Question

Circle the letter of the best answer to each question below.

1. Which of the following is not an example of diffusion?

a. a drop of food coloring spreading through a glass of water
b. perfume filling a room
c. salt spilled onto a table
d. air leaking from a tire

2. Which of these actions isn't part of your body's homeostasis?

a. sweating when you are hot
b. breathing harder when you exercise
c. smiling when you're happy
d. going to the bathroom

Write your answers on the lines below.

3. Use homeostasis to explain why you might throw up if you eat food that has gone bed.

4. Do you think a cell ever reaches a state of equilibrium? Explain your answer.

5. What would happen if your hypothalamus didn't work properly?

Unifying Concepts and Processes
Review the definition of entropy on page 36 and use it to explain why diffusion occurs.

What's Next?
James Lovelock's Gaia Hypothesis states that Earth is a giant living organism because, like every other living organism, it is a natural system controlled by homeostasis. Do some research to learn more about the Gaia Hypothesis.​

Answer 1

c. salt spilled onto a tablec. smiling when you're happyHomeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment in response to external changes. If you eat food that has gone bad, it can contain harmful bacteria or toxins that disrupt the normal balance of your digestive system. In response, your body may trigger the vomiting reflex to expel the contaminated food and restore homeostasis.No, a cell never reaches a state of equilibrium because it is constantly exchanging materials and energy with its environment through processes like diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. These processes maintain the concentration gradients and electrochemical potentials necessary for the cell to carry out its functions.The hypothalamus is a key part of the brain that helps regulate many important physiological processes, including temperature, thirst, hunger, and sleep. If it didn't work properly, it could lead to imbalances in these processes and disrupt homeostasis. For example, if the hypothalamus couldn't regulate temperature, a person might experience hyperthermia (high body temperature) or hypothermia (low body temperature).Unifying Concepts and Processes: Diffusion occurs because of the tendency of particles to move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration, driven by the increase in entropy (disorder) that results from the mixing of the particles.What's Next: The Gaia Hypothesis proposes that Earth is a self-regulating system in which the living and nonliving components interact to maintain the conditions necessary for life. It has been controversial in the scientific community, but has stimulated important discussions about the relationship between life and the environment.: