← Combined Science syllabus

WalesCombined Science

Unit 4 Biology 2: Response and regulation

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is homeostasis, and how does the body keep its temperature steady?

Homeostasis as keeping a constant internal environment, and how body temperature is controlled by the skin.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Science Double Award Unit 4 topic on homeostasis, covering what homeostasis means, why it matters, and how body temperature is controlled by sweating, vasodilation, shivering and vasoconstriction in the skin.
9 min answer →

What are hormones, and how is blood glucose controlled by insulin?

Hormones as chemical messengers, the control of blood glucose by insulin, and diabetes.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Science Double Award Unit 4 topic on hormones, covering hormones as chemical messengers, how blood glucose is controlled by insulin from the pancreas, and the two types of diabetes.
9 min answer →

How does the eye detect light, and how does it focus on near and distant objects?

The structure of the eye and the function of its parts, how the eye focuses light (accommodation), and the pupil reflex.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Science Double Award Unit 4 topic on the eye, covering the structure and functions of the parts of the eye, how the eye focuses light by accommodation, and the pupil reflex that controls light entering the eye.
9 min answer →

How does the nervous system carry information, and how does a reflex protect the body?

The structure of the nervous system, the pathway of a nervous impulse, and the reflex arc as a fast automatic response.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Science Double Award Unit 4 topic on the nervous system, covering its structure, the pathway of a nervous impulse through receptor, neurones and effector, and the reflex arc as a fast automatic protective response.
9 min answer →