Homeostasis
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 5.1.1
Homeostasis
Homeostasis describes all of the processes that happen in a cell or organism to maintain (keep) optimal conditions. This is needed to respond to changes in the internal and external environment.
Enzyme functioning
- Because humans are organisms that live in a changing environment, we must regulate our body’s internal conditions to make sure our enzymes and cells function well.
Denaturing
- If conditions are not optimal, then our enzymes can denature (change shape).
- This reduces their ability to catalyse (speed-up) metabolic reactions (chemical reactions in organisms).
Test yourself on Homeostasis
Why is it important to prevent enzymes from denaturing?
What can happen if the body stops operating in optimal internal conditions?
Why does an enzyme lose its ability to catalyse metabolic reactions when it denatures?
Homeostasis helps an organism respond to changes in which environments?
Why must humans regulate their body's internal conditions?