Chemistry II | Complete Exam Study Guide
with 100% Correct Answers
What is a drug?
A drug is a chemical substance of known structure, other than a nutrient or an essential dietary
ingredient, which, when administered to a living organism, produces a biological effect.
What are the stages in the pharmacology roadmap?
Stage 1: How do drugs work? What concentration is needed for the desired effect? Stage 2: How
do we achieve that concentration in a patient? What could go wrong? Stage 3/4:
Pharmacotherapy of disorders of major body systems (mechanism, adverse effects, when drugs
can and can't be used).
What are the anatomical sites of drug action?
Anatomical sites of action include the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain.
What are physiological sites of drug action?
Physiological sites of action include cardiovascular, excretory, autonomic, or central nervous
system.
What are pharmacological sites of action?
,Pharmacological sites of action, or drug targets, include adrenoceptors, angiotensin II receptors,
angiotensin-converting enzyme, Ca2+ channels, and Na+ transporters.
What is the role of receptors in pharmacology?
Receptors are molecules through which drugs exert their effects.
What are some examples of drug targets?
Examples of drug targets include receptors, transporters, ion channels, enzymes, and intracellular
signaling pathways.
How do drugs alter physiological processes?
Drugs can prevent disease (prophylaxis), restore normal function, alter compensatory pathways,
or interfere with foreign organisms in cases of infection.
What is the difference between on-target and off-target effects of drugs?
On-target effects are intended therapeutic effects, while off-target effects are interactions with
unintended biological molecules that can lead to adverse effects.
What is prophylaxis in pharmacology?
Prophylaxis is the prevention of disease through the use of drugs.
How do drugs typically affect biological processes?
Drugs can activate or inhibit biological processes but often do not cure the underlying problem;
they may only treat symptoms.
What is meant by 'selective' drugs?
, Selective drugs target specific molecules but are rarely truly specific, often affecting multiple
targets.
What is the significance of understanding normal body function in pharmacology?
Understanding normal physiology is essential to identify how drugs can correct alterations in
pathophysiology.
What is the purpose of controlled experiments in pharmacology education?
Controlled experiments help students understand drug actions and interactions through practical
applications.
What is the importance of knowing drug concentrations in pharmacology?
Knowing drug concentrations is crucial for achieving the desired therapeutic effect in patients.
What is the relationship between drugs and biological agents?
While many drugs are low molecular weight synthetic organic compounds, there are exceptions,
such as biological agents.
What is the role of enzymes as drug targets?
Enzymes can be drug targets that drugs interact with to exert their effects.
What are the implications of 'off-target' effects?
Off-target effects can lead to unwanted adverse effects, complicating treatment outcomes.
What is the significance of pharmacotherapy in treating disorders?