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4.5 Homeostasis and response

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

How is blood glucose concentration controlled, and what goes wrong in diabetes?

The control of blood glucose by insulin and glucagon, the role of the pancreas and liver, the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and how each is treated.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.5.3.2, covering the control of blood glucose by insulin and glucagon, the role of the pancreas and liver, and the causes and treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
9 min answer →

How does the hormonal system coordinate the body, and how does it differ from the nervous system?

Hormones as chemical messengers, the comparison of nervous and hormonal coordination, the role of the pituitary as the master gland, and how hormones travel in the blood to target organs.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.5.3, covering hormones as chemical messengers, the comparison between nervous and hormonal coordination, and the role of the pituitary gland as the master gland.
8 min answer →

How do hormones control the menstrual cycle, and how can fertility be controlled?

The hormones of reproduction, the role of oestrogen and testosterone in puberty, the four hormones of the menstrual cycle (FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone), and methods of hormonal and non-hormonal contraception and fertility treatment.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.5.3.3, covering the hormones of reproduction, the menstrual cycle hormones FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone, and methods of contraception and fertility treatment.
10 min answer →

What is homeostasis, and why is it important for the body to keep its internal conditions stable?

Homeostasis as the regulation of internal conditions, the conditions controlled (blood glucose, temperature and water levels), and the general structure of a control system: receptors, coordination centres and effectors with negative feedback.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.5.1, covering homeostasis as the regulation of internal conditions, the conditions controlled, and the general structure of a control system using receptors, coordination centres and effectors.
8 min answer →

What are the main endocrine glands, and which hormones do they produce?

The principal glands of the endocrine system (pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes), the hormones they release, and the role of thyroxine and adrenaline.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.5.3.1, covering the principal endocrine glands, the hormones they produce, and the roles of thyroxine and adrenaline in the body.
8 min answer →

How does the nervous system detect stimuli and produce responses, including reflex actions?

The structure and function of the nervous system, the pathway from stimulus to response, the role of the synapse, the reflex arc and reflex actions, and the required practical on reaction time.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.5.2, covering the structure of the nervous system, the stimulus to response pathway, the synapse, reflex arcs and reflex actions, and the reaction time required practical.
10 min answer →