AQA · Biology · 8461
GCSE Biology: Homeostasis
Homeostasis and response · AQA GCSE Biology (8461), specification point 4.5.1. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Homeostasis", and every card links back to the page it came from. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
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Define homeostasis.
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The regulation of the internal conditions of a cell or organism to maintain optimum conditions for function, in response to internal and external changes.
Why is homeostasis important for enzymes?
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It maintains the optimal conditions (e.g. temperature, pH) for enzyme action and therefore for all cell functions.
Name the three conditions controlled by homeostasis in the human body.
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Blood glucose concentration, body temperature and water levels.
What two types of response can automatic control systems in the body involve?
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Nervous responses and chemical (hormonal) responses.
What is the role of a receptor in a control system?
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A receptor is a cell that detects a stimulus (a change in the environment).
Define a stimulus.
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A change in the environment (internal or external) that is detected by a receptor.
What does a coordination centre do in a control system?
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It receives and processes information from receptors, then coordinates a response.
Give three examples of coordination centres in the human body.
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The brain, the spinal cord and the pancreas.
What is the role of an effector in a control system?
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An effector brings about a response that restores optimum levels.
What two types of structure act as effectors?
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Muscles and glands.
The ? is a coordination centre involved in controlling blood glucose concentration.
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pancreas
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