What is homeostasis?
The control of an organism’s internal conditions to keep them within ranges suitable for its cells to function.
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Foundation · 4.5.1
Revise AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Foundation specification point 4.5.1, Homeostasis, with free active-recall flashcards. Flip through the set or review every question and answer below.
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What is homeostasis?
The control of an organism’s internal conditions to keep them within ranges suitable for its cells to function.
How does an organism respond when an internal condition changes?
It detects the change and makes a response that helps restore suitable conditions.
What happens to internal conditions under homeostasis when surroundings or activities change?
They remain relatively stable.
What do homeostatic control systems maintain?
Suitable internal conditions within cells and organisms.
Which three conditions are regulated in human homeostasis?
Blood glucose concentration, body temperature and water levels.
Why is maintaining suitable internal conditions important for cells?
It supports enzyme activity and other cell functions.
What do receptor cells detect?
Stimuli: changes in the internal or external environment.
What is the role of a coordination centre in a homeostatic control system?
It receives and processes information from receptors and coordinates a response.
What are three examples of coordination centres in humans?
The brain, spinal cord and pancreas.
What do effectors do in a homeostatic control system?
They carry out responses that help restore suitable conditions.
What are two types of effector in homeostatic control systems?
Muscles and glands.
What are the two ways responses can be coordinated in homeostatic control systems?
Through nervous signals or chemical messengers.