Thermodynamics in Biological Systems
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Questions and Answers

What was the significance of synthesizing urea from inorganic components?

  • It introduced the concept of eurythermy
  • It showed that biological systems follow the laws of nature (correct)
  • It disproved the laws of thermodynamics
  • It supported the concept of vital force
  • What is the role of enzymes in biological systems?

  • They increase the efficiency of biological systems (correct)
  • They have no effect on thermal tolerance
  • They increase the temperature tolerance of organisms
  • They decrease the efficiency of biological systems
  • What is the main difference between adaptation and acclimation?

  • Acclimation occurs in response to temperature change, while adaptation occurs in response to pH change
  • Adaptation is a genetic process, while acclimation is a physiological process (correct)
  • Acclimation is a genetic process, while adaptation is a physiological process
  • Adaptation occurs in response to temperature change, while acclimation occurs in response to pH change
  • What is the term for an organism that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures?

    <p>Eurytherm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the Q10 value in biological systems?

    <p>It measures the rate of reaction faster than predicted by the Arrhenius equation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between poikilothermic and homeostatic organisms?

    <p>Homeostatic organisms maintain a steady internal environment, whereas poikilotherms do not.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the rete mirabile in fish?

    <p>To conserve heat within the fish's core</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a behavioral adaptation in poikilothermic animals?

    <p>The ability to regulate body temperature through behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do larger animals tend to be more resistant to heat loss than smaller animals?

    <p>Because they have a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of countercurrent heat exchange mechanisms in aquatic animals?

    <p>They conserve heat within the animal's core</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Inherited Characteristics and Acclimation

    • Permanent inherited characteristics are part of the gene pool, enduring across generations.
    • Acclimation refers to physiological adjustments made by individuals to cope with environmental stressors.

    Poikilothermic Adaptations

    • Poikilothermic organisms can exhibit behavioral adaptations to regulate their internal environment rather than being passive conformers.
    • Galapagos Marine Iguanas: Larger males dive in cold water due to their reduced body surface area, enhancing resistance to heat loss.

    Homeostasis and Physiological States

    • True homeostasis maintains a steady state where internal fluctuations remain largely independent of external conditions.
    • Evolution of sophisticated neurological systems, especially involving the hypothalamus, supports the maintenance of homeostasis.

    Thermal Properties of Aquatic Environments

    • Seawater has a higher specific heat capacity than air, causing rapid heat loss in aquatic organisms.
    • To retain internal temperatures above the ambient conditions, aquatic animals develop heat conservation strategies.

    Counter-current Exchange Mechanisms

    • Found in many large fish, counter-current heat exchange minimizes heat loss by maintaining a temperature gradient within blood vessels.
    • A rete mirabile, a network of closely aligned arteries and veins, helps preserve core body temperatures in large fish.

    Heat Conservation in Aquatic Vertebrates

    • Counter-current heat exchange mechanisms are also present in other aquatic homeotherms, such as dolphins and whales.
    • Forms of insulation, including feathers, fur, and blubber, aid in temperature regulation.

    Biological Systems and Thermodynamics

    • Organic compounds like urea are synthesized from inorganic components, adhering to thermodynamic laws.
    • The concept of a vital force was debunked through research linking biological processes to physical laws.

    Thermodynamics in Biological Reactions

    • Chemical reactions obey the Arrhenius equation, but biological reactions often exceed these predictions.
    • Q10 defines how reaction rates vary with temperature, typically yielding values between 2 and 3.

    Enzyme Efficiency and Thermal Tolerance

    • Enzymes enhance biological system efficiency but are also sensitive to temperature changes, affecting organism thermal tolerance.
    • Thermal tolerance varies due to structural and enzymatic differences among species.

    Terminology in Thermal Biology

    • Eurytherm: Organisms that can tolerate a wide temperature range.
    • Stenotherm: Organisms with a narrow temperature tolerance.
    • Poikilotherm: Ectothermic organisms with variable body temperature.
    • Homeotherm: Endothermic organisms that maintain a constant internal temperature.

    Performance in Extreme Environments

    • Poikilothermic organisms face significant temperature fluctuations over short time intervals, driving adaptations.
    • Adaptation is a genetic process allowing populations to evolve in response to environmental factors, distinct from individual acclimation.

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    Description

    Explore the laws of nature governing biological systems, including thermodynamics and its applications in biological reactions. Learn how the synthesis of urea challenged the concept of vital force and understand the role of temperature in chemical reactions.

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