Question

How does communication between cells help maintain homeostasis.​

Answer 1

Communication between cells via hormones is essential for maintaining homeostasis. Hormones act as signaling molecules and engage in a process involving reception, signal transduction, and cellular response to modulate physiological functions and preserve a balanced internal environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Communication between cells is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, the stable internal conditions necessary for life processes. Cells can communicate over short or long distances using chemical signaling molecules like hormones. At the core of this communication system is a three-step process: reception, signal transduction, and cellular response.

Reception

During reception, signaling molecules, or ligands, such as hormones, bind to specific receptors on the surface of target cells. This binding signals the cell that a message has arrived and needs to be acted upon.

Signal Transduction

Signal transduction is the relay of the signal from the outside of the cell to the inside. Once a hormone binds to a receptor, it triggers a series of events within the cell that transmits the signal to the appropriate intracellular molecules.

Cellular Response

The final stage is the cellular response, where the cell takes action based on the received message. For instance, in response to epinephrine, cells might convert glycogen stores into glucose, aiding in energy production.

Through these steps, hormones regulate many aspects of physiology and play a key role in maintaining a balanced and healthy state (homeostasis) in the body.

Answer 2

Cell communication plays a vital role in homeostasis. The chemical signals such as hormones, neurotransmitters or cytokines serve as molecules that aid in sending signals to the internal organs or tissues of the body. Intercellular communication among cells in a tissue helps the tissue to function as a unit