Question

Organisms can be made of one cell to more than a trillion! Each type of cell has a specific task it must perform to maintain a balanced state in an organism. When cell organelles malfunction, the cells may die, and homeostasis is interrupted. How would normal cells respond to cell death so that homeostasis in maintained?

Option 1: Normal cells will continue to function but at a decreased rate.
Option 2: Similar cells will cease to function.
Option 3: Remaining cells will divide to replace the dead ones.
Option 4: Dissimilar cells will change function.

Answer 1

When cells die, the body maintains homeostasis by having the remaining cells divide to replace the dead ones, which is essential for the continuity of an organism's functions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary response of an organism's cells to the death of some cells is to maintain homeostasis. When cells die, the remaining cells typically undergo a process known as cellular division to replace the lost cells. This is part of the body's natural repair mechanism to sustain a stable internal environment or equilibrium, which is essential for the survival and proper functioning of the organism. Thus, when cell organelles malfunction and cells die, the normal response of the body would be Option 3: Remaining cells will divide to replace the dead ones. When a cell dies, normal cells in the body respond by dividing to replace the dead ones.

This is known as cell division or mitosis. By dividing, the remaining cells ensure that there are enough healthy cells to maintain homeostasis, which is the balance within the body's internal environment. This process allows the body to continue functioning properly despite the loss of some cells.