Human Biology, 14 Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 1-25924-574-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-25924-574-9

Chapter 4 - Engage - Page 91: 2

Answer

Enzymes function to lower the activation energy of many reactions important in homeostasis for many of the body's essential physiological systems.

Work Step by Step

If enzymes were no longer produced, many of the biochemical reactions of the body would still proceed for a time, but at slower speeds. These slower rates might not be fast enough to return variant system parameters to values within their set homeostatic ranges. In such cases, systems would malfunction, organisms would fall ill, and if there is no corrective action taken (enzyme or product infusion/injection), tissue damage and organ malfunctions might lead to premature death.
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