DP Biology (last assessment 2024)
Syllabus sections »

D.5 Hormones and metabolism

Description

Nature of science:
Cooperation and collaboration between groups of scientists—the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders includes a number of scientists who work to eliminate the harm done by iodine deficiency. (4.3)
Understandings:
  • Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
  • Steroid hormones bind to receptor proteins in the cytoplasm of the target cell to form a receptor–hormone complex.
  • The receptor–hormone complex promotes the transcription of specific genes.
  • Peptide hormones bind to receptors in the plasma membrane of the target cell.
  • Binding of hormones to membrane receptors activates a cascade mediated by a second messenger inside the cell.
  • The hypothalamus controls hormone secretion by the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland.
  • Hormones secreted by the pituitary control growth, developmental changes, reproduction and homeostasis.
Applications and skills:
  • Application: Some athletes take growth hormones to build muscles.
  • Application: Control of milk secretion by oxytocin and prolactin.
 Aims:
  • Aim 8: There are numerous drugs that can enhance performance. Is the use of these drugs acceptable in terms of conducting a fair test as long as all athletes have equal access to them?

Directly related questions

Sub sections and their related questions

None