Concept of Homeostasis
®
keep it simple science
Copying is permitted according to the Site Licence Conditions only
HSC Biology Topic 1
MAINTAINING A BALANCE
What is this topic about?
To keep it as simple as possible, (K.I.S.S.) this topic involves the study of:
1. ENZYMES & HOMEOSTASIS
2. TEMPERATURE REGULATION
3. INTERNAL TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
4. EXCRETION & WATER BALANCE
but first, an introduction...
Living Things are Made of Cells
Homeostasis
All living things are composed of microscopic units called cells. You learned in a previous topic about the structure of a cell and the functions of the organelles.
DIAGRAM OF A LIVING CELL
The enzymes that control all the chemical reactions in every living cell are very sensitive to the temperature and the pH (acidity) of the surroundings. It is vital that the “internal environment” of any organism is kept as constant as possible so that the enzymes and the chemistry keep operating normally.
Various structures called
“organelles” are visible inside a cell.
The process of “keeping everything the same” is called homeostasis, and is one of the most important and vital processes in every organism.
In this topic you will study some of the basic mechanisms of homeostasis, and how certain body systems are involved by absorbing, transporting, regulating and excreting the vital chemicals of life.
Nervous System
“Cell Membrane” on the outside contains the cell, and controls what goes in or out.
Regulates body temperature The cell is filled with a jelly-like l liquid called
“cytoplasm”.
Circulatory
System
transports gases, nutrients
& wastes
Metabolism is Chemistry
Controlled by Enzymes
Gas exchange
Excretory System
Regulates water balance and excretes metabolic wastes What goes on inside a living cell is mainly a matter of chemical reactions... new molecules are built, others are torn apart. Special reactions release the energy needed to make all this
keep it simple science
Copying is permitted according to the Site Licence Conditions only
HSC Biology Topic 1
MAINTAINING A BALANCE
What is this topic about?
To keep it as simple as possible, (K.I.S.S.) this topic involves the study of:
1. ENZYMES & HOMEOSTASIS
2. TEMPERATURE REGULATION
3. INTERNAL TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
4. EXCRETION & WATER BALANCE
but first, an introduction...
Living Things are Made of Cells
Homeostasis
All living things are composed of microscopic units called cells. You learned in a previous topic about the structure of a cell and the functions of the organelles.
DIAGRAM OF A LIVING CELL
The enzymes that control all the chemical reactions in every living cell are very sensitive to the temperature and the pH (acidity) of the surroundings. It is vital that the “internal environment” of any organism is kept as constant as possible so that the enzymes and the chemistry keep operating normally.
Various structures called
“organelles” are visible inside a cell.
The process of “keeping everything the same” is called homeostasis, and is one of the most important and vital processes in every organism.
In this topic you will study some of the basic mechanisms of homeostasis, and how certain body systems are involved by absorbing, transporting, regulating and excreting the vital chemicals of life.
Nervous System
“Cell Membrane” on the outside contains the cell, and controls what goes in or out.
Regulates body temperature The cell is filled with a jelly-like l liquid called
“cytoplasm”.
Circulatory
System
transports gases, nutrients
& wastes
Metabolism is Chemistry
Controlled by Enzymes
Gas exchange
Excretory System
Regulates water balance and excretes metabolic wastes What goes on inside a living cell is mainly a matter of chemical reactions... new molecules are built, others are torn apart. Special reactions release the energy needed to make all this