TOPIC 06-REGULATION (HOMEOSTASIS)
REGULATION - This is the maintenance of a relatively constant body internal environment. Internal environment include temperature, concentration of salt, glucose, water and also hydrogen ions (PH) which are always changing.
Such changes affect the rate of chemical processes of the body e.g. enzymes work best within certain temperature ranges. Outside this optimum temperature range, enzymes become inactive or may be destroyed.
Therefore if enzymes are destroyed, metabolic process may stop. Changes in water, salt and hydrogen ion concentration will also affect the rate of metabolic reaction.
For efficient functioning of the body, rate of chemical reaction must be kept at their optimum levels, hence the need to maintain the internal environment in a state of equilibrium
Equilibrium may be achieved by
nervous
hormonal control
The maintenance of a constant internal environment is called Homeostasis.
Types of regulation
Temperature regulation (Thermoregulation)
Osmoregulation
Blood sugar regulation.
1. Temperature regulation in animals
This is the maintenance of a relatively constant body temperature. A constant body temperature favour efficient enzymes activities.
Enzymes work best at a narrow range of temperature known as optimum temperature
The temperature above a given optimum temperature is less favored by enzymes and may denature enzymes or destroy cell.
Temperature below the optimum inactivates the enzymes slowing down or stopping enzymes catalyzed reaction. It is very important that body temperature to be kept constant.
External temperature affecting the body is detected by thermal receptors in the skin. The thermal receptors relay information to temperature regulation center in the brain (hypothalamus)