Biological Processes & Physiology
Definitions related to core cellular and physiological processes commonly referenced in peptide and biomedical research.
- Homeostasis
- The process by which biological systems maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
- Metabolism
- The sum of chemical reactions that sustain life, including energy production and biosynthesis.
- Anabolism
- Metabolic processes that build complex molecules from simpler units, often requiring energy.
- Catabolism
- Metabolic processes that break down molecules to release energy.
- Cell Signaling
- Communication processes that govern basic cellular activities and coordinate actions between cells.
- Hormone
- A signaling molecule released into circulation that regulates physiology and behavior in target tissues.
- Endocrine Signaling
- Hormonal signaling in which molecules travel through the bloodstream to act on distant tissues.
- Paracrine Signaling
- Cell signaling where molecules act locally on nearby cells in the same tissue.
- Autocrine Signaling
- Cell signaling where a cell releases molecules that act on itself.
- Inflammation
- A biological response to injury or infection characterized by immune activation and signaling molecule release.
- Cytokine
- A class of signaling proteins that regulate immunity and inflammation.
- Immune Response
- The coordinated biological defenses against pathogens, injury, or abnormal cellular activity.
- Apoptosis
- Programmed cell death that removes damaged or unnecessary cells in a controlled manner.
- Necrosis
- Uncontrolled cell death typically associated with injury, causing inflammation in surrounding tissue.
- Cell Proliferation
- Increase in cell number through division, often studied in growth, repair, and cancer biology.
- Cell Differentiation
- The process by which cells develop specialized functions and identities.
- Tissue Repair
- Biological processes involved in restoring structure and function after damage, including regeneration and remodeling.
- Angiogenesis
- Formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, important in healing and tissue growth contexts.
- Oxidative Stress
- Imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses that can damage cells and tissues.
- Mitochondria
- Organelles responsible for energy production (ATP) and regulation of metabolic and signaling processes.
- ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
- The primary cellular energy currency used to power metabolic processes.
- Insulin Sensitivity
- The responsiveness of cells to insulin signaling, influencing glucose uptake and metabolic regulation.
- Glucose Homeostasis
- Maintenance of stable blood glucose levels through coordinated hormonal and metabolic processes.