MYP5 Biology Notesheet: Unit 1: Homeostasis, Feedback, Metabolism, and Enzymes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, glycolysis, and enzymatic activity.

Homeostasis

The ability of living organisms to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism that reverses a change to bring conditions back to normal.

Positive Feedback

A control mechanism that amplifies a change until a specific event is completed.

Glycogen

The storage form of glucose in animals, primarily stored in the liver and muscles.

Glycolysis

A 10-step enzymatic process that breaks down one glucose molecule to produce ATP.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst, usually a protein, that speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed.

Active Site

The specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds.

Denature

The process where an enzyme loses its shape and functionality due to environmental changes.

Catalyst

A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction.

Optimum

The best condition for an enzyme to work.

Stimulus

A change in the environment that triggers a response.

Receptor

A component that detects changes in the environment.

Control Center

Usually the brain or a gland that processes information and decides on the response.

Effector

A muscle or gland that enacts the response to restore balance.

Response

The action that restores homeostasis.