct)

How might a mutation affecting the voltage-gated sodium channels in neurons impact synaptic transmission?

It would enhance the reuptake of neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft, prolonging the signal.
It would cause the neuron to hyperpolarize more easily, increasing its excitability.
It could disrupt the generation of action potentials, impairing the neuron's ability to transmit signals. (correct)
It would prevent the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

What is the most significant implication of the highly specific nature of antibody-antigen interactions in the context of disease defense?

It necessitates the production of a diverse repertoire of antibodies to effectively combat different infections. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the maintenance of a stable internal body temperature crucial for the optimal function of human enzymes?

Significant temperature changes can disrupt the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions that maintain an enzyme's three-dimensional structure, affecting its active site and function. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical role of myoglobin in gas exchange within muscle tissues, considering the oxygen dissociation curve?

Myoglobin's higher affinity for oxygen compared to hemoglobin ensures efficient oxygen storage and delivery to muscle cells, especially during high metabolic demand. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the complexity of hormonal regulation, what is the most likely outcome of a disruption in the feedback loop controlling blood glucose levels?

The disruption could lead to conditions like hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia due to the impaired ability to maintain glucose homeostasis. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional significance of the extensive folding of the inner mitochondrial membrane (cristae) in the context of cellular respiration?

It increases the surface area available for the electron transport chain and ATP synthase, enhancing ATP production. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of digestion and absorption, what is the primary advantage of the villi and microvilli structures in the small intestine?

These structures increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients, facilitating efficient uptake into the bloodstream. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Bohr effect optimize oxygen delivery to tissues with high metabolic activity, such as exercising muscle?

It lowers the pH in active tissues, reducing hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen and causing it to release more oxygen where it is needed most. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Digestion

The process by which food is broken down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.

Blood System

Transportation system that circulates blood, nutrients, oxygen, and waste throughout the body.