Final answer:
The suffix in homeostasis refers to 'standstill or control', indicating the regulation and maintenance of a stable internal state within an organism's body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suffix in the word homeostasis stands for 'standstill or control'. Option D is the correct answer. The term homeostasis refers to the dynamic equilibrium within the body or a cellular environment. It is the process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain a stable, constant condition, vital for survival. Homeostasis mechanisms include temperature control, pH balance, glucose levels regulation, and other metabolic processes. These processes ensure that conditions within the organism do not fluctuate beyond the limits of survival.
For example, if body temperature rises, mechanisms such as sweating are triggered to cool the body. In the case of blood glucose levels, after ingesting food, insulin is secreted to decrease glucose levels by facilitating its uptake into cells, thus maintaining energy balance and preventing hyperglycemia. Therefore, homeostasis is crucial for an organism to function properly and stay healthy.