Cellular Function Term Paper

Cellular Function

How do cells in a multicellular organism communicate with one another?

Cells communicate by chemical signals. Chemical signals are passed from one cell to another for example saccharomyces cerevisiae, the yeast of bread; wine identifies potential mates by chemical signaling.

Direct contact, cell to cell.

Through formation of connections or cellular junctions to neighboring cells.

By use of receptors whereby signaling molecules bind.

Forming groups' i.e. group together in a colony.

Communicate using light.

Through chemical and physical touch.

Through use of cell junctions, signal transduction pathways and cell to cell recognition.

Communicate with the aid of junctions holding cell firmly together.

Through production and receiving of chemicals and electric signals.

What are the usual physiological changes of aging and how are these differentiated from diseases?

According to Suzanna and Jennifer, (2006) these changes include; sensory changes, digestion, circulation and sexuality.

Diminishing sense of tastes, smell and touch.

Changes in bones and muscles leading to vulnerability to broken bones.

Lack of appetite.

Memory loss.

Change in hearing, decrease in sensitivity.

More wrinkles, more grey hair and stiffer arteries.

Changes in vision.

Stamina for physical work and less energy.

Changes in sexual desire and performance.

Loss of teeth to gum disease.

Under what condition are water excess (hyponatremia) and water deficit (hypernatremia) likely to occur, and what are the characteristics clinical findings?

Hyponatremia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality caused by renal water excretion as a result of low extracellular fluid volume or in appropriate secretion of ADH.it is characterized by low serum sodium concentration. Clinical findings; confusion lethargy, seizure, headache, gait disorder, vomiting nausea and permanent brain damage.

Hypernatremia is associated with inadequate access to water or excessive water excretion or loss also as a result of impaired thirst mechanism characterized by a high serum sodium level. Clinical finding; confusion, lethargy, seizure due to cell shriveling (Brasher, 2006, p.28-29)

What physiological pathophysiological conditions can lead to alterations in electrolyte intake, absorption, distribution or excretion?

There are numerous conditions that can lead to alterations in electrolyte intake and absorption which include;

Deficits in binding proteins

Altered PH of the intestinal tract

Surgical removal of portions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Agents that decrease absorption

Medical interactions

The conditions that alter distribution and excretion comprise of;

Hormonal imbalances

Medication interactions

Composition of feces

The rate at which renal tubular fluid flow

How is arterial blood gas values used to categorize an acid-base disorder as acidosis or alkalosis respiratory or metabolic, compensated or not?

Acid-base disorder such as acidosis or alkalosis is determined by the PH. When the PH is low (7.45) alkalosis is manifested. Respiratory acid-based disorders cause a change in blood carbon dioxide level (PaC02).metabolic acid-base disorder cause a change in the blood bicarbonate level. Adjustment of carbon dioxide brings about compensation of acid-base disorder whereby the PH remains within the normal range, then compensation is said to have not…