Communication and Homeostasis Flashcards
(36 cards)
What conditions does a cell need to maintain in their cells
-A suitable temperature
-A suitable pH
-An aqueous environment that keeps substrates in a solution
-Freedom from toxins and excess inhibitors
Stimulus/response
Stimulus - Change in environment
Response - The way in which an organism changes its behaviour or physiology
Example of an organism reacting to a change in the environment
The arctic fox has a thicker white coat in the winter and a thinner grey/brown coat in the summer
Whitecoat - insulation and camouflage
Example of a multicellular organism reacting to a change within its internal environment
Build up of waste may act directly on the cells which respond by reducing activity so less waste is produced - response may not be good for the organism
What is the composition of the tissue fluid maintained by
The blood - takes waste products away
Why is a multicellular organism more efficient than a unicellular organism
Its cells are differentiated- cells are specialised to perform particular functions
What makes a good communication system
-Covers the whole body
-Cell communication
-Specific communication
-Rapid communication
- Short term and long term repsonses
Two major systems that work by cell signaling:
Neuronal
Hormonal
Homeostasis
Maintaining a constant internal environment despite changes in the external and internal factors
Aspects maintained by homeostasis
-Body temperature
-Blood glucose concentration
-Blood salt concentration
-Water potential of the blood
-Blood pressure
-Carbon dioxide concentration
Input and output of negative feedback
Change away from optimum - Receptor detects change - Communication system informs effector - Effector reacts to reverse change -returns to optimum
For negative feedback a number of processes must occur:
-A change in the internal environment must be detected
-The change must be signaled to other cells
-There must be an effective response that reverses the change in conditions
Endotherms
An organism that uses heat from metabolic reactions to maintain body temperature
-Controls body temperature within strict limits
Endotherms are exogenic
Release energy in the form of heat
-increasing respiration
-Directing blood towards or away from the skin
Endotherms - Skin response if the body is too hot
-Sweat glands secrete fluid onto the skin surface as this evaporates it uses heat from blood as latent heat of vaporisation
-Hairs and feathers lie flat to reduce insulation and allow greater heat loss
-Vasodilation of arterioles direct blood to the skin surface so more heat can be radiated away from the body
Endotherms - Skin response if the body is too cold
-Less sweat is secreted so less evaporation means less heat loss
-Hairs and feathers stand erect to trap air which insulates the body
-Vasoconstriction of arterioles leading to skin surface direct blood away from the skin and less heat is lost
Endotherms - gaseous exchange response if the body is too hot
Some animals pant increasing evaporation from the surface of lungs and airways
Evaporation uses heat from blood
Endotherms - gaseous exchange response if the body is too cold
Less panting so less heat is lost
Endotherms - liver response if the body is too hot/cold
Less respiration / increases respiration so more energy from food is converted to heat
Endotherms - skeletal muscle response if the body is too hot/cold
Fewer contractions/spontaneous muscle contractions (shivering)
Endotherms - blood vessel response if the body is too hot/cold
Dilation / constriction
Behavioral responses if the body is too hot - endotherms
Hide away from the sun
Orientate body to reduce surface area exposed to sun
Remain inactive
Wet skin uses evaporation to help cool the body
Advantages of endotherms
-Maintain a fairly constant body temperature
- Remain active when external temperatures are low which means can escape predators
-inhabit colder parts of the planet
Disadvantages of endotherms
-Use a significant part of their energy to maintain body temperature if cold
-Need more food
-Use for growth a lower proportion of energy and nutrients gained from food
-May overheat in hot weather