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A scientist investigated the effect of changes in external temperature on a person’s internal body temperature - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 5
A scientist investigated the effect of changes in external temperature on a person’s internal body temperature. The graph shows the results of this investigation. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A scientist investigated the effect of changes in external temperature on a person’s internal body temperature - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
Calculate the difference in internal body temperature at 20°C and 40°C
Answer
From the graph:
- At an external temperature of 20°C, the internal body temperature is approximately 37.4°C.
- At an external temperature of 40°C, the internal body temperature is approximately 38.0°C.
To find the difference:
Therefore, the difference in internal body temperature is 0.6°C.
Step 2
Explain the significance of maintaining body temperature
Answer
It is essential to maintain body temperature at approximately 37°C for several reasons:
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Enzyme Functionality: Enzymes function optimally at 37°C. Deviations from this temperature can lead to reduced enzyme activity, impacting metabolic processes.
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Risk of Dehydration: Elevated temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration, as body systems require more water to cool down, potentially compromising physiological functions.