The importance of maintaining constant conditions in the body, including osmosis
I can explain why it is important for living organisms to maintain a constant internal environment.
- Year 11
- AQA
The importance of maintaining constant conditions in the body, including osmosis
I can explain why it is important for living organisms to maintain a constant internal environment.
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.
- Extreme changes in body temperature can lead to hypothermia or hyperthermia and death.
- Changes in water content of the fluid around cells can lead to cells shrinking or bursting due to osmosis.
- Use of antagonistic effects to maintain a constant environment.
Keywords
Enzyme - a protein which 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
Osmosis - the net movement of water molecules through a selectively-permeable membrane from high to low concentration of water molecules
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, and changes in water concentration and cell structure.
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. The link between water balance, osmosis and cell shapes are also explored.
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.What name is given to enzymes whose active site has changed shape and no longer fits to its substrate?
Q3.Water moves in and out of cells by ...
Q4.Order the statements below to describe how the body responds to an increase in body temperature.
Q5.Match the water level to the effect on cells.
