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) an effector
Flowering plants

Coordination 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
and response 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) an effector
Flowering plants

Coordination 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
and response 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) an effector
Flowering plants

Coordination 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
and response 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:

Stimulu Receptor Coordinato Effector Respons

s r e
 Responding to our
environment
The pathway:

Stimulu Receptor Coordinato Effector Respons

s r e
Change in Detect Central Muscles Action
the nervous
environmen
stimuli system
or taken
t glands
 Responding to our
environment
The pathway:

Stimulu Receptor Coordinato Effector Respons

s r e
Change in Detect Central Muscles Action
the nervous
environmen
stimuli system
or taken
t glands

Hot pan Temperatur Central Muscles Hand

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

Stimulu Receptor Coordinato Effector Respons

s r e
Change in Detect Central Muscles Action
the nervous
environmen
stimuli system
or taken
t glands

Hot pan Temperatur Central Muscles Hand

e receptors nervous
in the skin system
in arms pulled
away

Responses can be either conscious or

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

Urea Produced by
the liver,
removed by
the kidneys
 Controlling our internal
Controlled environment
Water Loss – lungs,
content sweating,
urine
Gain - drinking
 Controlling our internal
Controlled environment
Water Loss – lungs,
content sweating,
urine
Gain - drinking
Ion content Loss – lungs,
sweating, urine
(eg. sodium)
Gain – drinking,
eating
 Controlling our internal
Controlled environment
Water Loss – lungs,
content sweating,
urine
Gain - drinking
Ion content Loss – lungs,
sweating, urine
(eg. sodium)
Gain – drinking,
eating

Increase – shivering,
Temperature shut down capillaries
(37oC) Decrease – sweating,
open up capillaries
 Controlling our internal
Controlled environment
Water Loss – lungs,
content sweating,
urine
Gain - drinking
Ion content Loss – lungs,
sweating, urine
(eg. sodium)
Gain – drinking,
eating

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

Blood Increase -
hormone
glucose GLUCAGON
Decrease –
hormone INSULIN
 Controlling our internal
Controlled environment
Water Loss – lungs,
content sweating,
urine
Gain - drinking
Ion content Loss – lungs,
sweating, urine
(eg. sodium)
Gain – drinking,
eating

Increase – shivering,
Temperature shut down capillaries
(37oC) Decrease – sweating,
open up capillaries
HOMEOSTASIS
Blood = maintenance of a Increase -
hormone
glucose constant internal GLUCAGON
environment Decrease –
hormone 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) an effector
Flowering plants

Coordination 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
and response 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
PHOTOTROPISM –environment
response to light

LIGHT

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

LIGHT

Growing
shoot
 Plant responses to the
PHOTOTROPISM –environment
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
PHOTOTROPISM –environment
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) an effector
Flowering plants

Coordination 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
and response 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
Endocrine
Nervous system
system
Control of response in humans
Endocrine
Nervous system
system
Electrical Chemical
impulses messages
Control of response in humans
Endocrine
Nervous system
system
Electrical Chemical
impulses messages
Very fast Slower
Control of response in humans
Endocrine
Nervous system
system
Electrical Chemical
impulses messages
Very fast Slower

Short lasting Longer lasting

Control of response in humans
Endocrine
Nervous system
system
Electrical Chemical
impulses messages
Very fast Slower
Short lasting Longer lasting
Eg. insulin and
Eg. moving a
blood sugar
muscle
levels
The endocrine system
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect

ADH

Adrenaline

Insulin

Testosterone

Progesterone

Oestrogen
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood

Adrenaline

Insulin

Testosterone

Progesterone

Oestrogen
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood

Maintains Stimulates liver

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

Insulin

Testosterone

Progesterone

Oestrogen
 The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood

Maintains Stimulates liver

Adrenal normal blood to change
Adrenaline pressure. Fight glycogen to
glands or flight 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 fat Oestrogen
into the blood
All of this means the body is ready for action!
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood

Maintains Stimulates liver

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

Excess
Regulates
glucose
Insulin Pancreas blood glucose
stored in the
levels
liver

Testosterone

Progesterone

Oestrogen
 The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood

Maintains Stimulates liver

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

Excess
Regulates
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
glucose to be usable by the body cells and excess to be
Progesterone
stored in the liver as glycogen. If the body later needs
glucose and none is available in theOestrogen
blood, the liver can
convert glycogen back into glucose (hormone glucagon).
 The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood

Maintains Stimulates liver

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

Excess
Regulates
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 insulinProgesterone
in the body is ineffective,
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 fullOestrogen
and normal life.
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood

Maintains Stimulates liver

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

Excess
Regulates
glucose
Insulin Pancreas blood glucose
stored in the
levels
liver
Development
of male
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
sexual
characteristic
s

Progesterone

Oestrogen
 The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood

Maintains Stimulates liver

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

Excess
Regulates
glucose
Insulin Pancreas blood glucose
stored in the
levels
liver
Development
of male
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
sexual
characteristic
s

Progesterone
Testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as
Oestrogensecondary sexual characteristics such as
the testes and prostate as well as promoting
increased muscle, bone mass and the growth of body hair.
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood

Maintains Stimulates liver

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

Excess
Regulates
glucose
Insulin Pancreas blood glucose
stored in the
levels
liver
Development
of male
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
sexual
characteristic
s

Ovaries Female
Prepares body
menstrual
Progesterone (corpus cycle and
for conception
and pregnancy
luteum) pregnancy

Oestrogen
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood
Progesterone is one of the hormones in Maintains
the Stimulates liver
stimulates andAdrenal
body thatAdrenaline regulates various
normal blood
pressure. Fight
to change
glycogen to
functions. Progesterone glands
plays a role inor flight glucose

maintaining pregnancy. It is also produced in

Regulates
Excess
glucose
Insulin
the adrenal Pancreas
glands and the placenta. It glucose
blood
stored in the
levels
regulates the monthly menstrual cycle. liver
Development
of male
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
sexual
characteristic
s

Ovaries Female
Prepares body
menstrual
Progesterone (corpus cycle and
for conception
and pregnancy
luteum) pregnancy

Oestrogen
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Pituitary Control water present, more
ADH levels in the water is
gland blood reabsorbed back
into the blood

Maintains Stimulates liver

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

Excess
Regulates
glucose
Insulin Pancreas blood glucose
stored in the
levels
liver
Development
of male
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sex hormone
sexual
characteristic
s

Ovaries Female
Prepares body
menstrual
Progesterone (corpus cycle and
for conception
and pregnancy
luteum) pregnancy
Development
Principal of female
Oestrogen Ovaries female sex sexual
hormone characteristics
The endocrine system
Hormone Source Role Effect
When ADH is
Control water
responsiblePituitary
Oestrogen is ADH for the growth andin the
levels
present, more
water is
development of female sexual glandcharacteristics
blood reabsorbed back
into the blood
and reproduction. It controls growth of Maintains
the Stimulates liver
Adrenal normal blood to change
uterine Adrenaline
lining during the first part of pressure.
the Fight glycogen to
glands
menstrual cycle, causes changes in theor flight glucose

Excess
breasts during adolescence and pregnancy Regulates
glucose
Insulin
and regulates Pancreas
other metabolic blood glucose
processes, stored in the
levels
liver
including bone growth and cholesterol levels
Development
in the blood of male
Principal male
Testosterone Testicles sexual
sex hormone
characteristic
s

Ovaries Female
Prepares body
menstrual
Progesterone (corpus cycle and
for conception
and pregnancy
luteum) pregnancy
Development
Principal of female
Oestrogen Ovaries female sex sexual
hormone characteristics
 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) an effector
Flowering plants

Coordination 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
and response 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