Cellular activity is stimulated, which generates heat, _ the body temperature – [Free] B44
Cellular activity is stimulated, which generates heat, _ the body temperature
Biological Thermoregulation
Question:
Cellular activity is stimulated, which generates heat, ___ the body temperature.
Fill in the blank: Is it raising or lowering the body temperature?
Answer with Full Explanation:
Step 1: Understanding Cellular Activity and Metabolism
When cellular activity is stimulated, the metabolic processes in the cells increase. This leads to a higher rate of biochemical reactions—particularly those involving ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
ATP is the energy currency of the cell. The breakdown of ATP (called ATP hydrolysis) releases energy, which is used for work and released as heat.
Step 2: ATP Hydrolysis and Heat Generation
The chemical equation for ATP hydrolysis is:
ATP + H₂O → ADP + Pi + Energy
Here, Pi stands for inorganic phosphate. Approximately 60% of the energy released in this process is lost as heat.
This heat production is known as thermogenesis, and it is a natural byproduct of energy metabolism.
Step 3: Effect on Body Temperature
As billions of cells in the body simultaneously increase their activity, the cumulative effect is a noticeable rise in the overall heat of the body.
This process is aligned with principles of bioenergetics—where the energy not used for mechanical or chemical work manifests as thermal energy.
Final Answer:
The missing word is: raising
So the full sentence reads: “Cellular activity is stimulated, which generates heat, raising the body temperature.”