OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Why is it dangerous if body conditions vary significantly from normal levels?

1. It can cause weight fluctuations

2. It can disrupt metabolic reactions

3. It can enhance physical performance

4. It can reduce energy consumption

The correct answer is: It can disrupt metabolic reactions

The correct answer highlights that significant variations from normal body conditions can disrupt metabolic reactions. The human body relies on a tightly regulated internal environment, known as homeostasis, to function effectively. This includes maintaining stable conditions such as temperature, pH, hydration levels, and concentrations of various biochemicals. When these conditions shift drastically, it can lead to a cascade of effects that negatively impact enzymes and metabolic pathways. Enzymes, which are crucial for catalyzing biochemical reactions, often have an optimal range for temperature and pH. Deviations can lead to reduced enzyme activity or denaturation, causing metabolic processes to become inefficient or halt altogether. This disruption can affect everything from energy production to the synthesis of essential molecules, ultimately resulting in compromised health and potentially life-threatening situations. The context of the other options includes factors like weight fluctuations being a potential consequence of metabolic disruption but not the primary reason it is considered dangerous. Enhancing physical performance is generally not a result of significant deviations from normal body conditions; rather, extreme conditions usually impair functioning. Reduced energy consumption may occur in specific situations but is not a typical result of significant fluctuations, particularly in a harmful manner. Thus, the most direct and critical danger lies in the disruption of metabolic reactions.