MO2b --> Control & Communication

Question 1

What are hormones?

Answer 1

Chemical messengers released into the bloodstream by endocrine glands.

Question 2

How do hormones travel to their target tissues?

Answer 2

They are transported in the blood plasma.

Question 3

Why does a hormone only affect its specific target tissue?

Answer 3

Target cells have complementary receptor proteins that only bind to that specific hormone.

Question 4

Name two differences between nervous and hormonal responses.

Answer 4

1. Nerves are fast; hormones are slower.
2. Nerves use electrical impulses; hormones use chemical messengers in the blood.

Question 5

Which organ detects changes in blood glucose levels?

Answer 5

The Pancreas

Question 6

Which hormone is released when blood glucose is too high (e.g., after eating)?

Answer 6

Insulin

Question 7

Which hormone is released when blood glucose is too low (e.g., after exercise)?

Answer 7

Glucagon

Question 8

What is the target organ for both insulin and glucagon?

Answer 8

The Liver

Question 9

What does the liver do when insulin is present?

Answer 9

It takes up glucose and stores it as glycogen.

Question 10

What does the liver do when glucagon is present?

Answer 10

It breaks down glycogen into glucose and releases it into the blood.

Question 11

What is glycogen?

Answer 11

An animal storage carbohydrate found in the liver and muscle tissue.

Question 12

What is a gene?

Answer 12

A section of DNA that codes for a specific protein.

Question 13

What is the role of Messenger RNA (mRNA)?

Answer 13

It carries a complementary copy of the genetic code from the DNA in the nucleus to a ribosome.

Question 14

What are proteins made of?

Answer 14

Long chains of amino acids.

Question 15

What determines the variety of protein shapes and functions?

Answer 15

The specific sequence of amino acids.