necessary life functions, survival needs, homeostasis, and feedback mechanisms

What are the necessary life functions of an organism?

Maintain boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

What does 'metabolism' refer to?

Chemical reactions within the body that break down complex molecules into smaller ones and build larger molecules from smaller ones.

What is excretion?

The elimination of waste from metabolic reactions such as urine or feces.

Define homeostasis.

The maintenance of a stable internal environment necessary for normal body functioning and to sustain life.

What is a feedback mechanism?

Processes that help maintain homeostasis by regulating various bodily functions.

What is negative feedback?

A mechanism that shuts off the original stimulus or reduces its intensity, helping to maintain homeostasis.

Give an example of positive feedback.

Blood clotting and childbirth are examples where the original stimulus is increased.

What are survival needs?

Essential resources such as nutrients, oxygen, water, stable body temperature, and appropriate atmospheric pressure necessary for life.

What is the role of water in the body?

It accounts for 60 to 80 percent of body weight, is the most abundant chemical in the human body, and provides for metabolic reactions.

What occurs during homeostatic imbalance?

A disturbance in homeostasis that can result in disease.

What is the role of the control center in homeostasis?

It determines the set point, analyzes information, and determines the appropriate response.

What are the components of the survival needs?

Nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals), oxygen, water, stable body temperature, and atmospheric pressure.

How do hormones regulate metabolism?

Hormones influence the rates of metabolic reactions and energy production within the body.