Homeostasis and Cells Section 7.4

The Cell as an Organism Cells have to maintain homeostasis; in which they grow, respond to the environment, transform energy, and reproduce. Unicellular (one) organisms have to go through homeostasis too.

The Cell as an Organism (cont.) Prokaryotes (bacteria) are very adaptable to different environments. Energy is needed for each cell in order to maintain its homeostasis.

Multicellular Life Cells of multicellular organisms become specialized for particular tasks and communicate with one another to maintain homeostasis. Cell specialization- Each cell becomes specializes to a different type to play “different roles”. But the different cells “combine” together to form an organism.

Levels of Organization

Cellular Communication Cells communicate by chemical signals that are passed from one cell to another. Some form cellular junctions, some have small molecules carrying the messages. If a molecule is carrying the message, that cell must have a receptor (to which the signaling molecule can bind.