Life Processes (Extra Credit)

The life function responsible for the coordination and control of all life activities in an organism is known as regulation. This includes processes such as maintaining body temperature, controlling heart rate, and regulating hormone levels. Regulation ensures that all systems in the body work together harmoniously to maintain homeostasis and respond to changes in the internal and external environment.

The correct answer is "obtain and process materials needed for other activities." Nutrition refers to the processes by which organisms obtain and utilize nutrients for growth, development, and maintenance. Organisms need to acquire essential nutrients from their environment and then process them through digestion and metabolism to produce energy and build new molecules for various activities such as growth, repair, and reproduction.

Maintenance of the pH of human blood within a certain range is an example of homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. In the case of blood pH, the body regulates it within a narrow range of 7.35-7.45. This is crucial for optimal functioning of enzymes and other biochemical processes in the body. Various physiological mechanisms, such as the buffering system and the regulation of breathing rate, work together to maintain blood pH within this range.

Reproduction is not required for the survival of an individual organism. While respiration, synthesis, and nutrition are all essential life activities that ensure the organism's survival, reproduction is not necessary for the individual's immediate survival. Reproduction is important for the continuation of the species, but an individual organism can survive without reproducing.

Organisms combine simple molecules to form complex molecules through the process of synthesis. This involves the creation of new chemical bonds between the simple molecules to produce larger and more complex molecules. Synthesis is a fundamental process in living organisms and is essential for growth, repair, and the production of necessary molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

The correct answer is transport. Transport refers to the process of absorption and distribution of materials within an organism. This includes the movement of nutrients, gases, and other substances throughout the body to support various life functions. Without proper transport, organisms would not be able to obtain necessary resources and distribute them to different parts of the body for growth, repair, and other essential processes.

Respiration is the process by which chemical energy stored in molecules such as glucose is converted into a usable form of energy called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process occurs in cells and is essential for various cellular activities, including growth, movement, and reproduction. Through respiration, the energy stored in glucose molecules is released and used to fuel the metabolic processes of an organism. Therefore, the statement "chemical energy is converted into a usable form" accurately describes the process of respiration.

Metabolism includes the other three processes: synthesis, excretion, and nutrition. Metabolism refers to the chemical reactions that occur in the body to convert food into energy and build or break down molecules. Synthesis is a part of metabolism as it involves the creation of new molecules. Excretion is also a part of metabolism as it involves the removal of waste products from the body. Lastly, nutrition is a part of metabolism as it involves the intake and processing of nutrients from food.

Excretion refers to the process of eliminating waste products from the body. In this context, it is best described as the removal of metabolic wastes from a cell. Metabolic wastes are byproducts of cellular metabolism that need to be eliminated to maintain cellular homeostasis. This can include substances like carbon dioxide, urea, and excess ions. By excreting these waste products, cells can ensure that their internal environment remains balanced and free from harmful substances.