Atoms, elements, molecules, compounds, and homeostasis Flashcards
Levels of Organization
(simplest to most complex)
1. organelle
2. cell
3. tissue
4. organ
5. organ system
6. organism
What is homeostasis?
the body’s way of keeping things balanced and stable
What is setpoint in homeostasis?
the ideal value the body wants or tries to maintain (i.e. 120/80 for blood pressure, 98.6 for body temp)
What is a variable in homeostasis?
a condition being controlled (i.e. body temperature)
What is a receptor (sensor) in homeostasis?
recognizes changes in the variable (i.e. temperature, blood glucose)
What is a control (integrating) center in homeostasis?
processes the information and decides what to do (i.e. the brain)
What is an effector (target) in homeostasis?
acts to correct and change in the body (i.e. sweating to cool the body)
What is negative feedback?
a mechanism where the body responds to a change by reversing it to maintain homeostasis (i.e. blood sugar rises and the body releases insulin to lower it)
What is positive feedback?
a mechanism where the body amplifies a change, pushing a process forward until it is completed, not for balance (i.e. oxytocin is released to increase contractions until baby is delivered)
What is an atom?
the smallest building block of life
What is an element?
made of only one type of atom
What is a molecule?
made of two or more atoms bonded together
What is a compound?
a molecule composed of different types of atoms/elements
What is contained in the nucleus (particles)?
protons, neutrons, and electrons
What are protons?
in the core of the nucleus and positively charged
