We had a quick review of the cell membrane structures discussed last week. The definitions and explanation of the term pathogen was followed with examples of differences between pathogenic organism an non pathogenic organisms, and the clarifying of bacteria, virus and fungal pathogens. A discussion of the evolution of pathogenic organism to allow them to fit into receptor sites was followed up using the HIV virus as an example.
The concept of homeostasis, its definition and importance in maintaining living organisms, humans in particular, was followed by examples including blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar levels, and sweating. The control of homeostatic responses is initiated by endogenous chemical entities, hormones and neurotransmitters which can be mimicked by exogenous chemical compounds to achieve a response.