Question

ectothermic organims have body temperatures that vary with the temperature of their surroundings. discuss the effect this variation might have on the functioning of enzymes in these organisms. suggest some ways ectothermic organisms might cope with this problem

Answer 1

Ectothermic organisms are those that need an external heat source to maintain the body temperature regulation mechanism. The external heat source is necessary because the capacity to generate heat through the metabolism of these organisms is very low, for this reason, they need to absorb heat from the environment in which they live.

Ectothermic organisms have a colder body than the environment causing heat gain, through the exchange of energy between their bodies and the environment.

The metabolic rate of these organisms is usually low, however, in cold environments the metabolic rate becomes even lower, causing the organism to run several risks, in addition, the body temperature of these organisms drops and can denature enzymes and proteins and cause them no longer work, for this reason, hot environments like the desert are places more conducive to these organisms.

Answer 2

Their level of activity is dependent on environmental temperatures. When the temperatures are too low, the metabolism rate of cells of the ectothermic organisms drop while too high temperatures may also impair the functions of enzymes by denaturing them. This is why cold-blooded animals like the snake burrow or enter water bodies during a hot day and bask on a rock in the sun on a cold or cool day. Their behavior allows them to maintain a stable temperature range for their bodies.