Homeostasis

Cells strive to keep a constant balance with their environment. There are many cellular processes that are maintained at homeostasis by the cell.

• Definition: regulation of an organism's internal environment in order to maintain conditions suitable for survival

• Homeostasis in cells is maintained by moving substances into and out of the cell as needed.

To maintain homeostasis:

• Organisms must be able to respond and adapt to their environment.

• Cellular waste materials, like carbon dioxide, must be removed from cells.

• Nutrients, glucose, oxygen, and other materials must be moved into cells.

• Water is ALWAYS moving into and out of cells to maintain homeostasis!

• In humans, feedback loops are used to maintain homeostasis in blood sugar levels, body temperature, water balance, and many others.