Chapter 31, Problem 1FIB

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Cell’s growth and differentiation, and the ability to perform a specific function, totally depends on the external environment of the cell. The cell prefers stable optimum conditions for its survival and activity and tries to resist any change in its surroundings. Different factors regulate the functioning of the cells such as $\text{pH}$, body temperature, fluid balance, ion concentration and salt concentration there are different mechanisms adopted by cells to resist any change in these conditions.

Answer to Problem 1FIB

Correct answer:

The ability of the body to maintain its internal conditions within the narrow range required by the cell to function is called homeostasis. The most important general mechanism for maintaining these conditions is feedback mechanism.

Explanation of Solution

Homeostasis is the property of the cells to resist any change in its internal environment. Stable conditions are important for the optimal functioning of the cells. This depends on multiple variables such as pH, temperature, and extracellular fluid and many more factors.

Any large variation in these conditions reduces the efficiency of the cell, moving the cell in a dormant phase, and sometimes it can even lead to cell death. Homeostasis is maintained by many regulatory mechanisms and these mechanisms have three interdependent parts to regulate the variables, a receptor, a control center and an effector.

Receptor acts as a sensor that monitors change in the surrounding environment. Control center provides a strategy to overcome the change in surrounding and effector act as the target that is acted upon. This is the exact working of feedback mechanism that is. It tends to reduce any fluctuation in the environment

Conclusion

The body tries to maintain its internal conditions within the narrow range required by the cell to function by a process known as homeostasis and the most common mechanism for maintaining these conditions is a feedback mechanism.