The patient is a 38-year-old female who presents to the clinic

Week 1: Cellular Processes and the Genetic Environment

One of the more common biology analogies refers to cells as the “building blocks” of life. This rightfully places an emphasis on understanding cells, cellular behavior, and the impact of the environment in which they function.

Such an understanding helps explain how healthy cell activity contributes to good health. Just as importantly, it helps explain how breakdowns in cellular behavior and alterations to cells lead to health issues.

This week, you examine cellular processes that are subject to alterations that can lead to disease. You evaluate the genetic environments within which these processes exist as well as the impact these environments have on disease.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Evaluate cellular processes and alterations within cellular processes

Evaluate the impact of the genetic environment on disease 

Scenario: The patient is a 38-year-old female who presents to the clinic with complaints of a wound to her right leg after a recent fall 5 days ago.  She reports that the area appeared to be healing and has now started getting red and has some dark colored drainage.  She denies any odor to the site.  She denies fever.  She has been cleaning the area with a wound spray and applying antibiotic ointment with a Band-Aid.  She reports that she has had some pain to the site 4/10 sharp at times. 

• For this Discussion, you examine a case study and explain the disease that is suggested. You examine the symptoms reported and explain the cells that are involved and potential alterations and impacts. 
• To prepare:

By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to a specific scenario for this Discussion. Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.

By Day 3 of Week 1

Post an explanation of the disease highlighted in the scenario you were provided. Include the following in your explanation:

The role genetics plays in the disease.

Why the patient is presenting with the specific symptoms described.

• The physiologic response to the stimulus presented in the scenario and why you think this response occurred.

The cells that are involved in this process.