TOPIC 8: COORDINATION, RESPONSE AND GENE TECHNOLOGY

Chapter 8B: Coordination in animals and plants

1 Which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1)
1 The central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates consist of the brain and
spinal cord.
2 Sensory neurones carry impulses from receptors to the CNS.
3 Peripheral nerves contain both sensory and motor neurones.

A 1 and 2 only
B 1 and 3 only
C 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3

Your answer
(Total for Question 1 = 1 mark)

2 Vertebrate sensory and motor neurones are each covered by a myelin sheath.
(a) Describe the structure of the myelin sheath.
(4)
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Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system

attacks and breaks down the myelin sheath. This reduces the speed of
conduction of nerve impulses. Symptoms may include loss of the ability to walk
or loss of vision.
(b) Explain why loss of myelin leads to a reduction in the speed of transmission
of nerve impulses.
(2)
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(Total for Question 2 = 6 marks)
3 (a) Which of the following statements are true?
(1)

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 1 Phytochrome is a red pigment found in plants.
2 Phytochrome exists in two forms and both are biologically active.
3 Phytochrome influences seed germination and flowering in adult plants.

A 1 and 2 only
B 1 and 3 only
C 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3

Your answer

(b) Describe the role of gibberellins in seed germination.

(7)
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(c) State what is meant by a tropism.

(1)
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(Total for Question 3 = 9 marks)

4 Sometimes marathon runners drink too much water. This, together with
inappropriate release of the hormone ADH, may lead to exercise-related
hyponatremia (EAH). This is overhydration leading to a potentially lethal low
concentration of sodium ions in the blood. EAH can also occur when users of
the drug ecstasy (MDMA) feel thirsty and drink too much water.

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This document may have been altered from the original.
 (a) Explain why having too much water in the blood leads to low concentrations of
sodium ions.
(1)
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(b) Explain why a low concentration of sodium ions in body fluids can disrupt nerve
conduction.
(2)
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(c) Leading up to an episode of EAH, suggest whether ADH is underproduced

or overproduced.
(1)
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(Total for question 4 = 4 marks)

TOTAL FOR ASSESSMENT = 20 MARKS

© Pearson Education Ltd 2019. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.
This document may have been altered from the original.