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Essential Idea

Challenge:

Hormones are used when signals need to be widely distributed.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Understandings

Syllabus Reference

Statement

Guidance

6.6.U1

Insulin and glucagon are secreted by β and α cells of the pancreas respectively to control blood glucose concentration.

6.6.U2

Thyroxin is secreted by the thyroid gland to regulate the metabolic rate and help control body temperature.

6.6.U3

Leptin is secreted by cells in adipose tissue and acts on the hypothalamus of the brain to inhibit appetite.

6.6.U4

Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland to control circadian rhythms.

6.6.U5

A gene on the Y chromosome causes embryonic gonads to develop as testes and secrete testosterone.

6.6.U6

Testosterone causes pre-natal development of male genitalia and both sperm production and development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.

6.6.U7

Estrogen and progesterone cause pre-natal development of female reproductive organs and female secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.

6.6.U8

The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

The roles of FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle are expected.

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Statement

Guidance

6.6.U1

Insulin and glucagon are secreted by β and α cells of the pancreas respectively to control blood glucose concentration.

6.6.U2

Thyroxin is secreted by the thyroid gland to regulate the metabolic rate and help control body temperature.

6.6.U3

Leptin is secreted by cells in adipose tissue and acts on the hypothalamus of the brain to inhibit appetite.

6.6.U4

Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland to control circadian rhythms.

6.6.U5

A gene on the Y chromosome causes embryonic gonads to develop as testes and secrete testosterone.

6.6.U6

Testosterone causes pre-natal development of male genitalia and both sperm production and development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.

6.6.U7

Estrogen and progesterone cause pre-natal development of female reproductive organs and female secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.

6.6.U8

The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

The roles of FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle are expected.

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Understandings

Syllabus Reference

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Application and Skills

Syllabus Reference

Statement

6.6.A1

Causes and treatment of Type I and Type II diabetes.

6.6.A2

Testing of leptin on patients with clinical obesity and reasons for the failure to control the disease.

6.6.A3

Causes of jet lag and use of melatonin to alleviate it.

6.6.A4

The use in IVF of drugs to suspend the normal secretion of hormones, followed by the use of artificial doses of hormones to induce superovulation and establish a pregnancy.

6.6.A5

William Harvey’s investigation of sexual reproduction in deer. William Harvey failed to solve the mystery of sexual reproduction because effective microscopes were not available when he was working, so fusion of gametes and subsequent embryo development remained undiscovered

6.6.S1

Annotate diagrams of the male and female reproductive system to show names of structures and their functions.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Vocabulary

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Guiding Questions

Do Now

  • What are hormones?
  • Name 5 examples of hormones.
  • How do hormones control parts of the body?

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  • An endocrine gland is a ductless gland in the body that manufactures chemical messengers called hormones and secretes them directly into the blood
  • Hormones act on distant sites (target cells) and tend to control slow, long-term activities such as growth and sexual development

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

What is the endocrine system?

 Hormones are secreted directly into the blood by glands.

They are carried to the target organ or tissues (the place of intended action).

The action of the hormone changes the condition of the tissue.

This change in monitored through feedback.

Most hormonal change results in negative feedback.

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Key endocrine glands:

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

What are the key endocrine glands?

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis literally means “same state” - refers to the process of keeping the internal body environment in a steady state.

Very important - a great deal of the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system is dedicated to homeostasis.

 Homeostasis is the state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

What needs to be controlled?

6.6.U1 Insulin and glucagon are secreted by β and α cells of the pancreas respectively to control blood glucose concentration.

  • Blood pH
  • Blood carbon dioxide levels
  • Blood glucose concentration
  • Body temperature
  • Water balance

All of these factors are maintained between limits within the blood and tissue fluid.

7.35 to 7.45

37.0oC

70 - 100 mg/dL

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U1 Insulin and glucagon are secreted by β and α cells of the pancreas respectively to control blood glucose concentration.

Controlled by the pancreas.

Glucose receptor cells monitor the concentration of glucose in the blood.

Endocrine cells (called the islets of Langerhans), which secrete hormones.

α cells secrete glucagon

β cells secrete insulin.

The two hormones are antagonistic, and have opposite effects on blood glucose.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U1 Insulin and glucagon are secreted by β and α cells of the pancreas respectively to control blood glucose concentration.

We ‘beta’ store the excess glucose

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U1 Insulin and glucagon are secreted by β and α cells of the pancreas respectively to control blood glucose concentration.

‘Gluc-a-gone’

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

glycogen

glucose

Increase in blood sugar

High blood sugar

promotes insulin release

promotes glucagon release

Low blood sugar

Glucagon

Insulin

stimulates breakdown of glycogen

stimulates formation of glycogen

Decrease in blood sugar

Stimulates uptake of glucose by cells

α cells

β cells

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Concentration is therefore strictly controlled within a range of 80-100 mg 100cm-3

Very low levels (hypoglycaemia) or very high levels (hyperglycaemia) are both serious and can lead to death.

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Explain the control of blood glucose (8 Marks)

6.6.U1 Insulin and glucagon are secreted by β and α cells of the pancreas respectively to control blood glucose concentration.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U1 Insulin and glucagon are secreted by β and α cells of the pancreas respectively to control blood glucose concentration.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Diabetes is a disease caused by a failure of glucose homeostasis.

6.6.A1 Causes and treatment of Type I and Type II diabetes.

Insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 or early onset diabetes) - a severe insulin deficiency due to autoimmune killing of β cells (possibly due to a virus).

Non insulin-dependent diabetes (type 2 or late-onset diabetes) - insulin is produced, but the insulin receptors in the target cells don’t work, so insulin has no effect.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.A1 Causes and treatment of Type I and Type II diabetes.

In both cases:

- high blood glucose concentration after a meal,

- Glucose is not reabsorbed by kidneys

- much of the glucose is excreted in urine

- osmosis causes water to follow producing large quantities of dilute urine

- less glucose for cells means that proteins are metabolised in respiration

- organ damage follows

Diabetes mellitus means “sweet fountain” - doctors used to test for diabetes by tasting urine!

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.A1 Causes and treatment of Type I and Type II diabetes.

Diabetes can be treated by injections with insulin or by careful diet.

It can be monitored using clinistix or blood/urine analysis

Until the discovery of insulin in 1922 by Banting and Best, diabetes was an untreatable, fatal disease.

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Create 2 true or false questions and add them to the spreadsheet

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Become a diabetes expert and research 4 facts about

6.6.A1 Causes and treatment of Type I and Type II diabetes.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U2 Thyroxin is secreted by the thyroid gland to regulate the metabolic rate and help control body temperature.

Secreted by: thyroid gland

Targets: most body cells

Effects:

  • increases metabolic rate / rate of protein synthesis
  • increases heat production (e.g. increased respiration)
  • Thyroxin contains iodine; therefore, prolonged deficiency to iodine in the diet prevents the production of thyroxin

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  • Since thyroxin causes an increase in the body’s metabolic rate, there is an increase in oxygen consumption and the hydrolysis of ATP; thereby causing an increase in the body’s temperature
  • Increase in thyroxin stimulates the breakdown of lipids and the oxidation of fatty acids
  • Thyroxin also stimulates carbohydrate metabolism, including the uptake of glucose and the breakdown of glycogen into free glucose
  • In a regular person, if the bodies temperature drops, a release in thyroxin will stimulate heat production causing the body’s temperature to rise

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U2 Thyroxin is secreted by the thyroid gland to regulate the metabolic rate and help control body temperature.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

How is thyroxine regulated?

6.6.U2 Thyroxin is secreted by the thyroid gland to regulate the metabolic rate and help control body temperature.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Too much or Too Little

6.6.U2 Thyroxin is secreted by the thyroid gland to regulate the metabolic rate and help control body temperature.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U3 Leptin is secreted by cells in adipose tissue and acts on the hypothalamus of the brain to inhibit appetite.

Produced by: adipose cells (fat storage cells)

Targets: appetite control centre of the hypothalamus (in brain)

Effects:

An increase in adipose tissue increases leptin secretions into the blood, causing appetite inhibition and hence reduced food intake.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

How does leptin work?

When we starve, fat cells shrink and the amount of stored energy decreases.

This reduces the amount of leptin released

Our brain detects this and stimulates the vagus nerve.

This nerve tells us we are hungry and so we eat more!

This increases our fat stores and in response the amount of leptin produced. So we stop eating!

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

The brains of obese people are resistant to leptin.

Because they have a lot of stored fat, they produce a lot of leptin.

But their brain does not respond to it and keeps stimulating the vagus nerve.

So they always feel hungry and keep eating.

This makes them fatter!

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

These mice could not produce leptin

When they had leptin injected into them, they were healthy

When they had leptin injected into them, they did not respond to the signal

These mice could not recognise leptin

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Describe how leptin is involved in controlling the appetite (3)

Outline how the human body prevents blood glucose concentration from rising excessively (5)

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Secreted by adipose/fat storage tissue/cells;

Transported in blood;

(Target organ) is the hypothalamus;

Suppresses appetite/reduces food intake

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

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blood glucose concentration monitored by pancreas/islets/beta cells;

(more) insulin secreted in response to high blood glucose / glucose above threshold level;

insulin stimulates cells to absorb glucose;

glucose used in cell respiration (rather than lipids);

glucose converted to glycogen;

by liver/muscle cells;

glucose converted to fatty acids / triglycerides / fat;

negative feedback process;

Accept points if in a clearly annotated diagram.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

What are the causes of type I and type II diabetes?

Type I

Type II

A.

autoimmune disease leading to reduced insulin secretion

decreased responsiveness of the body to insulin

B.

decreased responsiveness of the body to insulin

autoimmune disease leading to reduced insulin secretion

C.

increased responsiveness of the body to insulin

autoimmune disease leading to increased insulin secretion

D.

autoimmune disease leading to increased insulin secretion

increased responsiveness of the body to insulin

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6 U4 Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland to control circadian rhythms.

Made by the pineal gland

It controls our sleep and wake cycles

Light affects melatonin levels

When light levels are low more melatonin is secreted

This can result in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

It can be used to prevent jet lag!

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Melatonin levels change over 24 hrs

6.6 U4 Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland to control circadian rhythms.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Melatonin secretion changes as we age...

6.6 U4 Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland to control circadian rhythms.

What does this graph tell us?

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  • Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland, a small gland in the brain. 
  • The secretion of melatonin by the pineal gland is controlled by cells in the hypothalamus
  • Light exposure (460-480 nm) to the ganglion cell in the retina is relayed to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. These cells from the hypothalamus relay a message to the nerve ganglia of the spinal cord which is relayed back to the pineal gland to release melatonin.
  • Melatonin helps control your sleep and wake cycles (circadian rhythms).
  • Very small amounts of melatonin are found in foods such as meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U5 A gene on the Y chromosome causes embryonic gonads to develop as testes and secrete testosterone.

Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in diploid somatic cells (n=2).

22 pairs of these are autosomes, which are homologous pairs.

One pair is the sex chromosomes.

XX gives the female gender, XY gives male.

The X chromosome is much larger than the Y.

X carries many genes in the non-homologous region which are not present on Y.

The presence and expression of the (Sex Determining Region Y) SRY gene on Y leads to male development.

SRY

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

SRY

In embryos the first appearance of the gonads is essentially the same in the two sexes. Gonads could become either ovaries or testes.

If present the SRY gene encodes for a protein known as testis determining factor (TDF). TDF is a DNA binding protein which acts as a transcription factor promoting the expression of other genes.

In the presence of TDF the gonads become testis. In the absence of TDF the gonads become ovaries and the developing fetus becomes female.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Testosterone

6.6.U6 Testosterone causes pre-natal development of male genitalia and both sperm production and development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.

The testes develop from the embryonic gonads when the the embryo is becoming a fetus (30mm long, eighth week of pregnancy).

The testes secrete testosterone which causes the male genitalia to develop.

At puberty the secretion of testosterone increases causing:

  • The primary sexual characteristic of sperm production in the testes
  • Development of secondary sexual characteristics such as enlargement of the penis, growth of pubic hair, increase in muscle mass and deepening of the voice due to growth of larynx, increase in sex drive.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Oestrogen and progesterone

6.6.U7 Estrogen and progesterone cause pre-natal development of female reproductive organs and female secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.

At puberty the secretion of estrogen and progesterone increases causing:

  • Primary sexual characteristic of egg release
  • Development of female secondary sexual characteristics such as enlargement of the breasts and growth of pubic hair, underarm hair

Oestrogen and progesterone are present. At first they are secreted by the first by the mother’s ovaries and later by her placenta.

In the absence of fetal testosterone and the presence of maternal oestrogen and progesterone, female reproductive organs develop (ovaries develop from the embryonic gonads) due to:

  • oestrogen and progesterone
  • No testosterone

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  • Leptin
  • Melatonin
  • Thyroxin
  • Insulin
  • Glucagon
  • SRY
  • TDF

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

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The female external reproductive organs

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.S1 Annotate diagrams of the male and female reproductive system to show names of structures and their functions.

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Oviduct (Fallopian Tube)

Ovary

Uterus

Cervix

Bladder

Urethra

Vagina

The female reproductive organs

Challenge: Where do women pass their urine?

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.S1 Annotate diagrams of the male and female reproductive system to show names of structures and their functions.

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The female reproductive organs

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.S1 Annotate diagrams of the male and female reproductive system to show names of structures and their functions.

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Label the male reproductive organs

Bladder

Prostate Gland

Sperm Duct

Urethra

Testes

Scrotum

Penis

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.S1 Annotate diagrams of the male and female reproductive system to show names of structures and their functions.

Seminal Vesicle

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Can you label and annotate the diagram of the female reproductive system?

6.6.S1 Annotate diagrams of the male and female reproductive system to show names of structures and their functions.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.S1 Annotate diagrams of the male and female reproductive system to show names of structures and their functions.

a. uterus

  • Provides protection, nutrients and waste removal for the developing fetus
  • Muscular walls contract to aid birthing process

b. fallopian tube (oviduct)

  • Connects the ovary to the uterus
  • Fertilization of the egg occurs here

c. ovary

  • (meiosis) eggs stored, develop and mature
  • Produced estrogen and progesterone

d. endometrium (lining of the uterus)

  • develops each month in readiness for the implantation of a fertilized egg
  • (site of implantation becomes the placenta)

e. cervix

f. vagina

  • Muscular opening/entrance to the uterus
  • Closes to protect the developing fetus and opens to form the birth canal
  • Accepts the penis during sexual intercourse and sperm are received here
  • With the cervix forms the birth canal

g. kidney

h. ureter

i. bladder

j. urethra

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.S1 Annotate diagrams of the male and female reproductive system to show names of structures and their functions.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.S1 Annotate diagrams of the male and female reproductive system to show names of structures and their functions.

a. Vas deferens (sperm duct)

  • carries sperm to the penis during ejaculation

b. Prostate gland

  • Adds alkaline fluids that neutralise the vaginal acids

c. urethra

  • Delivers semen during ejaculation and urine during excretion

d. Penis/erectile muscle

  • Muscles become erect to penetrate the vagina during sexual intercourse
  • Delivers sperm to the top of the vagina

e. Seminal vesicle

f. epididymis

  • adds nutrients including fructose sugar for respiration
  • Adds mucus to protect sperm
  • Sperm mature here and become able to move
  • Sperm stored awaiting ejaculation

g. testis (pl. testes)

h. scrotum

  • Produces (millions) of sperm (every day)
  • Produces testosterone
  • Protects and holds the testes outside the body (to maintain a lower optimum temperature for sperm production)

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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  • Task 1: Make a cut out of the female reproductive organs (vagina, cervix, uterus, endometrium, fallopian tubes (oviducts) and ovaries)
  • Task 2: Create a brain and label the pituitary gland
  • Task 3: Create hormones labelled GnRH, FSH, LH, Oestrogen and Progesterone
  • Task 4: Create a 28 day graph on A3 paper with Days the on X axis
  • Task 5: Model the menstrual cycle.

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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uterus lining thickens with blood vessels

menstruation occurs

ovulation occurs

uterus lining breaks down

an egg matures ready for release

egg travels down oviduct (fallopian tube)

egg disintegrates

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Put these statements in the correct order

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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uterus lining thickens with blood vessels

an egg matures ready for release

ovulation occurs

egg travels down oviduct (fallopian tube)

egg disintegrates

uterus lining breaks down

menstruation occurs

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Put these statements in the correct order - Answers

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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Gonadotropin Releasing Hormones (GnRH)

Hypothalamus

Pituitary

Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH)

Primary Oocyte

Secondary Oocyte

Oestrogen

Lutenising Hormone (LH)

Follicular

Luteal

Progesterone

Negative Feedback

Positive Feedback

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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Gonadotropin Releasing Hormones (GnRH) released from hypothalamus

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

Triggers FSH from ant. Pituitary gland

Primary Oocyte matures to form Secondary Oocyte

As it matures, it releases oestrogen

Oestrogen – 1. inhibits FSH

2. Inhibits LH (low concentrations of Oestrogen – negative feedback)

Approx 10 days - Oestrogen levels rise

High Oestrogen levels cause lutenising hormone release

LH increase causes follicle to ovulate (ovulation)

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

Follicle forms corpus luteum

Corpus luteum releases and oestrogen and progesterone

 This prepares the endometrium for the potential of pregnancy after ovulation. It triggers the lining to thicken to accept a fertilized egg. It also prohibits the muscle contractions in the uterus that would cause the body to reject an egg

Implantation

Oestrogen and Progesterone levels inhibit GnRH, FSH and LH

Menstruation

Oestrogen and Progesterone levels inhibit drop. The endometrium lining breaks down.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone)

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

  • Produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
  • Stimulates the growth of the follicles in the ovaries to create a mature Graafian follicle.
  • Promotes the thickening of the follicle wall.
  • Stimulates the secretion of the hormone Oestrogen.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

LH (luteinizing hormone)

6.6.U8 The menstrual cycle is controlled by negative and positive feedback mechanisms involving ovarian and pituitary hormones.

  • Produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
  • Triggers the release of the egg (ovulation).
  • Stimulates the growth of the corpus luteum (secretes oestrogen and progesterone).
  • Stimulates the secretion of hormone oestrogen and progesterone.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Oestrogen

  • Produced by the developing follicles in the ovaries and the corpus luteum.
  • Promotes the thickening of the uterine wall (endometrium) and the growth of blood vessels, in preparation of egg implantation.
  • Inhibits FSH and LH when the oestrogen levels are high (around same time as ovulation). This would prevent the development and release of another egg.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Progesterone

  • Produced by the ovaries and the corpus luteum.
  • Helps maintain the thickening of the uterine wall for egg implantation.
  • Inhibit the production of FSH and LH.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

More Menstrual Cycle Animations

How does the contraceptive pill work?

  • this site has a good comparison of the regular menstrual cycle and the cycle with the influence of contraceptive pills.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/pill/sfeature/sf_cycle.swf

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Key Hormones in IB Biology

Insulin

Thyroxin

Leptin

Melatonin

FSH

LH

Estrogen

Progesterone

Testosterone

Pre-natal development of male genitalia, sperm production, development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.

Lowers blood glucose concentration – converts glucose to glycogen for storage in the liver

Raises blood glucose concentration – converts glycogen, in the liver, to glucose

Glucagon

inhibits appetite

Regulates the metabolic rate and helps to control body temperature

controls circadian rhythms

Pre-natal development of female reproductive organs and female secondary sexual characteristics during puberty. Causes the uterine lining to thicken.

Pre-natal development of female reproductive organs and female secondary sexual characteristics during puberty. Maintains the lining of the uterus.

Stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles (bodies containing eggs).

Triggers ovulation, the release of the oocyte (egg) from the ovary

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Explain the role of hormones in the regulation of the menstrual cycle (8 Marks)

FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland;

estrogen and progestin are produced by the ovary;

FSH stimulates the ovary to promote development of a follicle;

The developing follicles secrete estrogen, which inhibits FSH (negative feedback);

Oestrogen stimulates growth of endometrium;

Oestrogen stimulates LH secretion (positive feedback);

LH stimulates follicle growth and triggers ovulation;

(the secondary oocyte leaves the ovary and) follicle becomes corpus luteum;

The corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone;

Estrogen and progesterone maintain the endometrium;

Estrogen and progesterone inhibit LH and FSH (negative feedback);

After (two weeks) the corpus luteum degenerates progesterone and estrogen levels fall;

This triggers menstrual bleeding, the loss of endometrium;

The pituitary gland secreted FSH and LH, as they are no longer inhibited (and the menstrual cycle continues);

May credit marks that are clearly drawn and correctly labelled on diagrams or flow charts

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

IVF is often used to overcome infertility caused by blocked Fallopian tubes.

On the right is a special x-ray called a hydrosalpingogram.

A dye is infused through the cervix into the uterus and from there it flows through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity.

This woman is all clear, you can see the swirls of dye coming out the ends of her tubes

Uterus

Tube administering dye via vagina

Fallopian tube filled with dye

Dye in the pelvic cavity

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Other causes of infertility:

Female:

  • Ova not maturing or being released
  • Abnormality in uterus prevents implantation
  • Antibodies in cervical mucus impair sperm

Male

  • Unable to achieve an erection or normal ejaculation
  • Low sperm count or sperm are abnormal with low motility
  • Blocked vas deferens

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

Sumamrise this information in 5 sentences or less

6.6.A4 The use in IVF of drugs to suspend the normal secretion of hormones, followed by the use of artificial doses of hormones to induce superovulation and establish a pregnancy.

For approximately two weeks before implantation the woman takes progesterone (which maintains the endometrium), usually in the form of a suppository, to aid implantation. This treatment is continued until pregnancy test, and if positive, until 12 weeks of gestation.

As the natural success rate of implantation is around 40% usually two or three blastocysts (growing fertilised egg) are implanted. As a consequence the chances of IVF treatment leading to multiple pregnancies are high.

Down-regulation is the first step in IVF is the shutting down of the menstrual cycle, by stopping secretion of the pituitary and ovarian hormones. The process takes about two weeks and allows better control of superovulation. Down-regulation is done with a drug, commonly in the form of a nasal spray.

Next superovulation collects multiple eggs from the woman. High doses of FSH are injected over approximately a ten day period to stimulate the development of multiple follicles (the developing egg and their surrounding cells). When follicles reach 15-20mm in diameter an injection of HCG is given to start maturation process. Approximately 36 hours later, under a general anesthetic, follicles (typically 8 – 12) are collected from the ovaries.

Prepared eggs (removed from the follicles) are combined with sperm in sterile conditions. Successfully fertilised eggs are then incubated before implantation.

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6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

What did Harvey do?

6.6.A5 William Harvey’s investigation of sexual reproduction in deer.

Harvey studied animal reproduction, particularly in chickens and deer. He dissected female deer after mating to observe changes in the sexual organs and found none.

‘seed and soil’ theory of Aristotle states that the male produces a seed which forms an egg when mixed with menstrual blood. The egg then develops into a fetus inside the mother.

Harvey came to understand that menstrual blood did not contribute to the formation of a fetus (true), putting Aristotle's idea to rest.

He also questioned the direct role of semen in reproduction (false).

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His biggest problem was that without microscopes (invented 17 years after his death) that sperm, eggs and embryos are too small to observe.

His findings, both true and false, are based on a misinterpretation of insufficient data.

6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction

What did Harvey do?

6.6.A5 William Harvey’s investigation of sexual reproduction in deer.