1.

**Nervous System Basics:**

- What is the main function of the nervous system in the human body?

- Name the two main divisions of the nervous system and briefly describe their functions.

2. **Neurons and Synapses:**

- Explain the structure and function of a neuron.

- What is a synapse, and how does information pass from one neuron to another at a synapse?

3. **Reflexes:**

- Define a reflex action and provide an example.

- Explain why reflex actions are important for the body.

4. **Endocrine System:**

- What is the endocrine system, and how does it differ from the nervous system?

- Name two major glands of the endocrine system and describe the hormones they produce.

5. **Hormones and Target Cells:**

- How do hormones travel in the body, and what makes a cell a target cell for a specific hormone?

- Provide an example of a hormone and its target organ.

6. **Feedback Mechanisms:**

- Explain the concept of negative feedback in hormonal regulation.

- Give an example of a hormone-regulated process that involves negative feedback.

7. **Comparing Nervous and Endocrine Systems:**

- Contrast the speed of transmission in the nervous system with that of the endocrine system.

- How do the nervous and endocrine systems work together to maintain homeostasis?
8. **Effects of Drugs:**

- Describe how recreational drugs can affect the nervous system.

- Explain how certain medications may interfere with hormonal balance in the body.

9. **Impact of Stress:**

- Discuss the physiological effects of stress on the nervous and endocrine systems.

- How might chronic stress impact overall health?

10. **Sensory Systems:**

- Name three types of sensory receptors and provide an example of each.

- Explain how the nervous system processes sensory information to produce a response.

These questions cover a range of topics related to nervous and chemical coordination, providing a good
foundation for understanding these systems at an MYP-4 level.

Auxins

 Plants produce plant growth regulators (similar to hormones in animals)

called auxins to coordinate and control directional growth responses such as
phototropism and geotropisms
 Auxins are produced in the tips of the shoots and the roots; they diffuse to the
cells below the tips and have the following effects:
o In the shoots, auxins promote cell elongation (growth); more auxin =
more cell elongation = more growth
o In the roots, auxins inhibit cell elongation (growth); less auxin = less cell
elongation = less growth
 The distribution of auxin in the shoots is affected by light and gravity,
whereas the distribution in the roots is primarily affected by gravity alone
 Unequal distributions of auxin cause unequal growth rates in plant roots and
shoots.
 If light shines on a growing shoot from all directions, auxin is
distributed evenly throughout the shoot and the cells in the shoot grow at
the same rate - this is what normally happens with plants growing outside
 When light shines on the shoot predominantly from one side, the auxin
produced in the shoot tip concentrates on the shaded side of the shoot, making
the cells on that side elongate and grow faster than the cells on the sunny side
 This unequal growth on either side of the shoot causes the shoot
to bend and grow in the direction of the light
Gibberellins

 Gibberellins initiate seed germination. The seeds of plants usually have a

period known as dormancy. In this stage, the plant is unable to begin
germinating. Gibberellins are hormones that cause the plant to leave the period
of dormancy. They work by leading to the production of a carbohydrase enzyme,
known as alpha-amylase. This causes the end of the dormancy period in barley
seeds. Only a low concentration of Gibberellins are required to cause an
increase in the speed of germination.
 Gibberellins also lead to cell elongation. This increase in cell elongation will
increase the size of the fruit. Moreover, Gibberellins work to promote the
flowering of plants. An example of a gibberellin is Gibberellic Acid.
 Gibberellins can also help produce seedless fruit. Gibberellins can be applied
to some unpollinated flowers of some types of fruit. This will cause the fruit to
grow but not the seeds e.g. in some citrus fruits. Seedless fruit are
called parthenocarpic fruit.

Ethene

 Ethene is involved in cell division and fruit ripening. Ethene, C2H4, is a

hydrocarbon, a substance made from carbon and hydrogen. It can be used
to speed up cell division in plants. This is important in the food industry. As
preservatives are used in many foods, a similar principle is important in the fruit
industry. Fruits are harvested unripe, then ethene is given. This is used to speed
up the ripening process, after fruits have been transported.
 Ethene can also cause shedding of leaves. When leaves age, they produce
ethene which causes cells that connect the leaves to the plant to expand,
breaking their cells walls and causing the leaves to shed.

Q: What role Auxins and Gibberellins play in plant growth?

Q: What role ethylene plays in shedding of leaves?

Q: How shoots respond to geotropism?