16.1

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Homeostasis:

  • Homeostasis - the maintenance of an internal environment within restricted limits in organsisms.
  • It involves trying to maintain their chemical make-up, volume and other features of blood and tissue fluid within restricted limits.
  • Homeostasis ensures that the cells of the body are in an environment that meets their requirements and allows them to function normally despite external changes.

The importance of homeostasis:

Homeostasis is essential for the proper functioning of organisms for the following reasaons amoungst others:

  • The enzymes that control the reactions within cells, and other proteins, such as channel proteins, are sensitive to changes in pH and temperature. Any changes to these factors reduces the rate of the reaction of enzymes or may even prevent them working altogether (denaturing).
  • Changes to the water potential of the blood and tissue fluids may cause cells to shrink and expand (even to the bursting point)

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