Unit 1: Module 1 Flashcards
Define Response
It is the change in behaviour or physiology as a result of a change in the environment
Define Stimulus
It is any change in the environment which causes a response
What is needed for a good communication system? State 5 things.
1) Must cover the whole body
2) Must enable cells to communicate
3) Must enable specific communication
4) Must enable rapid communication
5) Must enable ST and LT responses
Cell signalling includes which systems?
The neuronal system and the hormonal system
What are the features of a neuronal system?
- It has interconnected network of neurones
- Signals each other across a synapse junction
- Conduct signals really quickly and responds quickly
What are the features of the hormonal system?
- Uses blood to transport signals
- Cells in endocrine organ release signals (hormones) directly into blood
- Signals are carried all over the body but recognised only by target cells
- Allows LT responses to be coordinated
Define Homeostasis
It is the maintenance of internal environment despite external changes
Define Negative feedback
It is the process that brings about a reversal of any change in condion.
E.g. ^temp = Sweating : Cool down
What must be kept constant for homeostasis? List 6 things.
1) Body temp
2) Blood glucose conc.
3) Blood salt conc.
4) Water potential of blood
5) Blood pressure
6) CO2 Conc.
Define positive feedback
Is the process that ^any change detected by receptors. Tends to be harmful and doesn’t lead to homeostasis.
Provide an example of a Positive feedback mechanism
1) During birth Cervix begins to stretch
2) This signals the pituitary gland
3) This stimulates the secretion of the hormone Oxytocin
4) This increases Uterine contractions
5) This enables Cervix to stretch more which stimulates the secretion of more Oxytocin
6) Then this allows Cervix to dilate more until the baby is born
Oxytocin is also known as the “Tend or befriend” hormone, because it prompts mother to protect her children
Define endotherm
Organisms that can maintain their own body temp. despite of external temperatures
Define Ectotherms
Organisms that rely on external sources of heat to regulate its body temp.
List features of an Ectotherm
- Can generate heat internally by ^ in respiration
- Use less food in respiration
- Can survive long periods without eating e.g. Snakes
- Most of their energy from food is used in growth
- Less active in winter (Predation)
- Must have sufficient energy store to survive through winter
- Can change physiology to ^ absorption of heat from environment e.g. Lizards bask in sun, orientate their body towards or away from sun, shade etc
Why are sensory receptors called energy transducers?
Because they can change one form of energy to another form. For example light energy to electrical (Nerve impulse)
By what receptors are light and colour detected?
Rods and Cones
By what cells are volatile chemicals detected?
Olfactory cells
By what receptors are soluble chemicals detected?
Taste buds
By what receptors are pressure detected on the skin?
Pacinian corpuscles
By what receptor are vibrations in the air detected?
Cochlea
Neurones have specialised channel proteins that are specific to what?
To Na and K
Define a polarise mem. And state how this is achieved.
A polarised mem. is one that has a potential difference across it. This is the (r.p). It is achieved by moving more Na ions out of cell than K ions in. Which causes inside of cell to e more (-ve) charged.
How is a nerve impulse created?
By the opening of Na ion channels to increase permeability across the cell membrane to allow more Na ions to move across down their conc. gradient and into the cell. Thus inside of cell becomes less negative compared to outside
Define depolarisation
This is the period when Na ions entering the cell make inside less negative with respect to outside
Define generator potential
This is a small depolarisation that is caused by the movement of Na ions into the cell
When do more gated channels open?
When there is a greater stimilus. Therefore allows enough Na ions to enter cell, which causes a significant change in (P.d) and initiates an impulse or (a.p)