Homeostasis and Cell Functions

A comprehensive set of flashcards focusing on definitions and concepts related to homeostasis and cell functions, ideal for exam preparation.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

Feedback Loop

A process where the outputs of a system are then used as inputs.

Positive Feedback Loop

Speeds up a response to achieve a specific outcome, does not try to return to the set point.

Negative Feedback Loop

Detects changes and acts to return to the set point (normal conditions).

Examples of Positive Feedback

Fruit ripening, fever, blood clotting, childbirth, lactation.

Examples of Negative Feedback

Blood sugar regulation, body temperature control, blood pressure maintenance.

Nucleus

Stores genetic information (DNA) and controls the cell's processes.

Nucleolus

Synthesizes (makes) ribosomes.

Cytoplasm

Jello-like substance that fills the cell where chemical reactions take place.

Ribosomes

Synthesizes (makes) proteins, essential for cell functions.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Produces and transports proteins and other materials.

Rough ER

Covered in ribosomes, produces and moves proteins.

Smooth ER

Produces and transports lipids and hormones.

Set Point

The normal level or range of a physiological variable.

Disturbance

A change that can trigger a feedback loop.

Stabilizing Effect

The effect produced by a negative feedback loop that helps maintain homeostasis.

Oxytocin

A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.

Temperature Regulation

The process of maintaining the body temperature within a certain range.

Cell Membrane

The outer layer of a cell that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy for the cell.

Lysosomes

Organelles that break down waste materials.

Prokaryotic Cells

Smaller cells without a nucleus or specific organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

Larger cells with a nucleus and numerous organelles.

Plant Cells

Cells that have a cell wall and chloroplasts, and typically a large vacuole.

Animal Cells

Cells that lack a cell wall and chloroplasts, often have smaller vacuoles.

Specialized Cells

Cells that have specific structures and functions suited for particular tasks.

Red Blood Cells

Cells designed to carry oxygen, characterized by their round shape and lack of organelles.

Feedback Mechanism

The process by which the body regulates internal conditions.

Shivering

A response that generates heat when body temperature decreases.

Sweating

A cooling mechanism activated when body temperature increases.

Body Temperature

A measure of the body's ability to maintain its core internal temperature.

Blood Clotting Process

A positive feedback mechanism that accelerates clot formation to stop bleeding.

Fever

An example of a positive feedback loop where the body's temperature rises to fight infection.

Blood Sugar Regulation

A negative feedback loop that maintains glucose levels in the bloodstream.

Signal

Information transmitted to trigger a response in a feedback loop.

Homeostatic Imbalance

A disruption in the body's homeostasis that can lead to disease.

Biological Systems

Organized groups of interacting components that maintain homeostasis.

Stressor

Any factor that disrupts homeostasis.

Nerve Impulses

Signals sent by neurons to transmit information throughout the body.

Pituitary Gland

An endocrine gland that secretes hormones like oxytocin.

Uterine Contractions

Muscle contractions that occur during childbirth, triggered by oxytocin.

Ectotherms

Organisms that depend on external environmental conditions for body temperature regulation.

Endotherms

Organisms that can regulate their body temperature internally.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to release heat from the body.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to retain heat within the body.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function.

Cell Division

The process by which a cell replicates and divides into two daughter cells.

Gene Expression

The process by which the information in a gene is used to produce a functional product.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.

Homeostatic Mechanism

Processes that adjust and regulate internal environments.

Physiological Responses

Changes in physiological function that occur in response to stimuli.

Integumentary System

System that includes skin and regulates temperature and protects from the environment.

Endocrine System

System that produces hormones that regulate processes in the body.

Circulatory System

The system that transports blood and nutrients throughout the body.

Nervous System

System that detects changes in the environment and initiates responses.

Immune System

The system responsible for protecting the body from pathogens.

Digestive System

System that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Excretory System

System that removes waste products from the body.

Respiratory System

System responsible for exchanging gases, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Hormonal Regulation

The control of physiological functions through hormones.

Electrolyte Balance

The balance of ions in the body, critical for many physiologic processes.

pH Regulation

Control of acidity and alkalinity in the body to maintain homeostasis.

Feedback Control Systems

Systems that use feedback to maintain homeostasis.

Critical Thresholds

Specific levels that must be maintained in physiological processes.

Physiological Restoration

The process of restoring normal function after an imbalance.

Regulatory Networks

Groups of interacting molecules and pathways that signal changes.

Adaptation

The process by which an organism adjusts to changes in its environment.

Cellular Communication

The way in which cells send and receive signals to coordinate functions.

Homeostatic Regulation

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment through a variety of mechanisms.

Life Functions

The processes necessary for living organisms to grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis.

Anatomical Structures

Physical features of cells and organisms that contribute to their function.

Physiological Adaptations

Changes in an organism's functions that improve its survival in specific environments.

Cellular Integrity

The condition of the cell that enables it to function properly.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which cells create proteins based on genetic information.

Organismal Homeostasis

Overall maintenance of stable internal conditions in a whole organism.

Circadian Rhythms

Physiological processes that cycle over a 24-hour period, often linked to light.

Feedback Signal

Information that regulates feedback loops.

Health Maintenance

The practice of preserving health through proper management of body systems.

Cellular Functionality

The ability of a cell to perform its specific functions effectively.

Physiological Homeostasis

Continual adjustment process to maintain the internal environment of the body.

Cellular Structures

Different parts within a cell that contribute to its functions.

Adaptive Responses

Changes made by an organism in reaction to environmental shifts.

What is homeostasis?

The ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

How is a feedback loop defined?

A process where the outputs of a system are then used as inputs.

What characterizes a positive feedback loop?

It speeds up a response to achieve a specific outcome and does not try to return to the set point.

What is the function of a negative feedback loop?

It detects changes and acts to return the system to the set point (normal conditions).

What are some examples of positive feedback?

Fruit ripening, fever, blood clotting, childbirth, and lactation.

What are some examples of negative feedback?

Blood sugar regulation, body temperature control, and blood pressure maintenance.

What is the function of the nucleus?

It stores genetic information (DNA) and controls the cell's processes.

What does the nucleolus do?

It synthesizes (makes) ribosomes.

What is cytoplasm?

A jello-like substance that fills the cell where chemical reactions take place.

What is the role of ribosomes?

They synthesize (make) proteins, which are essential for cell functions.

What is the general function of the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)?

It produces and transports proteins and other materials.

How does the Rough ER differ from the Smooth ER?

The Rough ER is covered in ribosomes and moves proteins, while the Smooth ER produces and transports lipids and hormones.

What is a set point in biology?

The normal level or range of a physiological variable.

What is a disturbance?

A change that can trigger a feedback loop.

What is a stabilizing effect?

The effect produced by a negative feedback loop that helps maintain homeostasis.

What is the role of oxytocin in childbirth?

It is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions, acting as a part of a positive feedback loop.

What is temperature regulation?

The process of maintaining the body temperature within a certain range.