Homeostasis Flashcards
Homeostatis definition
Maintaining a constant internal environment within restricted limits
What happens when core body temperature becomes too high?
Hydrogen bonds break within enzymes - changes tertiary structure and shape of active site so less enzyme-substrate complexes
What happens when core body temperature becomes too low?
Enzymes have too low kinetic energy so less enzyme-substrate complexes so reduced metabolic rate
What happens when blood pH becomes too high?
Hydrogen bonds break within proteins - changes tertiary structure
What happens when blood pH becomes too low?
Hydrogen bonds break within proteins - changes tertiary structure
What happens when blood glucose concentration becomes too high?
Blood has lower water potential than cells so water leaves cells into blood via osmosis and cells lack water for hydrolysis reactions and as a solvent
What happens when blood glucose concentration becomes too low?
Glucose not provided to cells fast enough for a high enough rate of respiration
What happens when blood water potential becomes too high?
Water enters cells by osmosis - too much can cause cell lysis, too much water in blood causes high blood pressure
What happens when blood water potential becomes too low?
Water leaves cells into blood via osmosis so cells lack water for hydrolysis and as a solvent
What is an example of a biological negative feedback mechanism?
Regulating body temperature through vasodilation/constriction
What is an example of a biological positive feedback mechanism?
Depolarisation causing Na+ channels to open so more Na+ ions diffuse in which causes more depolarisation
What type of messenger are hormones and where are they produced/secreted from?
Chemical, glands
How are hormones transported around the body?
Through the bloodstream
Where do specific hormones act?
Protein binding receptors on TARGET cells
What causes blood glucose to increase?
Eating foods high in glucose/starch - absorbed into blood
What causes blood glucose to decrease?
Increase in cell respiration e.g. during exercise
Which cells produce insulin?
β-cells
What does insulin do?
Decreases blood glucose
What are the target cells for insulin?
Liver and muscle cells
What are the 2 ways insulin decreases blood glucose?
- Inserts more glucose channel proteins so glucose enters cells via facilitated diffusion
- Activates enzymes to convert glucose into glycogen for storage
What is the name of the process where glucose is converted into glycogen?
Glycogenesis