Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How does physiology connect the study of molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and whole organisms?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Physiology
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the power source of many biochemical reactions. It is produced in the cell structures and system listed at the left to energize the important life processes listed on the right. An abbreviated chemical formula of the structure of ATP is also shown. The two high-energy PāOāP bonds are responsible for its power.
Physiology is the study of the functioning of living organisms and their constituent parts, ranging from the molecular level to the whole organism. It connects these levels of biological organization by emphasizing function over structure, viewing the organism as a highly integrated system where physiological processes are the result of complex, coordinated activities.123
Connecting Biological Levels
- Molecules and Cells: Modern physiology recognizes that cellular mechanismsāsuch as synthesis, control, and inheritanceāare driven by the fundamental properties of the molecules that constitute them. Biochemistry provides the foundation for understanding how these molecular reactions integrate to support life.23
- Tissues and Organs: Cells group together to form tissues, which in turn organize into organs and organ systems. Physiology analyzes these systems by examining how they perform specialized functions like metabolism, transport, and information processing.24
- Whole Organisms: These systems work together to maintain homeostasis, a self-regulating process that keeps the internal environment stable despite external changes. By applying physical and chemical principles, physiology explains how these integrated processes ensure the survival of the entire organism.512