BIOL 1107 Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Countercurrent Exchange, Homeostasis
Document Summary
A regulator can use internal mechanisms to control internal changes in the face of external fluctuation. A conformer allows internal conditions to change in accordance with external changes for a particular environmental variable. Homeostasis (steady-state) is the maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment. Although external conditions may fluctuate, internal chemical and physical states are kept within a tolerable range: sea otter body temperature regulation, bass blood solute concentration regulation. Temperature, ph, and other physical and chemical conditions have a dramatic effect on the structure and function of enzymes. Most enzymes function best under a fairly narrow range of conditions (i. e. optimal conditions). Molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems function at optimal levels when homeostasis occurs. Key is constant maintenance- which requires monitoring, regulation, and feedback control. *only negative feedback plays a role in maintaining homeostasis.
