Living Organisms and Homeostasis - NYS Regents Review

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What are enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction.

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What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

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What is a feedback mechanism?

Back

A feedback mechanism is a biological process that uses the conditions of one component to regulate the function of another, often to maintain homeostasis.

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What role do vacuoles play in single-celled organisms?

Back

Vacuoles are storage structures in single-celled organisms that hold various substances, including nutrients, waste products, and water.

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What is the function of insulin in the human body?

Back

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Front

What is the significance of staining in microscopy?

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Staining enhances the visibility of cellular structures under a microscope by adding color to specific components, making them easier to observe.

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What is the normal concentration of salt solutions in the human circulatory system?

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The normal concentration of salt solutions in the human circulatory system is isotonic, meaning it has the same concentration of solutes as the cells.

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What are ribosomes?

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Ribosomes are cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.

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What is the role of mitochondria in cells?

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Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, as they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration.

Front

What is the difference between active transport and passive transport?

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Active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, while passive transport does not require energy and moves substances along their gradient.