Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Introduction to Eukaryotic Organelles

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Introduction to Eukaryotic Organelles

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2:04 minutes

Problem 24

Textbook Question

Explain why alcoholics are likely to have much more smooth ER than teetotalers.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER) in the body: The smooth ER is responsible for lipid synthesis, detoxification of drugs and toxins, and metabolism of carbohydrates. It plays a key role in breaking down harmful substances, including alcohol.

Recognize the impact of alcohol consumption on the liver: Alcohol is metabolized primarily in the liver, where the smooth ER is abundant. Chronic alcohol consumption increases the demand for detoxification processes, requiring the liver cells to adapt by producing more smooth ER.

Explain the adaptive response of hepatocytes (liver cells): In alcoholics, the liver cells are exposed to high levels of alcohol over time. To handle the increased workload of detoxifying alcohol, hepatocytes increase the production of smooth ER to enhance their capacity for detoxification.

Discuss the biochemical processes involved: The smooth ER contains enzymes, such as cytochrome P450, that are involved in the metabolism of alcohol. Chronic alcohol exposure induces the production of these enzymes, further necessitating the expansion of smooth ER.

Compare alcoholics to teetotalers: Teetotalers, who abstain from alcohol, do not subject their liver cells to the same level of detoxification demand. As a result, their hepatocytes maintain a normal amount of smooth ER, whereas alcoholics develop an increased amount due to the body's adaptation to chronic alcohol exposure.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (Smooth ER) is a type of organelle found in eukaryotic cells, primarily involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium ion storage. Unlike rough ER, it lacks ribosomes on its surface, giving it a smooth appearance. The presence of Smooth ER is crucial for metabolizing various substances, including drugs and alcohol.

Alcohol Metabolism

Alcohol metabolism primarily occurs in the liver, where enzymes convert ethanol into acetaldehyde and then into acetic acid. Chronic alcohol consumption leads to an increase in the production of enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450, which are associated with the Smooth ER. This adaptation allows the liver to process and detoxify alcohol more efficiently, resulting in a higher Smooth ER content in alcoholics.

Cellular Adaptation

Cellular adaptation refers to the changes that cells undergo in response to chronic stress or injury, allowing them to survive and function under altered conditions. In the case of alcoholics, the liver cells adapt by increasing the amount of Smooth ER to enhance their capacity for detoxification. This adaptation is a protective mechanism against the toxic effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

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Related Practice

Multiple Choice

Which of the following organelles is responsible for producing ATP in eukaryotic cells?

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Multiple Choice

Which eukaryotic organelle is responsible for holding the coils of the small intestine together?

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Multiple Choice

In a typical diagram of a eukaryotic cell, structure D is labeled as the organelle responsible for energy production. Which organelle does structure D most likely represent?

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Textbook Question

A pancreas cell makes proteins (enzymes) that it releases to the small intestine. Which of the following best describes the path of these proteins from synthesis to exocytosis at the pancreatic cell's plasma membrane (PM)? a. Golgi → rough ER → PM, b. smooth ER → Golgi → lysosome → PM, c. rough ER → Golgi → PM, d. nucleus → Golgi → PM.

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