Immune System and Cellular Communication
The immune system is vital for maintaining homeostasis in the body by defending against infections and foreign invaders. Cellular communication plays a crucial role in this process, with receptors being key components.
How does the immune system maintain homeostasis in the body? The immune system recognizes harmful organisms and produces appropriate responses to protect the body from disruptions in homeostasis caused by infections and toxins.
Definition: Immunity is the ability of the body to fight infection and foreign invaders by producing antibodies or killing infected cells.
Receptor importance in cellular communication:
- Receptors attach to hormones, facilitating chemical messages between cells.
- The shape of receptor molecules is crucial for their function, determining which hormones they can bind to.
Example: A typical human liver cell can have over 90,000 insulin receptors. Some individuals may have only about 1,000 insulin receptors due to genetic differences, potentially leading to conditions like diabetes.
Cell signaling and homeostasis:
The interaction between glucose and insulin levels demonstrates how the body maintains homeostasis. When glucose levels rise, it triggers the release of insulin, which then helps lower glucose levels in a feedback loop.
Highlight: The main function of the immune system is to protect the body from disruptions in homeostasis caused by infections and toxins.