Section 6: Organisms respond to change in their enviroments Flashcards

(188 cards)

1
Q

What is homeostasis?

A

The process by which a living organism maintains a stable internal environment.

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2
Q

True or False: Homeostasis only involves temperature regulation.

A

False

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3
Q

What is primarily responsible for thermoregulation in humans?

A

The hypothalamus.

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: The maintenance of blood glucose levels is an example of ________.

A

homeostasis.

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5
Q

What is the role of negative feedback in homeostasis?

A

To counteract changes from a set point to maintain stability.

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6
Q

Which hormone decreases blood glucose levels?

A

Insulin.

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7
Q

What is the primary function of the kidneys in homeostasis?

A

To regulate water and electrolyte balance.

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8
Q

True or False: Positive feedback mechanisms are commonly used in homeostasis.

A

False

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9
Q

What is the role of the pancreas in homeostasis?

A

To regulate blood sugar levels by secreting insulin and glucagon.

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10
Q

What is the term for the body’s ability to respond to changes in the internal environment?

A

Responsiveness.

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11
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a component of homeostasis? A) Sensor B) Control Center C) Effectors D) Stimulus

A

D) Stimulus

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12
Q

What happens when body temperature rises above the normal range?

A

Sweating occurs to cool the body down.

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13
Q

Fill in the blank: The ________ is responsible for thermoregulation in the human body.

A

hypothalamus.

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14
Q

What is osmoregulation?

A

The regulation of water and solute concentrations in the body.

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15
Q

True or False: The body can tolerate significant deviations from its set points.

A

False

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16
Q

Which part of the brain regulates thirst?

A

The hypothalamus.

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17
Q

What is the effect of glucagon on blood glucose levels?

A

It increases blood glucose levels.

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18
Q

Multiple Choice: Which hormone is responsible for water reabsorption in the kidneys? A) Aldosterone B) Insulin C) Glucagon D) Testosterone

A

A) Aldosterone

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19
Q

What is the function of baroreceptors?

A

To detect changes in blood pressure.

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20
Q

Fill in the blank: The ________ feedback mechanism amplifies a response.

A

positive.

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21
Q

True or False: Homeostasis is only important for survival in extreme environments.

A

False

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22
Q

What is the primary role of the adrenal glands in homeostasis?

A

To respond to stress and regulate metabolism.

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23
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following processes helps in thermoregulation? A) Evaporation B) Condensation C) Filtration D) Respiration

A

A) Evaporation

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24
Q

What is the role of the liver in blood glucose homeostasis?

A

To store and release glucose as needed.

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25
Fill in the blank: The ________ senses changes in temperature.
hypothalamus.
26
What is the main function of the integumentary system in homeostasis?
To protect the body and help regulate temperature.
27
True or False: All organisms maintain homeostasis in the same way.
False
28
What role do effectors play in homeostasis?
They carry out responses to restore balance.
29
What is the function of the thyroid gland in homeostasis?
To regulate metabolism and energy levels.
30
Multiple Choice: Which system is primarily involved in chemical signaling for homeostasis? A) Nervous B) Endocrine C) Muscular D) Skeletal
B) Endocrine
31
What is thermogenesis?
The process of heat production in organisms.
32
Fill in the blank: ________ is the process of maintaining a stable internal environment.
Homeostasis
33
True or False: Maintaining pH balance is a part of homeostasis.
True
34
What does the term 'set point' refer to in homeostasis?
The normal range or level for a physiological parameter.
35
What is the role of the hypothalamus in regulating body temperature?
It acts as the body's thermostat.
36
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a method of heat loss? A) Conduction B) Convection C) Radiation D) All of the above
D) All of the above
37
What is the significance of homeostasis for organisms?
It allows them to function optimally despite external changes.
38
Fill in the blank: The ________ system plays a key role in controlling homeostasis.
nervous.
39
True or False: Homeostatic mechanisms can be overridden by conscious thought.
True
40
What is the primary purpose of feedback systems in homeostasis?
To maintain equilibrium in the body.
41
What is the role of sweat glands in homeostasis?
To cool the body through evaporation.
42
Multiple Choice: Which part of the nephron is primarily responsible for water reabsorption? A) Glomerulus B) Loop of Henle C) Collecting duct D) Proximal tubule
C) Collecting duct
43
What is the function of the respiratory system in homeostasis?
To regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
44
Fill in the blank: Homeostasis involves the regulation of ________ in the body.
internal conditions.
45
True or False: All homeostatic processes are automatic and do not require energy.
False
46
What is the function of the circulatory system in homeostasis?
To transport nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the body.
47
Explain the importance of Homeostasis
Enzymes and other proteins are sensitive to temperature and ph changes this these factpros must be controlled Changes in water potential of the blood and tissue fluids may cause cells to shrink and expand as a result of osmosis Organisms with the ability to maintain a constant internal environment internal environment are more independent of changes in the external environment
48
Why is maintaining a constant temperature so important in mammals
Because enzymes function within a narrow range of temperatures Fluctuations from optimum temperature means enzymes function less efficiently. If the variation is extreme the enzyme may be denatured and cease function all together A constant temperature means that reactions occur at a predictable and constant rate
49
Suggest why maintaining a constant blood glucose might be important in mammals
Ensures constant water potential Could cause cells to shrink or expand due to osmosis In both situations cells cannot operate normally
50
Explain the advantage of having separate negative feedback mechanisms to control deviations away from normal
It gives a greater degree of homeostatic control
51
Explain why negative feedback is import at in maintaining a system at a set point
If the information is not fed back once an effector has corrected any deviation and returned the system to the set point, the receptor will continue to stimulate the effector and an over-correction will lead to a deviation in the opposite direction from the original one
52
What does the hormone Adrenaline do. in short
Break glycogen down to glucose
53
How does Adrenaline cause the conversion of glycogen to glucose
Adrenaline binds to receptor site in liver cell The binding causes the protein to change shape which activates adenyl cyclase The activated adenyl cyclase converts ATP to cyclic AMP The cAMP acts as a second messenger that binds to kinase enzyme catalysing the conversion of glycogen to glucose
54
What does the active protien kinase enzyme catalyse
the conversion of glycogen to glucose
55
How is the enzyme kinase activated
When cAMP acts as a second messenger and binds to it changing its shape
56
When adrenaline binds to a protein what enzyme does it activate and what does that enzyme do
adenyl cyclase converts ATP to cyclic AMP
57
How does glucagon convert glycogen to glucose
Binds to receptor in cell surface membrane Changes shape of protein Enzyme adenyl cyclase activated adenyl cyclase converts ATP to cAMP cAMP activates protein kinase which catalyses conversion of glycogen to glucose
58
What is the 1st and 2nd messenger in the blood regulation second messenger system.
1st messenger is glucagon or adrenaline 2nd messenger is cAMP
59
What is the advantage of using a 2nd messenger in the control of blood glucose
1. Signal amplification allows a small amount of hormone to produce a large response. 2. Enables a faster response as the second messenger rapidly diffuses through the cell to trigger a response. 3. More than one hormone can activate it
60
What is glycogenesis
Conversion of glucose into glycogen insulin
61
What does insulin activate
Glycogenesis - conversion of glucose to glycogen in liver and muscles increases permeability of muscle cell membranes so they can absorb more glucose increases rate of repiration in muscle cells increases fat synthesis
62
If the blood glucose concentration is too high what happens
B cells in the islet of langerhans detect change Hormone insulin secreted which activates - glycogenesis, inc rate of respiration, inc fat synthesis, inc permeability of muscle membrane so they absorb more glucose
63
What is the break down on glycogen to glucose called and what triggers it
glycogenolysis glucagon or adrenaline
64
What happens when blood glucose levels are low
A-cells in islets of langerhans detect change release hormone glucagon glucagon binds to receptor activates adenyl cyclase which converts ATP to cAMP which activates glycogenolysis that converts glycogen to glucose also acticvates enzymes involved in formation of glucose from non-carbs - glyconeogenesis decreases rate of respiration of glucose in cells
65
What is gluconeogenesis and what hormone activates it
production of glucose from sources other than carbohydrates glucagon
66
What cells produce glucagon and insulin and where are they
Islets of langerhans in the pancreas a cells produce glucagon b cells produce insulin
67
what three factors influence blood glucose concentration
diet hydrolysis in the small intestine of glycogen = glycogenolysis gluconeogenesis = production of glucose from sources other carbohydrates
68
______ lowers the blood glucose concentration
Insulin
69
______ increases glucose concentration
glucagon
70
What are 2 symptoms of diabetes
tiredness increased thirst and hunger
71
State one difference between the causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Type 1 is caused by an inability to produce insulin Type 2 is caused by receptors on body cells losing their responsiveness to insulin
72
Describe how both type 1 and 2 diabetes are controlled
Type 1 is controlled by the injection of insulin Type 2 is controlled by regulating carbohydrate intake in the diet and matching this to the amount of exercise taken
73
Suggest why tiredness is a symptom of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where insulin is not produced by the pancreas, leading to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Id the level is below normal there may be insufficient glucose for eh release of energy by cells during respiration Muscle and brain cells in particular may therefore be less active, leading to tiredness
74
Suggest lifestyle changes to reduce you risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Match your carbohydrates intake to the amount of exercise that you take. Avoid becoming overweight by not consuming excessive quantities of carbohydrate and by taking regular exercise
75
List the structure of the nephron in order the blood is filtered
afferent arteriole Renal (bowman’s) capsule - cells called podocytes Glomerulus efferent arteriole Proximal convoluted tube Loop of Henle distal convoluted tube Collecting duct
76
Describe the process of ultrafiltration in the kidney. (3 marks)
1. High hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus forces small molecules out of the blood. 2. Molecules pass through the capillary endothelium, basement membrane, and podocytes. 3. Large molecules like proteins and blood cells are too big to pass through.
77
How is the proximal convoluted tubule adapted for reabsorption? (3 marks)
1. Microvilli increase surface area for absorption. 2. Many mitochondria provide energy for active transport. 3. Carrier proteins for facilitated diffusion and active transport.
78
Explain the role of the loop of Henle in producing concentrated urine. (4 marks)
• Sodium ions are actively transported out of the ascending. limb. • This creates a water potential gradient in the medulla. • Water leaves the descending limb by osmosis. • Filtrate becomes more concentrated as it moves down.
79
What is the role of ADH in osmoregulation? (4 marks
• ADH binds to receptors in the collecting duct walls. • Aquaporins are inserted into the membrane. • This increases water reabsorption by osmosis. • Urine becomes more concentrated.
80
How does a longer loop of Henle benefit desert animals? (2 marks)
• Creates a steeper water potential gradient in the medulla. • Allows more water reabsorption, producing very concentrated urine.
81
Describe the differences in composition between blood plasma, glomerular filtrate, and urine. (3 marks)
• Blood plasma: Contains proteins and cells (not filtered). • Glomerular filtrate: Similar to plasma but lacks large proteins and cells. • Urine: High in urea and salts, low in glucose and amino acids (reabsorbed).
82
State where the cells which monitor the water potential of the blood are located
hypothalamus
83
What is a taxis?
A taxis is a simple response whose direction is determined by the direction of the stimulus taxes are classified according to whether the movement is towards the stimulus (positive taxis) or away from the stimulus (negative taxis) and also by the nature of the stimulus
84
Name the type of response of a species of bacteria moving away from the waste products they produce.
Negative chemotaxis - wastes are often removed from an organism because they are harmful. moving away prevents the waster harming the organism and thus increases its chance of survival.
85
Name the type of response of sperm cells of a moss plant being attracted to a chemical produced by the female reproductive organ of another moss plant.
Positive chemotaxis - increases the chances of sperm cells fertilising the egg cell which helps produce more moss plants. Cross-fertilisation increases genetic variability, making species better able to adapt to future environmental changes
86
Name the type of response of a young stem of seedling growing away from gravity
Negative gravotropism - takes the seedlings above the ground and into the light, where they can photosynthesise. more photosynthesis means more carbohydrate san so a better chance of survival
87
What is a tropism?
The growth of part of a plant in response to directional stimulus
88
What is indoleacetic acid (IAA)?
A plant growth factor which belongs to group of auxins
89
Describe how the shoots of flowering plants grow towards light. (positive phototropism)
Cells in the tip of the shoot produce IAA, which is then transported down the shoot IAA is initially transported evenly through all regions as it begins to move down the shoot Light causes the movement of IAA from the light side to the shaded side of the shoot A greater concentration of IAA builds up on the shaded side of the shoot than on the light side As IAA causes elongation of shoot cells, the cells on the shaded side elongate more causing it to bend to this light
90
Describe how gravitropism works in flowering plants
Cells in the tip of the root produce IAA when is then transported along the root Gravity influences the movement of IAA from the upper side to the lower side of the root A greater concentration of IAA builds up on the lower side of the root than on the upper side As IAA inhibits elongation of root cells and there is a greater concentration of IAA on the lower side, the cells on this side elongate less that those on the upper side causing it to bend downwards
91
Contrast how IAA works in the roots and the shoots of flowering plants.
I AA increases cell elongation in the shoots however inhibits cell elongation in the roots
92
Suggest two advantages to a plant of having roots that respond to gravity by growing in the direction of its force
Response ensures that roots grow down into the soil, anchoring the plant firmly and bringing them closer to water (needed for photosynthesis)
93
What are the importances of having a reflex arc?
They are involuntary and therefore do not require decision making by the brain They protect the body from harm They are fast
94
The nervous system has two major divisions:
Central nervous system (CNS) brain and spinal cord Peripheral nervous system (PNS) receptors, sensory and motor neurones
95
What are the three receptors you must know?
Pacinian corpuscle Rods Cones
96
The stimulation of a receptor leads to the establishment of a…
generator potential which can cause a responses
97
What stimulus does the pacinian corpuscle respond to? where are they?
pressure deep in the skin, mainly fingers and feet
98
Describe the resting state of the pacinian corpuscle.
Stretch-mediated sodium channels are too narrow for sodium to diffuse into the sensory neurone therefore resting potential is maintained
99
Describe what happens when a large amount of pressure is applied to skin.
Deforms the Pacinian corpuscle and the membrane around its neurone becomes stretched This stretching widens the sodium channels in the membrane and sodium ions diffuse into the neurone The influx of sodium ions changes the potential of the membrane ( ie it becomes depolarised ) thereby producing a generator potential The generator potential in turn creates an action potential (nerve impulse) that passes along the neurone and then, via other neurone, to the central nervous system
100
Describe a resting neurone.
The membrane is polarised The inside of the membrane is negative with respect to the outside (resting potential) Higher concentration of sodium ions outside than inside
101
Describe the structure of a Pacinian corpuscle
In the center you have the end of a sensory neurone This is surrounded by connective tissue layers Between each layer of connective tissue there is a layer of gel
102
Describe the stretch-mediated sodium channel
A special type of sodium channel that changes its permeability to sodium when it changes shape / is stretched
103
Explain why brightly coloured objects often appear grey in dim light
Only rod cells are stimulated by low-intensity (dim) light. Rod cells cannot distinguish between different wavelengths / colours of light, therefore the object is perceived only in a mixture of black and white, i.e. grey.
104
Where are rods and cones found?
In the retina
105
Are there more rod cells or cone cells?
Rod cells
106
What are the two types of photoreceptors cells in the retina?
Rod cells and cone cells
107
What pigment is found in rod cells?
Rhodopsin, which is sensitive to low light intensities
108
What pigment is found in cone cells?
Iodopsin, which requires higher light intensity to break down
109
How many types of cone cells are there, and what do they detect?
Three types: each sensitive to red, green, or blue light wavelengths.
110
What type of vision do rod cells provide?
Monochromatic (black and white) vision in dim light.
111
What type of vision do cone cells provide?
Trichromatic (colour) vision in bright light
112
Where the rod cells predominantly located in the retina?
In the peripheral regions of the retina
113
Where are cone cells predominantly located in the retina?
Concentrated in the fovea, the central part of the retina
114
How do rod cells connect bipolar neurones?
Multiple rod cells synapse with single bipolar neuron, leading to spatial summation
115
How do cone cells connect bipolar neurones?
Each cone cell connects to its own bipolar neuron, allowing for high visual acuity
116
Why do rod cells have high sensitivity to light?
Due to spatial summation, the combined effect of multiple rod cells increases the likelihood of reaching the threshold to generate an action potential
117
Why do cone cells have low sensitivity to light?
Each cone cell operates independently, requiring higher light intensity to reach the threshold for an action potential
118
What is the visual acuity of rod cells?
Low visual acuity because rod cells share the same neural pathway.
119
What is the visual acuity of cone cells?
High visual acuity due to the one-to-one connection with bipolar neurones
120
In what lighting conditions are cone cells most effective?
Bright light conditions (photopic vision)
121
In what lighting conditions are rod cells most effective?
Dim light conditions (scotopic vision)
122
DO cone cells contribute to colour vision?
Yes, they are responsible for detecting different colours based on wavelength
123
What happens to rhodopsin when exposed to light?
it breaks down (bleaches), leading to the generation of a nerve impulse
124
Why is the fovea associated with sharp vision?
Because it contains a high density of cone cells, each connected to a single bipolar neuron, allowing for detailed vision
125
What is bipolar convergence in the retina?
Its when multiple rod cells connect to a single bipolar neuron
126
What effect does bipolar convergence have on sensitivity?
Increases sensitivity in low light because signals from several rod cells combine (summation) to reach threshold and trigger an action potential
127
Do cone cells show bipolar convergence?
No. Each cone cell connects to its own bipolar neurone
128
How does bipolar convergence affect visual acuity?
Rod cells have low visual acuity due to convergence; cone cells have high acuity because there’s no convergence
129
What is a bipolar neurone?
A bipolar neurone is a type of nerve cell that connects photoreceptor cells (rod or cone cells) to a sensory neurone (which leads to the optic nerve)
130
Where are bipolar neurones found in the eye?
In the retina, between the photoreceptors and sensory neurones.
131
What is the function fo a bipolar neurone?
To transmit electrical a impulses from rod or cone cells to the sensory neurone
132
What is summation?
Summation is the combining of several small nerve impulses to reach the threshold needed to trigger an action potential
133
Where does summation occur in the retina?
In rod cells, where multiple cells connect to one bipolar neurone.
134
Why is summation important in rod cells?
it allows detection of very low light levels by combining weak signals to reach threshold.
135
What is the purpose of the sympathetic nervous system?
helps us cope in stressful situations by heightening our awareness and preparing us for activity (flight or fight response)
136
What is the purpose of the parasympathetic nervous system?
inhibits effectors and slows down any activity - conserving energy adn replenishing the body’s reserves
137
What does the sympathetic nervous system trigger the heart rate to do?
Increase
138
What does the parasympathetic nervous system trigger the heart rate to do?
Decrease
139
What does it mean that the heart is myogenic?
It can initiate its own contractions without external nervous stimulation
140
What is the role of the sinoatrial node (SAN)?
Acts as the heart’s pacemaker by initiating electrical impulses causing atrial contraction
141
What is the function of the artrioventricular node (AVN)?
Receives impulses from the SAN, introduces a delay, and transmits them to the ventricles via bundle of His
142
What is the bundle of His and Purkyne tissue?
Specialised fibres that conduct impulses from the AVN to the ventricles, causing them to contract
143
What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
A part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions, including heart rate
144
What is the role of the medulla oblong at a in heart rate control?
It processes information from receptors and sends signals via the ANS to adjust heart rate
145
What are chemoreceptors and their function in heart rate regulation?
Receptors that detect changes in blood ph due to CO2 levels, influencing heart rate accordingly
146
What are baroreceptors and their role in heart rate control?
Receptors that detect changes in blood pressure, promoting adjustments in heart rate
147
How does the body respond to low blood pressure?
baroreceptors detect the drop, medulla increases sympathetic activity, increasing heart rate
148
how does the body respond to high blood pressure?
Baroreceptors detect the rise, medulla increases parasympathetic activity, decreasing heart rate
149
What is the neurotransmitter used by the sympathetic nervous system to increase heart rate?
Noradrenaline
150
What is the neurotransmitter used by the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease heart rate?
Acetylcholine
151
Explain how the autonomic nervous systemtem controls heart rate in response to changes in blood pressure (6marks)
• Baroreceptors in the aorta and carotid arteries detect changes in blood pressure. • If blood pressure rises, baroreceptors increase the frequency of nerve impulses to the medulla oblongata. • The medulla increases parasympathetic output and decreases sympathetic output. • Parasympathetic nerves release acetylcholine, which acts on the sinoatrial node (SAN). • This decreases the rate of SAN firing, leading to a slower heart rate. • Conversely, if blood pressure falls, the medulla increases sympathetic output, releasing noradrenaline to increase heart rate.
152
Describe how the heart rate increases during exercise?
• During exercise, increased muscle activity raises CO₂ levels in the blood. • Chemoreceptors in the aorta and carotid arteries detect the rise in CO₂. • They send impulses to the medulla oblongata, which increases sympathetic nervous activity. • Sympathetic nerves release noradrenaline at the SAN, increasing the heart rate.
153
Explain how the hears electrical activity is coordinated to ensure efficient pumping. 5 marks
• The SAN initiates an electrical impulse causing atrial contraction. • A non-conductive layer prevents immediate transmission to the ventricles. • The impulse reaches the AVN, introducing a delay to allow atria to empty. • The impulse then travels via the bundle of His and Purkyne fibers to the ventricles. • This causes ventricles to contract from the base upwards, efficiently pumping blood.
154
What is the role of chemoreceptors in regulating heart rate? 3marks
• Chemoreceptors detect changes in blood CO₂ levels. • An increase in CO₂ lowers blood pH, which is detected by chemoreceptors. • They send signals to the medulla, which increases sympathetic activity to raise heart rate, enhancing CO₂ removal.
155
Describe how the nervous system controls hear rate during rest and activity. 6marks
• At rest, parasympathetic nerves release acetylcholine at the SAN, reducing heart rate. • During activity, increased CO₂ is detected by chemoreceptors. • They send impulses to the medulla, which increases sympathetic output. • Sympathetic nerves release noradrenaline at the SAN, increasing heart rate. • This ensures adequate oxygen delivery and CO₂ removal during activity. • Once activity ceases, CO₂ levels drop, and parasympathetic activity resumes to lower heart rate. D
156
Suppose the parasympathetic nerve connections from the medulla oblong at a to the sinoatrial node were cut. Suggest what might happen if a person’s blood pressure increases above normal.
Blood pressure remains high because the parasympathetic system is unable to transmit nerve impulses to the SA node, which decreases heart rate and so lowers blood pressure
157
The concentration of fluid in this tubule remains constant. Explain why.
Water is reabsorbed also
158
Explain the shape of the curve in the loop of Henle on a graph.
159
Explain the
160
Describe homeostasis
Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal envioroment in organisms
161
Explain why mantaining a constant temperature is important in mammals
Mantaining a constant temperature is important because enzymes function within a narrow range of temperatures, fluctuations from the optimum temperature mean enzymes function less efficiently. If the variation is extreme, the enzyme may be denatures and cease to function altogether. A constant temperature means that reactions occur at a predictable and constant rate.
162
Explain the advantage of having separate negative feedback mechanisms to control deviations away from normal.
It gives a greater degree of homeostatic control
163
What three main hormones regulate blood glucose levels?
Insulin, glucagon and Adrenaline
164
Almost all bodies have glycoproteins receptors on their cell-surface membranes that bind specifically with insulin molecules. When it combines with receptors insulin brings about:
1. change in the teritary structure of the glucose transport carrier proteins, causing them to change shape and open, allowing more glucose into the cells by facilitated diffusion 2. increase in the number of carrier proteins responsible for glucose transport in the cell-surface membrane 3. activation on the enzymes that convert glucose to glycogen and fat
165
Glucagons actions include:
1. attaching specific protein receptors on their cell-surface membranes of liver cells 2. activating enzymes that convert glycogen to glucose (=glycogenolysis) 3. activating enzymes involved in the conversion of amino acids and glycerol into glucose (=gluconeogenesis)
166
Adrenaline raises the blood glucose concentration by:
1. attaching to protein receptors on their cell-surface membranes that bind of target cells 2. activating enzymes that causes the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver
167
Differentiate the two forms of diabetes.
Type 1 (insulin dependant) is due to the body being unable to produce insulin. normally begins in childhood. Type 2 (insulin independent) is normally due to glycoproteins receptors on body cells being lost or losing their responsiveness to insulin.
168
Differentiate how both types of diabetes are treated.
Type 1 - regular injections of insulin Type 2 - regulating intake of carbohydrate into the diet and exercise
169
What is the role if the afferent arteriole and where is it located?
A tiny vessel that ultimately arises from the renal artery and supplies the nephron with blood. The afferent arteriole enters the renal capsule of the nephron where it forms the glomerulus
170
What is the role and location of the efferent arteriole?
A tiny vessel that leaves the renal capsule. it has a smaller diameter than the afferent arteriole and so causes an increase in blood pressure within the glomerulus. The efferent arteriole carries blood away from the renal capsule and later branches to from the blood capillaries.
171
Name the structure in the nephron where the majority of water is reabsorbed
Proximal convoluted tubule
172
Describe how the proximal convoluted tubule is adapted to its function
Micro villi to provide a large surface area to reabsorb substances from the filtrate; unfolding at their bases to give a large surface area to transfer reabsorbed substances into blood capillaries; a high density of mitochondria to provide ATP for the active transport
173
What restricts the movement of filtrate out of the glomerulus?
Capillary endothelial cells Connective tissue and endothelial cells of the blood capillaries (basement membrane) Podocytes Epithelial cells of the renal capsule The hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the renal capsule space The low water potential of the blood in the glomerulus
174
What does urine contain?
Water Dissolved salts urea other small substances e.g hormones and excess vitamins
175
What things does urine not contain in a healthy person and why?
Proteins and blood cells - proteins are too large to be filtered out of the blood Glucose - all glucose is absorbed at the selective reabsorption stage in the PCT
176
How does blood enter the many smaller capillaries which make up the glomerulus?
Through the afferent arteriole
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The large proteins and blood cells that remain in the capillary’s of the glomerulus, where do they go?
This blood leaves via the efferent arteriole and
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Where does selective reabsorption take place?
Proximal convoluted tubule
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Describe selective reabsorption.
1. Sodium ions are actively transported out of the cells lining in the PCT into blood capillaries which take them away. The sodium ion concentration of these cells is therefore lowered. 2. Sodium ions now diffuse down a concentration gradient from the lumen of the PCT into the epithelial lining but only through special carrier proteins by facillitated diffusion. 3. These carrier proteins are of specific types, each of which carries another molecule along with the sodium ions. This is known as co-transport 4. The molecules that have been co-transported into the cell then diffuse into the blood. This is how all the glucose is reabsorbed always put reabsorbed in kidney not absorbed
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Contrast the ascending limb and descending limb structure.
The descending limb, which is narrow, with thin walls that are highly permeable to water The ascending limb, which is wider, with thick walls that are impermeable to water
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What happens in the Distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct?
Due to all the sodium ions being actively transported out of the Loop of Henle, when the filtrate reaches the DCT it is very dilute the filtrate moves into the DCT and collecting duct, this section of the medula is very concentrated. Therefore, even more water diffuses out of the DCT and the collecting duct What remains is transported to form urine
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Describe the movement of ions in the loop of henle
Mitochondria int he walls of the cells provide energy to actively transported out sodium ions out of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle The accumulation of sodium ions in outside of the nephron in the medulla lowers the water potential Therefore water diffuses out by osmosis into the interstitial space and then the blood capillaries (water is reabsorbed into the blood At the base of the ascending limb some sodium ions are transported out by diffusion, as there is now a very dilute solution due to all the water that has not moved out.
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Suggest how the length of the loop of henle will differ for a desert animal compared to a human. Explain why?
Desert animals will have a longer loop of Henle. Therefore, more sodium ions that are actively transported out, and an even more negative water potential is created, resulting in more water being reabsorbed into the blood.
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Why must the water potential of the blood be controlled closely?
If the water potential becomes to low, water will move out the cells via osmosis If the water potential becomes to high, water will move into cells via osmosis Either of these situations could be very harmful
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Where is ADH synthesised and stored?
Synthesised in the hypothalamus Stored in the posterior pituitary gland
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Describe how the body releases ADH when a person becomes dehydrated
Water potential of the blood decreases due to lack of water Thus water leaves osmoreceptor cells via osmosis osmoreceptor cells shrink posterior pituitary gland releases ADH into bloodstream
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Describe the action of ADH
ADH molecules attach to the cell surface receptors of the collecting duct This triggers an enzyme called andenylate cyclase to produce the molecule cyclic AMP (second messenger) cAMP triggers the vesicles to move to and fuse with the cell-surface membrane the aqua porin molecules insert into the cell-surface membrane Now a large number of water molecules move through the aqua porins into the cell by osmosis ADH also increases the permeability of the collecting duct to urea, which therefore passes out, further lowering the water potential of the fluid around the duct
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What does adrenaline trigger…
Glycogenolysis the hydrolysis of glycogen to glucose