Homeostasis Midterms Clutch Up

Homeostasis definition

Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in the external environment.

Homeostasis maintenance at varying levels (organisms, cells)

Cells regulate conditions like water balance, pH, and ion levels to function properly. Organ systems work together to maintain the body’s internal environment stability, such as regulating temperature and heart rate.

Homeostasis examples of conditions

Body temperatures and heart rates. 

Homeostasis’ application to ecology

In ecology, carrying capacity helps maintain balance in an ecosystem. When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, limited resources lead to increased death rates, which in turn lower the population back to a stable and balanced level. 

Homeostasis and pH/buffers

Homeostasis helps maintain a stable pH in organisms. Buffers resist sudden changes in pH by neutralizing excess acids or bases, keeping conditions stable for cells and enzymes to function properly.

Homeostasis and enzymes

Homeostasis relies on enzymes to keep chemical reactions running at proper rates. Because enzymes work best within specific temperature and pH ranges, maintaining stable internal conditions ensures that enzymes function efficiently.