Question

By sensing and responding to change, organisms keep conditions in their internal environment within ranges that cells can tolerate. This process is called _______. a. reproduction b. development c. homeostasis d. inheritance

Short answer

The process is called c. homeostasis.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question is asking us to identify the term for the process by which organisms manage and maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes. This helps keep the environment suitable for cellular functions.

Analyze the Options

Look at each of the given options: - a. **reproduction**: This is the process of producing new organisms. - b. **development**: This refers to the growth and differentiation of an organism. - c. **homeostasis**: This is the process of maintaining a stable internal environment. - d. **inheritance**: This is the passing of genetic information from one generation to the next.

Match Description to Process

The term that describes maintaining internal conditions within a range suitable for cells is "homeostasis". This eliminates the other options, as they do not involve maintaining stable internal conditions.

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, the best answer is "c. homeostasis", as it directly matches the description given in the question.

Key concepts

Internal Environment

Maintaining a stable internal environment is crucial for the survival of any organism. This internal environment must be kept within specific limits to ensure that all cellular processes can function optimally.
A stable internal environment refers to the balance of conditions inside an organism's body, such as temperature, pH, and ion concentrations. These conditions are carefully regulated to prevent any adverse effects on cellular activities.

• Temperature: Most organisms have an optimal temperature range necessary for enzymatic activity and metabolic processes.
• pH levels: Different parts of organisms require different pH levels; for instance, the stomach is very acidic, while the blood is slightly alkaline.
• Ion concentrations: Essential for nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction.

Without this balance, cells may not function correctly, leading to potential health problems or even death.

Organism Response

Organisms are constantly sensing and reacting to changes in their external environment to maintain homeostasis. These responses ensure that internal conditions are kept stable and suitable for survival.
Organism response involves both nervous and endocrine systems which detect changes and direct appropriate activities to counteract these changes.

• Sensor mechanisms detect deviations from a set point.
• Integrative centers process the information from sensors.
• Effector mechanisms initiate corrective actions to restore balance.

For example, if the body temperature rises, sweating helps cool the body down, whereas shivering generates heat when it's cold.

Cellular Function

Cellular functions are tightly linked to the conditions of the internal environment. Each cell is a tiny independent unit requiring specific conditions to carry out life-sustaining processes.
Cells carry out functions such as energy production, waste removal, and protein synthesis which are all contingent upon stable internal conditions:

• Energy production: Cells must perform cellular respiration efficiently, which requires a stable supply of oxygen and proper temperature.
• Waste removal: Efficient transport systems are needed to dispose of metabolic waste products.
• Protein synthesis: Dependent on a steady supply of suitable pH and available nutrients.

A disruption in any of these conditions can hinder cellular functions and the organism's overall health.

Biological Processes

Biological processes rely on homeostasis to function effectively. Processes like metabolism, growth, and reproduction depend on stable internal conditions.
Homeostasis maintains suitable environs for metabolic processes, allowing nutrients to be converted into energy, body growth by cell division and repair, and the multiplication of organisms through reproduction.

• Metabolism: Involves all chemical reactions within the body, requiring enzymes that function under strict conditions.
• Growth: Cells need a stable environment to divide and differentiate into specialized types adequately.
• Reproduction: Both asexual and sexual reproduction rely on internal stability to ensure successful development of offspring.

Without homeostasis, these life-sustaining processes would be severely compromised, affecting the organism's ability to thrive.