The importance of maintaining constant conditions in the body
I can explain why it is important for humans to maintain constant conditions inside the body.
- Year 11
- AQA
The importance of maintaining constant conditions in the body
I can explain why it is important for humans to maintain constant conditions inside the body.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- If conditions in the body change too much this can be dangerous to our health.
- Changes in body temperature affect the rate of chemical reactions and can impact enzyme activity.
- Changes in body temperature can lead to hypo- or hyperthermia and death.
- Changes in water balance in the body can lead to dehydration and death.
- Use of antagonistic effects to maintain a constant environment.
Keywords
Enzyme - a protein that acts as a biological catalyst
Internal body temperature - the optimal internal temperature of our body, which is about 37°C
Homeostasis - the regulation of the internal conditions to maintain optimum conditions for enzyme action and all cell functions
Antagonistic - effectors and effects that work against each other
Common misconception
It is common for pupils to misunderstand the links between increased or decreased body temperature and the impact on enzyme function.
Explanations of the effect of temperature on enzyme activity, the link between body temperature and enzyme function, and conditions such as hyper- and hypo-thermia are made and explored in this lesson.
Equipment
Optional: Bunsen burner, tripod, gauze, heat proof mat, thermometer, beaker, ice cubes.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Below is a simplified diagram of an enzyme. What is shown by A?
Q2.Which of the following are effectors?
Q3.True or false? Enzymes are catalysts.
Q4.The graph shows the rate of an enzyme controlled reaction. Point A represents the temperature for the enzyme.
Q5.The graph shows the rate of an enzyme controlled reaction. Why is the rate of reaction decreasing at point c?
Q6.If a significant increase in body temperature is sustained, it can lead to ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The maintenance of a constant internal environment is known as .
Q2.True or false? All enzymes work optimally at pH 7 and 37 °C.
Q3.What name is given to enzymes whose active site has changed shape and no longer fits to its substrate?
Q4.Order the statements below to describe how the body responds to an increase in body temperature.
Q5.The Oak pupils are discussing the control of water levels in the body. Who is correct?
