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Questions and Answers
What does metabolism refer to in living organisms?
What does metabolism refer to in living organisms?
Metabolism refers to all of the chemical reactions taking place inside cells of living things to keep them alive.
What are the two main types of metabolism?
What are the two main types of metabolism?
Catabolism and anabolism.
Where does cellular respiration take place in the cell?
Where does cellular respiration take place in the cell?
Cellular respiration takes place within the mitochondria.
What is the main purpose of cellular respiration?
What is the main purpose of cellular respiration?
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What are the three stages of aerobic cellular respiration?
What are the three stages of aerobic cellular respiration?
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What does growth and development involve in living organisms?
What does growth and development involve in living organisms?
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What is the purpose of apoptosis in the aging process?
What is the purpose of apoptosis in the aging process?
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How does homeostasis help in maintaining internal conditions in an organism?
How does homeostasis help in maintaining internal conditions in an organism?
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Give an example of how the body maintains homeostasis after a large meal.
Give an example of how the body maintains homeostasis after a large meal.
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What role do sweat glands play in the context of homeostasis?
What role do sweat glands play in the context of homeostasis?
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How do living processes work together to ensure the survival and wellbeing of organisms?
How do living processes work together to ensure the survival and wellbeing of organisms?
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Study Notes
Living Processes Explained
Living organisms exhibit various activities that allow them to survive, grow, reproduce, maintain stability, and respond to their environment. These activities can be broadly categorized into several interrelated living processes. In this article, we'll explore four primary ones: metabolism, cellular respiration, growth and development, and homeostasis.
Metabolism
Metabolism refers to all of the chemical reactions taking place inside cells of living things to keep them alive. It includes two main types: catabolism, which breaks down food molecules to produce energy, and anabolism, which combines simple molecules into complex structures needed by the body.
Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is part of metabolism; it involves breaking down glucose and other nutrients from our diet to release energy in small packets called ATPs (adenosine triphosphate). This process takes place within the mitochondria, microscopic powerhouses found in almost every cell in our bodies. There are three stages of aerobic cellular respiration: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
Growth and Development
Growth and development involve increase in size through production of new tissue and change in form due to interaction between genetically programmed changes and environmental influences. As we age, we go through cycles where we slowly lose older cells by apoptosis (programmed cell death) and replace them with newer cells produced through cell division and differentiation.
Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to make adjustments to its internal environment so that conditions remain constant. For example, if your blood sugar levels rise after eating a large meal, your pancreas will secrete insulin hormone to bring those levels back to normal range. Similarly, when you get too hot, sweat glands release water onto your skin to help cool you off.
These living processes work together synergistically to ensure survival and wellbeing of organisms. Understanding these processes helps us appreciate the complexity of life and fosters respect towards biological systems.
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Description
Explore the fundamental living processes that organisms exhibit to survive and thrive, including metabolism, cellular respiration, growth and development, and homeostasis. Gain insights into the interconnected activities that maintain life and balance in biological systems.
