NURS 611 Advanced Pathophysiology Exam 1 Review Notes 2026 UPDATE

Know Cell components and what they do: · Nucleus- Located in the center of the cell and contains the nucleolus which is composed of DNA, RNA, histones, and chromosomes. Primary functions are cell division, replication and repair of DNA, and transcription of RNA. · Ribosomes- Protein making factory (nucleoproteins). Goes into the nucleus, gets the “recipe”, transcribes the DNA, brings it out of the nucleus and releases the protein into the cytoplasm. · Lysosome- “garbage disposal”. filled with enzymes that digest organic molecules within the cell. They use hydrolase to break down the molecules. · Peroxisome- “garbage disposal”. Contain oxidative enzymes catalase and urate oxidase. Larger than lysosomes. Detoxifies compounds and fatty acids that contain hydrogen. What are Free Radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species? How do they cause damage? Free radicals are unstable electrically uncharged molecular species that roam free and will steal electrons from other cell membranes thus destroying that cell. Cell membrane · What is the Plasma Membrane made up of? The membrane is made up of lipids and proteins (lipid bilayer) · Why do we need a Cell membrane? The cell membrane acts as a “filter”. They provide protection, transport material, allow cell to cell interaction. · How is Osmolality different between ICF and ECF? Body osmolality is 280-294 and ICF and ECF are equal. · What do proteins do for the cell? How much of the Cell membrane is made up of protein? Proteins perform most of the membrane's tasks. They are the cell's workhorses. They transport things across the cell membrane and act as receptors, enzymes, or transporters. · What is a protein? Made from a chain of amino acids called polypeptides. There are 20 types. 3 types of Cell junctions: · Describe what Tight junctions are and why we need them? Barriers to diffusion. Prevent movement of substances. Prevent leakage. · Describe what Gap junctions are and why we need them? Clusters of communicating tunnels. They allow small ions and molecules to pass from inside one cell into the inside of another cell. · Describe what Desmosomes are and why we need them? They unite cells. They unite cells by forming continuous bands of epithelial sheets or by developing button-like points of contact. Energy · What is Oxidative phosphorylation? Occurs in the mitochondria. Mechanism in which energy produced from carbs, fats, and proteins is transferred to ATP. · What is the Inside of cell main Cation? Potassium · What is the outside of cell main Cation? Sodium · Is the inside of the cell positively or negatively charged? Negative. The Resting membrane potential= -70 to -85 millivolts · Is the outside of the cell positively or negatively charged? Postive Transport: · Describe what diffusion is? Is it active or passive? Give an example? Movement of solutes from an area of greater concentration to lower concentration (move with the concentration gradient). This is a passive process. Example: putting blue dye in a cup of water. The dye will spread out until evenly distributed. · Describe what Facilitated diffusion is? Is it active or passive? Give an example of facilitated diffusion? The process of passive transport (move with the concentration gradient) of molecules or ions across a membrane via specific transport proteins. Ex: glucose needs a transport protein because it is too big to pass through the lipid bilayer on its own. · Describe Active Transport? Is it active or passive? Give an example? Requires energy to move molecules against a concentration gradient through transport pumps. Ex. sodium/potassium dependent adenosine triphosphate pump. This is an active process.