SOCIOL 1 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Calan Gaeaf, Camellia Sinensis, Theobroma Cacao
Document Summary
Halloween: thought to trace back to celtic customs and pagan traditions (samhain, calan gaeaf) Marked end of harvest season and beginning of winter/ darker half of the year. Spirits and fairies in nature, some clash with christianity -> eve of all hallows" and all. Tea ( camellia sinensis ): china and se asia. Cacao/chocolate ( theobroma cacao ): central and s america. A purine base found in most human (and other organisms") body tissues and fluids - many stimulants are derived from it. Purines: make up 2 groups of nitrogenous bases (incl. 2 groups of nucleotide bases) and 2 of 4 deoxyribonucleotides + 2 of 4 ribonucleotides - building blocks of dna and rna. Acute effects of caffeine (and other xanthines): Effects are dose dependent, based on individual variability and tolerance. > 500 mg: anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate), arrhythmia. < 10 g: tachycardia, arrhythmia ~ ld50. Vasodilation effects in cardiovascular system (decreases blood pressure)
