Homeostasis
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 14.4.1
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment It is the term used to describe all processes that occur for the purpose of keeping the internal conditions of a cell or organism within set limits in response to internal and external environmental changes.
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). This can be fatal.
Test yourself on Homeostasis
What is homeostasis and why is it necessary?
If our internal conditions are not regulated, which of the following substances could denature?
What can happen if the body stops operating in optimal internal conditions?
Which of these isn't an example of homeostasis?