Homeostasis
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 3.5.1
Homeostatis
Homeostasis describes all of the processes that happen in a cell or organism to maintain (keep) conditions optimal. 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
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?