MAB 3

Question 1

Why does the concentration of water in cells should be maintained within a narrow range?

Answer 1

Because enzymes in the body have specific conditions for optimal efficient, the concentration of water affects the functioning of enzymes and metabolism.

The concentration of water also has to be maintained within a narrow range because cells work best in an isotonic environment. If a cell was placed in a hypertonic solution, it would shrivel and shrink. If a cell was placed in a hypotonic solution, it would swell and burst.

Question 2

Why do waste products have to be removed?

Answer 2

Waste products can slow down metabolism and poison cells. They can damage cellular components, and damage to organelles cause organelles to illicit no/incorrect response. Excessive damage may cause cell death. A build up of waste products also can alter the pH of the cell, and this affects enzyme activity. The optimum enzyme reaction rate is disrupted and this disrupts metabolism.