# Explain why homeostasis is important for the normal functioning of the body.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.5.1 Homeostasis · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Homeostasis is the regulation of internal conditions of a cell or organism
2. To maintain optimum conditions for enzyme activity / metabolic reactions / cell function
3. In response to internal and/or external changes / stimuli
4. Negative feedback cycles are used to reverse a change and restore optimum levels

## Key terms

- [homeostasis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/homeostasis)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-homeostasis-is-important-for-b8a191db) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.