importance of excretion in living organisms

Question 1

Why is excretion important in living organisms

Answer 1

Removes toxic metabolic wastes

Maintains homeostasis (e.g., water, pH, temperature)

Prevents damage to cells and organs

Allows efficient cell function

Question 2

What happens if carbon dioxide builds up in the body

Answer 2

Forms carbonic acid in the blood

Lowers blood pH

Causes fatigue, confusion, or coma

Excreted through the lungs

Question 3

What is the danger of urea accumulation?

Answer 3

Formed from deamination of amino acids in liver

Toxic to cells → causes uremia

Leads to kidney failure or death if not excreted

Removed in urine by kidneys

Question 4

How can too much heat be harmful to organisms

Answer 4

Heat is a waste product of respiration

Can cause enzyme denaturation

Excreted through sweating, breathing, radiation

Question 5

Why must plants manage waste like calcium oxalate and tannins

Answer 5

Calcium oxalate: forms sharp crystals; toxic if ingested

Tannins: deter herbivores; toxic to insects

Stored in vacuoles, bark, or leaf cells

Question 6

What happens if water or oxygen isn’t regulated properly

Answer 6

Water: too much → edema; too little → dehydration

Oxygen (in plants): excess may form reactive oxygen species

Balance is vital for homeostasis