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Cell A and cell B represent two types of cells found in complex multicellular animals - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 6
Cell A and cell B represent two types of cells found in complex multicellular animals. Cell A is a nerve cell (neuron). Cell B is an endocrine cell. The diagram belo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cell A and cell B represent two types of cells found in complex multicellular animals - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the means by which chemical M reaches cell X.
Answer
Chemical M reaches cell X through the process of synaptic transmission. The nerve cell (cell A) releases chemical M (a neurotransmitter) into the synaptic cleft. This chemical then binds to the receptors on cell X, allowing it to elicit a response.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Describe one characteristic of the system you chose in part c. i. that is significant in making the difference in response time.
Answer
One significant characteristic of the nervous system is that it uses electrical impulses to transmit signals rapidly along neurons, whereas the endocrine system relies on hormones that travel through the bloodstream, which takes considerably longer.
Step 5
Explain how each type of endocrine cell influences the functioning of only specific cell types within the body.
Answer
Each type of endocrine cell secretes specific hormones that target particular tissues or organs. The hormones have specific molecular structures that match only with receptors on their target cells, ensuring that only those cells are influenced by the hormone's action.
Step 6
Suggest a reason for this decrease in responsiveness.
Answer
Over time, target cells may become less responsive to a hormone due to downregulation of receptors. This can occur if a high concentration of the hormone persists, leading cells to remove some receptors from their surface, thereby reducing their sensitivity to the hormone.