Why is internal temperature regulation an important homeostasis?

Internal temperature of your body must be tighly controlled. The key processes of your body are driven by enzymatic activity and there is an optimal temperature at which these operate. If body temperature increases above normal levels the acitivity of enzymes will decrease. This decrease is caused by the denaturing of the protein structure. The increased kinetic energy levels will cause the individual peptide strands of the protein to unfold; it is this unfolding that means the protein can no longer function as its specific structure is no longer correct. If large numbers of protein denature then the rate of the reaction that it catalyses will decrease as there is reduced enzyme activity. If body temperature drops too low then there will be insufficent kinetic energy in the system to produce high rates of reaction. Less kinetic energy in the form of heat means individual molecules involved will have less enzyme substrate collisions. It is these collisions which cause the reactions to occur.

AI
Answered by Archie I. Biology tutor

3881 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is semi-conservative replication of DNA? And why is it important?


I'm having trouble understanding what transcription is, I was wondering if you could help me?


Describe how mRNA is produced in humans.


Name 2 forms of epigenetic modification, and explain the effect they have on the genotype.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences