Some species of fish that live in the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean have evolved an "antifreeze" protein. Why might this protein be important to homeostasis?
A)The protein might be involved in transporting water into fish cells during cold weather. The more water in the cell, the smaller the chance that ice crystals will form.
B)The protein might prevent ice crystals from forming inside cells, which would prevent damage to the plasma membrane when temperatures are low.
C)The protein might be involved in removing solutes from fish cells during cold weather. With fewer solutes in the cell, essential chemical reactions are more likely to occur.
D)The protein might allow this species of fish to survive global warming by allowing it to carry out chemical reactions that would normally be prevented by warm temperatures.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The antifreeze protein helps prevent ice crystals from forming inside cells, which can damage the plasma membrane when temperatures are low. This is important to maintain homeostasis because damage to cells can disrupt normal physiological functions.

Some Species of Fish That Live in the Cold Waters