BIO270H1 Lecture Notes - Comparative Physiology, Allometry, Acclimatization
Document Summary
Developmental physiology: how structures and functions change as animal develops from an embryo to reproductive maturity to senescence and death. Evolutionary physiology: how traits arise due to natural selection: ultimate goals of research, pure physiology: no specific goal, other than knowledge (difficult to get funding). Comparative physiology of exploration of the origins and nature of physiology diversity: applied physiology: intended to achieve specific practical goal. Mechanical engineering rules apply to physical properties of animals, chemical laws apply to temperature. Physiological phenotype is a product of genotype and environment. Genotype is the product of evolution: physiological processes obey physical and chemical laws, mechanical theory: properties of cells and tissues link to structure and function. Molecular properties of the constituent cells and their secreted extracellular matrix (protein cross-linking increases tissue rigidity) Other engineering concepts also apply: cardiophysiology and fluid dynamics: flow, pressure, resistance: chemical laws govern molecular interactions. Thermodynamics and kinetics: electrical laws describe membrane function.
