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Northern IrelandBiology

Physiology, Coordination and Control

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does the body keep its internal environment stable, and what does the kidney do?

The principle of homeostasis and negative feedback, the structure of the kidney and nephron, ultrafiltration and selective reabsorption, and osmoregulation by ADH.
A CCEA A-Level Biology answer on the principle of homeostasis and negative feedback, the structure of the kidney and nephron, ultrafiltration and selective reabsorption, and osmoregulation by ADH.
11 min answer →

How do hormones coordinate the body, and how is blood glucose controlled?

The endocrine system and how hormones act, the control of blood glucose by insulin and glucagon, the difference between nervous and hormonal control, and the basis of diabetes.
A CCEA A-Level Biology answer on the endocrine system and how hormones act, the control of blood glucose by insulin and glucagon, the differences between nervous and hormonal control, and the basis of diabetes.
11 min answer →

How is the structure of skeletal muscle related to the way it contracts, and what is the role of ATP and calcium ions?

Muscles and movement: the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle and the sarcomere (actin, myosin, the A band, I band and H zone), the sliding filament theory of contraction, the roles of calcium ions, troponin, tropomyosin and ATP in the cross-bridge cycle, the neuromuscular junction, and the supply of ATP for contraction by aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration and creatine phosphate.
A CCEA A-Level Biology answer on muscles and movement. Covers skeletal muscle ultrastructure and the sarcomere, the sliding filament theory, the roles of calcium ions, troponin, tropomyosin and ATP in the cross-bridge cycle, the neuromuscular junction, and how ATP is supplied for contraction.
13 min answer →

How do cells capture and release energy in photosynthesis and respiration?

The light-dependent and light-independent stages of photosynthesis, the stages of aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, and the role of ATP and electron carriers.
A CCEA A-Level Biology answer on the light-dependent and light-independent stages of photosynthesis, the stages of aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, and the role of ATP and electron carriers.
12 min answer →

How do plants sense and respond to their environment?

Plant growth responses (tropisms), the role of auxin (IAA) in phototropism and gravitropism, and the commercial uses of plant growth substances.
A CCEA A-Level Biology answer on plant growth responses (tropisms), the role of auxin in phototropism and gravitropism, and the commercial uses of plant growth substances.
10 min answer →

How do nerve cells transmit signals and pass them between cells?

The structure of neurones, the resting potential and action potential, the transmission of impulses along axons, and synaptic transmission across a cholinergic synapse.
A CCEA A-Level Biology answer on the structure of neurones, the resting and action potentials, the transmission of impulses along axons, and synaptic transmission across a cholinergic synapse.
11 min answer →