2006-09-13 14:06:54 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
They could, except their are limiting factors. The cell would have to create the heat, and that uses a lot of energy, so it's probably not be worthwhile. Also, biological matter is sensitive to heat, so enough heat could denature the living cell, in whole or in part.
2006-09-13 14:11:05 · answer #1 · answered by lizettadf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Up to a point, reptiles do this. They have cellular molecules that work at a variety of temperatures; as heat increases, they work faster. But organisms like us, with a set temperature, have proteins that are specialized for that temperature. If you raise the temperature to deliver more heat, one of the reactions you'll speed up is protein denaturation. Then you'll lack catalysts for many important reactions, and you'll die.
2006-09-17 11:52:38 · answer #2 · answered by Lorelei 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mainly in order to lower the activation energy to increase the speed of chemical reaction, cells can increase enzyme activity and concentration without changing temperature significantly. Environmental factor such as pH, salt concentration, can also account for increase of speed directly or indirectly.
2016-03-27 00:26:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
our cells are only viable at neutral pH and temp around 98.6 F/ 37 C....if homeostasis is compromised your cells break down. also cells don't really speed up reactions thats the job of enzymes and co-enzymes (aka vitamins). a fever is a whole other situation. its difficult to write here when the answers could fill chapters in a textbook.
2006-09-13 14:42:12 · answer #4 · answered by ummmyeah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it probably wouldnt be efficient. Our bodies have developed over time to be more efficient. Also a large amount of heat could damage enzymes needed for the reactions.
2006-09-13 14:09:25 · answer #5 · answered by RichUnclePennybags 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Protein denatures under large amounts of heat, generally.
2006-09-13 15:19:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do... but eventually you reach the point at which so-called "temperature sensitive proteins" are denatured, which isn't good for the cell! I wouldn't swear to it, but I think we humans start to have problems with this at about 105 degrees fahrenheit.
2006-09-13 14:53:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought they could hence why people get fevers when they are sick, that is a sign the body is activating one of its defenses.
2006-09-13 14:15:04 · answer #8 · answered by Ankh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋