In the context of metabolism and homeostasis, which statement best defines homeostasis?

• A. The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.
• B. The breakdown of large molecules into smaller molecules to release energy for cellular work.
• C. The maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment despite external changes through physiological regulation.
• D. The process by which organisms increase in size and cell number over time through cell division.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key concept being asked about, which is 'homeostasis' in the context of metabolism and physiological regulation.
2. Recall the definition of homeostasis: it refers to the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.
3. Evaluate each provided statement to see which one aligns with this definition:
4. - The first statement describes osmosis, which is about water movement, not homeostasis itself.
5. - The second statement describes catabolism, the breakdown of molecules for energy, not homeostasis.
6. - The third statement matches the definition of homeostasis, emphasizing maintenance of internal stability through physiological regulation.
7. - The fourth statement describes growth through cell division, which is unrelated to homeostasis.
8. Conclude that the statement best defining homeostasis is the one about maintaining a relatively stable internal environment despite external changes.