IGCSE BIOLOGY

SECTION 2 LESSON 7
 Content

Section 2
a) Levels of organisation
b) Cell structure
Structures c) Biological molecules
and d) Movement of substances
functions into and out of cells
in living e) Nutrition
organisms f) Respiration
g) Gas exchange
h) Transport
i) Excretion
j) Coordination and response
 Content
j) Coordination and response
2.77 understand that organisms are able to respond to changes in their

Lesson 7 environment
2.78 understand that homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal
environment and that body water content and body temperature are both
examples of homeostasis
2.79 understand that a coordinated response requires a stimulus, a receptor and

j) Coordination an effector
Flowering plants

and response 2.80 understand that plants respond to stimuli

2.81 describe the geotropic responses of roots and stems
2.82 describe positive phototropism of stems
Humans
2.83 describe how responses can be controlled by nervous or by hormonal
communication and understand the differences between the two systems
2.84 understand that the central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord
and is linked to sense organs by nerves
2.85 understand that stimulation of receptors in the sense organs sends electrical
impulses along nerves into and out of the central nervous system, resulting in rapid
responses
2.86 describe the structure and functioning of a simple reflex arc illustrated by the
withdrawal of a finger from a hot object
2.87 describe the structure and function of the eye as a receptor
2.88 understand the function of the eye in focusing near and distant objects, and in
responding to changes in light intensity
2.89 describe the role of the skin in temperature regulation, with reference to
sweating, vasoconstriction and vasodilation
2.90 understand the sources, roles and effects of the following hormones: ADH,
adrenaline, insulin, testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen.
 Content
j) Coordination and response
2.77 understand that organisms are able to respond to changes in their

Lesson 7 environment
2.78 understand that homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal
environment and that body water content and body temperature are both
examples of homeostasis
2.79 understand that a coordinated response requires a stimulus, a receptor and

j) Coordination an effector
Flowering plants

and response 2.80 understand that plants respond to stimuli

2.81 describe the geotropic responses of roots and stems
2.82 describe positive phototropism of stems
Humans
2.83 describe how responses can be controlled by nervous or by hormonal
communication and understand the differences between the two systems
2.84 understand that the central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord
and is linked to sense organs by nerves
2.85 understand that stimulation of receptors in the sense organs sends electrical
impulses along nerves into and out of the central nervous system, resulting in rapid
responses
2.86 describe the structure and functioning of a simple reflex arc illustrated by the
withdrawal of a finger from a hot object
2.87 describe the structure and function of the eye as a receptor
2.88 understand the function of the eye in focusing near and distant objects, and in
responding to changes in light intensity
2.89 describe the role of the skin in temperature regulation, with reference to
sweating, vasoconstriction and vasodilation
2.90 understand the sources, roles and effects of the following hormones: ADH,
adrenaline, insulin, testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen.
 Content
j) Coordination and response
2.77 understand that organisms are able to respond to changes in their

Lesson 7 environment
2.78 understand that homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal
environment and that body water content and body temperature are both
examples of homeostasis
2.79 understand that a coordinated response requires a stimulus, a receptor and

j) Coordination an effector
Flowering plants

and response 2.80 understand that plants respond to stimuli

2.81 describe the geotropic responses of roots and stems
2.82 describe positive phototropism of stems
Humans
2.83 describe how responses can be controlled by nervous or by hormonal
communication and understand the differences between the two systems
2.84 understand that the central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord
and is linked to sense organs by nerves
2.85 understand that stimulation of receptors in the sense organs sends electrical
impulses along nerves into and out of the central nervous system, resulting in rapid
responses
2.86 describe the structure and functioning of a simple reflex arc illustrated by the
withdrawal of a finger from a hot object
2.87 describe the structure and function of the eye as a receptor
2.88 understand the function of the eye in focusing near and distant objects, and in
responding to changes in light intensity
2.89 describe the role of the skin in temperature regulation, with reference to
sweating, vasoconstriction and vasodilation
2.90 understand the sources, roles and effects of the following hormones: ADH,
adrenaline, insulin, testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen.
Responding to our environment
 Responding to our environment
LIGHT
receptors in
the EYES
 Responding to our environment
LIGHT
receptors in
the EYES

SOUND
receptors in
the EARS
 Responding to our environment
LIGHT
receptors in
the EYES

SOUND
receptors in
the EARS

CHANGE OF
POSITION
receptors in
the EARS
(balance)
 Responding to our environment
LIGHT TASTE
receptors in receptors in
the EYES the TONGUE

SOUND
receptors in
the EARS

CHANGE OF
POSITION
receptors in
the EARS
(balance)
 Responding to our environment
LIGHT TASTE
receptors in receptors in
the EYES the TONGUE

SOUND SMELL
receptors in receptors in
the EARS the NOSE

CHANGE OF
POSITION
receptors in
the EARS
(balance)
 Responding to our environment
LIGHT TASTE
receptors in receptors in
the EYES the TONGUE

SOUND SMELL
receptors in receptors in
the EARS the NOSE

CHANGE OF TOUCH,
POSITION PRESSURE and
TEMPERATURE
receptors in receptors in
the EARS the SKIN
(balance)
Responding to our environment
The pathway:
 Responding to our environment
The pathway:

Stimulus Receptor Coordinator Effector Response

 Responding to our environment
The pathway:

Stimulus Receptor Coordinator Effector Response

Change in Detect Central nervous Muscles Action

the system
environment
stimuli or glands taken
 Responding to our environment
The pathway:

Stimulus Receptor Coordinator Effector Response

Change in Detect Central nervous Muscles Action

the system
environment
stimuli or glands taken

Hot pan Temperature Central nervous Muscles Hand

receptors in system
the skin
in arms pulled
away
 Responding to our environment
The pathway:

Stimulus Receptor Coordinator Effector Response

Change in Detect Central nervous Muscles Action

the system
environment
stimuli or glands taken

Hot pan Temperature Central nervous Muscles Hand

receptors in system
the skin
in arms pulled
away

Responses can be either conscious or

reflex
Controlling our internal environment
Removal

Carbon Product of
dioxide respiration,
removed by
the lungs
Controlling our internal environment
Removal

Carbon Product of
dioxide respiration,
removed by
the lungs

Urea Produced by
the liver,
removed by
the kidneys
Controlling our internal environment
Controlled

Water Loss – lungs,

content sweating, urine
Gain - drinking
Controlling our internal environment
Controlled

Water Loss – lungs,

content sweating, urine
Gain - drinking

Ion content Loss – lungs,

sweating, urine
(eg. sodium)
Gain – drinking,
eating
Controlling our internal environment
Controlled

Water Loss – lungs,

content sweating, urine
Gain - drinking

Ion content Loss – lungs,

sweating, urine
(eg. sodium)
Gain – drinking,
eating

Temperature Increase – shivering,

shut down capillaries
(37oC) Decrease – sweating,
open up capillaries
Controlling our internal environment
Controlled

Water Loss – lungs,

content sweating, urine
Gain - drinking

Ion content Loss – lungs,

sweating, urine
(eg. sodium)
Gain – drinking,
eating

Temperature Increase – shivering,

shut down capillaries
(37oC) Decrease – sweating,
open up capillaries

Blood glucose Increase - hormone

GLUCAGON
Decrease – hormone
INSULIN
Controlling our internal environment
Controlled

Water Loss – lungs,

content sweating, urine
Gain - drinking

Ion content Loss – lungs,

sweating, urine
(eg. sodium)
Gain – drinking,
eating

Temperature Increase – shivering,

shut down capillaries
(37oC) Decrease – sweating,
open up capillaries
HOMEOSTASIS
Blood glucose = maintenance of a Increase - hormone
GLUCAGON
constant internal Decrease – hormone
environment INSULIN
 Content
j) Coordination and response
2.77 understand that organisms are able to respond to changes in their

Lesson 7 environment
2.78 understand that homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal
environment and that body water content and body temperature are both
examples of homeostasis
2.79 understand that a coordinated response requires a stimulus, a receptor and

j) Coordination an effector
Flowering plants

and response 2.80 understand that plants respond to stimuli

2.81 describe the geotropic responses of roots and stems
2.82 describe positive phototropism of stems
Humans
2.83 describe how responses can be controlled by nervous or by hormonal
communication and understand the differences between the two systems
2.84 understand that the central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord
and is linked to sense organs by nerves
2.85 understand that stimulation of receptors in the sense organs sends electrical
impulses along nerves into and out of the central nervous system, resulting in rapid
responses
2.86 describe the structure and functioning of a simple reflex arc illustrated by the
withdrawal of a finger from a hot object
2.87 describe the structure and function of the eye as a receptor
2.88 understand the function of the eye in focusing near and distant objects, and in
responding to changes in light intensity
2.89 describe the role of the skin in temperature regulation, with reference to
sweating, vasoconstriction and vasodilation
2.90 understand the sources, roles and effects of the following hormones: ADH,
adrenaline, insulin, testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen.
Plant responses to the environment
Plant responses to the environment

LIGHT
Plant responses to the environment

LIGHT

MOISTURE
Plant responses to the environment

LIGHT

GRAVITY

MOISTURE
Plant responses to the environment

LIGHT

GRAVITY

MOISTURE
PHOTOTROPISM = growth response to light
Plant responses to the environment

LIGHT

GRAVITY

MOISTURE
PHOTOTROPISM = growth response to light
GEOTROPISM = growth response to gravity
Plant responses to the environment

Roots are positively

geotropic – they grow
in the direction of
gravity
Plant responses to the environment

Shoots are negatively

geotropic – they grow
away from the
direction of gravity

Roots are positively

geotropic – they grow
in the direction of
gravity
Plant responses to the environment

Shoots are positively

phototropic – they
grow in the direction
of light
 Plant responses to the environment
GEOTROPISM – response to gravity

Germinating seedling
 Plant responses to the environment
GEOTROPISM – response to gravity

Plant growth is controlled

by hormones – these are
produced at the growing
points of shoots and roots

Germinating seedling
 Plant responses to the environment
GEOTROPISM – response to gravity

In the shoot, the hormone is produced

at the tip. It travels down through
the shoot and stimulates the growth
of cells on the lower side. The shoot
therefore grows upwards, away from
gravity.

Germinating seedling
 Plant responses to the environment
GEOTROPISM – response to gravity

In the shoot, the hormone is produced

at the tip. It travels down through
the shoot and stimulates the growth
of cells on the lower side. The shoot
therefore grows upwards, away from
gravity.

In the root the hormone is again

produced at the tip. It travels up
through the root and slows down the
growth of cells on the lower side. The
root therefore grows downwards,
towards the force of gravity.

Germinating seedling
 Plant responses to the environment
PHOTOTROPISM – response to light

LIGHT

Growing shoot
 Plant responses to the environment
PHOTOTROPISM – response to light

LIGHT

Growing shoot
 Plant responses to the environment
PHOTOTROPISM – response to light

In shoots, light causes the

hormone to accumulate on the
side away from the light
LIGHT

Growing shoot
 Plant responses to the environment
PHOTOTROPISM – response to light

LIGHT The hormone

stimulates the
growth of cells on
the side away from
the light, so the
shoot grows towards
the light.

Growing shoot
Plant responses to the environment
Commercial uses of plant hormones:
Plant responses to the environment
Commercial uses of plant hormones:
• rooting compound – encourages the growth
of roots in stem cuttings.
Plant responses to the environment
Commercial uses of plant hormones:
• rooting compound – encourages the growth
of roots in stem cuttings.
• ripening hormone – enables plants to ripen
at the same time. Sprayed on the crop, often
while being transported.
Plant responses to the environment
Commercial uses of plant hormones:
• rooting compound – encourages the growth
of roots in stem cuttings.
• ripening hormone – enables plants to ripen
at the same time. Sprayed on the crop, often
while being transported.
• selective weedkillers – act on target plants,
disrupting their growth.
 Content
j) Coordination and response
2.77 understand that organisms are able to respond to changes in their

Lesson 7 environment
2.78 understand that homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal
environment and that body water content and body temperature are both
examples of homeostasis
2.79 understand that a coordinated response requires a stimulus, a receptor and

j) Coordination an effector
Flowering plants

and response 2.80 understand that plants respond to stimuli

2.81 describe the geotropic responses of roots and stems
2.82 describe positive phototropism of stems
Humans
2.83 describe how responses can be controlled by nervous or by hormonal
communication and understand the differences between the two systems
2.84 understand that the central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord
and is linked to sense organs by nerves
2.85 understand that stimulation of receptors in the sense organs sends electrical
impulses along nerves into and out of the central nervous system, resulting in rapid
responses
2.86 describe the structure and functioning of a simple reflex arc illustrated by the
withdrawal of a finger from a hot object
2.87 describe the structure and function of the eye as a receptor
2.88 understand the function of the eye in focusing near and distant objects, and in
responding to changes in light intensity
2.89 describe the role of the skin in temperature regulation, with reference to
sweating, vasoconstriction and vasodilation
2.90 understand the sources, roles and effects of the following hormones: ADH,
adrenaline, insulin, testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen.
Control of response in humans
Control of response in humans
Our responses are controlled by
both the nervous system and the
endocrine system
Control of response in humans
Our responses are controlled by
both the nervous system and the
endocrine system

So what are the

differences
between the two?
Control of response in humans

Nervous system Endocrine system

Control of response in humans

Nervous system Endocrine system

Electrical Chemical
impulses messages
Control of response in humans

Nervous system Endocrine system

Electrical Chemical
impulses messages
Very fast Slower
Control of response in humans

Nervous system Endocrine system

Electrical Chemical
impulses messages
Very fast Slower

Short lasting Longer lasting

Control of response in humans

Nervous system Endocrine system

Electrical Chemical
impulses messages
Very fast Slower

Short lasting Longer lasting

Eg. moving a Eg. insulin and
muscle blood sugar levels
The endocrine system
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

ADH

Adrenaline

Insulin

Testosterone

Progesterone

Oestrogen
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenaline

Insulin

Testosterone

Progesterone

Oestrogen
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenal Maintains normal Stimulates liver to

Adrenaline blood pressure. change glycogen
glands Fight or flight to glucose

Insulin

Testosterone

Progesterone

Oestrogen
 The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenal Maintains normal Stimulates liver to

Adrenaline blood pressure. change glycogen
glands Fight or flight to glucose

“Fight or Flight “– a large amount of adrenaline is produced

Insulin
very quickly and this has a dramatic effect on the body.
Adrenaline:
• increases the heart rate Testosterone
• increases blood flow to the muscles
• Reduces blood flow to the skin and intestines
Progesterone
• Widens the bronchioles
• Dilates the pupils
• Causes fatty tissue to release fatOestrogen
into the blood
All of this means the body is ready for action!
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenal Maintains normal Stimulates liver to

Adrenaline blood pressure. change glycogen
glands Fight or flight to glucose

Regulates Excess glucose

Insulin Pancreas blood glucose stored in the
levels liver

Testosterone

Progesterone

Oestrogen
 The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenal Maintains normal Stimulates liver to

Adrenaline blood pressure. change glycogen
glands Fight or flight to glucose

Regulates Excess glucose

Insulin Pancreas blood glucose stored in the
levels liver

Testosterone
When the bloodstream contains glucose, the pancreas is
stimulated to produce the hormone insulin. Insulin causes
Progesterone
glucose to be usable by the body cells and excess to be
stored in the liver as glycogen. If the body later needs
glucose and none is available in the blood, the liver can
convert glycogen back into glucoseOestrogen
(hormone glucagon).
 The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenal Maintains normal Stimulates liver to

Adrenaline blood pressure. change glycogen
glands Fight or flight to glucose

Regulates Excess glucose

Insulin Pancreas blood glucose stored in the
levels liver

Testosterone
When the amount of insulin is too little (or absent
altogether), or the action of insulin in the body is ineffective,
Progesterone
the disease diabetes (correctly known as Diabetes mellitus)
will result. It is not a curable disease but can be controlled
so that most sufferers can lead a full and normal life.
Oestrogen
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenal Maintains normal Stimulates liver to

Adrenaline blood pressure. change glycogen
glands Fight or flight to glucose

Regulates Excess glucose

Insulin Pancreas blood glucose stored in the
levels liver

Development
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
of male sexual
characteristics

Progesterone

Oestrogen
 The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenal Maintains normal Stimulates liver to

Adrenaline blood pressure. change glycogen
glands Fight or flight to glucose

Regulates Excess glucose

Insulin Pancreas blood glucose stored in the
levels liver

Development
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
of male sexual
characteristics

Progesterone
Testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as
the testes and prostate as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as
increased muscle, bone mass and theOestrogen
growth of body hair.
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenal Maintains normal Stimulates liver to

Adrenaline blood pressure. change glycogen
glands Fight or flight to glucose

Regulates Excess glucose

Insulin Pancreas blood glucose stored in the
levels liver

Development
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
of male sexual
characteristics

Ovaries Female Prepares body for

Progesterone (corpus menstrual cycle conception and
and pregnancy pregnancy
luteum)

Oestrogen
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ProgesteroneADH
present, more water
levels in the
is one of thegland
hormones in the blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood
body that stimulates and regulates various
functions. Progesterone Adrenal
plays a
Maintains normal
role in pressure.
Stimulates liver to
Adrenaline blood change glycogen
maintaining pregnancy. It glands Fight or flight
is also produced in to glucose

the adrenal glands and the placenta. Regulates

It Excess glucose
regulatesInsulin
the monthlyPancreas blood glucose
menstrual cycle. stored in the
levels liver

Development
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
of male sexual
characteristics

Ovaries Female Prepares body for

Progesterone (corpus menstrual cycle conception and
and pregnancy pregnancy
luteum)

Oestrogen
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

Pituitary Control water When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenal Maintains normal Stimulates liver to

Adrenaline blood pressure. change glycogen
glands Fight or flight to glucose

Regulates Excess glucose

Insulin Pancreas blood glucose stored in the
levels liver

Development
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
of male sexual
characteristics

Ovaries Female Prepares body for

Progesterone (corpus menstrual cycle conception and
and pregnancy pregnancy
luteum)
Development of
Principal
female sexual
Oestrogen Ovaries female sex
characteristics
hormone
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
Oestrogen is responsible for the growth and
Pituitary
development of female sexual Control water
characteristics When ADH is

ADH levels in the

present, more water

gland
and reproduction. It controls growth of the blood
is reabsorbed back
into the blood

uterine lining during the first part of the

Adrenal Maintains normal Stimulates liver to
Adrenaline
menstrual cycle, causes changes in the
blood pressure. change glycogen
glands
breasts during adolescence and pregnancy
Fight or flight to glucose

and regulates other metabolic processes, Regulates Excess glucose

Insulin
including bone growth andPancreas blood
cholesterol levels glucose stored in the
levels liver
in the blood
Development
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
of male sexual
characteristics

Ovaries Female Prepares body for

Progesterone (corpus menstrual cycle conception and
and pregnancy pregnancy
luteum)
Development of
Principal
female sexual
Oestrogen Ovaries female sex
characteristics
hormone
 Content
j) Coordination and response
2.77 understand that organisms are able to respond to changes in their

Lesson 7 environment
2.78 understand that homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal
environment and that body water content and body temperature are both
examples of homeostasis
2.79 understand that a coordinated response requires a stimulus, a receptor and

j) Coordination an effector
Flowering plants

and response 2.80 understand that plants respond to stimuli

2.81 describe the geotropic responses of roots and stems
2.82 describe positive phototropism of stems
Humans
2.83 describe how responses can be controlled by nervous or by hormonal
communication and understand the differences between the two systems
2.84 understand that the central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord
and is linked to sense organs by nerves
2.85 understand that stimulation of receptors in the sense organs sends electrical
impulses along nerves into and out of the central nervous system, resulting in rapid
responses
2.86 describe the structure and functioning of a simple reflex arc illustrated by the
withdrawal of a finger from a hot object
2.87 describe the structure and function of the eye as a receptor
2.88 understand the function of the eye in focusing near and distant objects, and in
responding to changes in light intensity
2.89 describe the role of the skin in temperature regulation, with reference to
sweating, vasoconstriction and vasodilation
2.90 understand the sources, roles and effects of the following hormones: ADH,
adrenaline, insulin, testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen.
 End of Section 2 Lesson 7

In this lesson we have covered:

Overview of co-ordination and Response

Plant responses to the environment
Comparison of nervous and endocrine systems
The endocrine system