Final answer:
If homeostasis is not maintained in a cell, it can lead to inadequate nutrient supply, waste accumulation, disease, and even cell death.
Step-by-step explanation:
If homeostasis is not maintained in a cell, the cell might not receive the necessary nutrients and might accumulate toxic wastes. This imbalance can disrupt the normal functioning of the cell and can result in a range of adverse effects, including disease or potentially death.
For instance, in the case of diabetes, the failure of the body to regulate blood glucose levels can lead to serious health problems requiring medical intervention. Furthermore, cells that do not manage to expel waste may experience toxicity, and if they take on too much water, they can burst, which is detrimental to cell viability and the overall health of an organism.