1.
Endocrine & Reproductive Systems
Endocrine System – Main Idea
● A system of glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream
● Hormones regulate growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction
The Master Gland
● Pituitary Gland – controls other endocrine glands
● Releases:
○ FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) – stimulates egg development
○ LH (Luteinizing Hormone) – triggers ovulation
The Menstrual Cycle
1. Follicular Phase
○ Follicle releases estrogen
○ Estrogen causes the uterine lining to thicken
2. Ovulation
○ Caused by a surge of LH
○ A mature egg is released from the ovary
3. Luteal Phase
○ Corpus luteum releases progesterone
○ Progesterone maintains the uterine lining for possible implantation
Feedback Mechanisms
● Negative Feedback
○ High hormone levels (ex: progesterone) signal the brain to reduce FSH and LH
○ Keeps hormone levels balanced
● Homeostasis
○ The body maintaining internal balance
○ Example: sweating to cool the body
2. Nervous System
Major Brain Parts
● Cerebrum – thinking, memory, learning, decision-making
● Cerebellum – balance and coordination
● Brain Stem / Medulla – involuntary actions (breathing, heartbeat)
Reflex Arc
● A fast, automatic response that protects the body
● Often bypasses the brain and is processed by the spinal cord
Impulse Pathway
Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory Neuron → Spinal Cord/Brain → Motor Neuron →
Effector (muscle/gland)
3. Genetics & DNA
DNA Structure
● DNA is made of nucleotides
● Each nucleotide has:
○ 1 phosphate
○ 1 sugar
○ 1 nitrogenous base
Base Pairing Rules
● Adenine (A) ↔ Thymine (T)
● Cytosine (C) ↔ Guanine (G)
● Important during DNA replication
Mutations
● Frameshift Mutations
○ Caused by insertions or deletions
○ Very harmful because they change the entire amino acid sequence
Chromosomal Abnormalities
● Down Syndrome
○ Caused by Trisomy 21
○ Extra copy of chromosome 21
Proteins
● Functions:
○ Defense – antibodies
○ Structure – collagen
○ Transport – hemoglobin transports oxygen, not water
4. Evolution & Biodiversity
Theories of Evolution
● Lamarck
○ Theory of Use and Disuse
○ Traits develop because they are used
● Darwin
○ Theory of Natural Selection
○ Organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce
Evidence for Evolution
● Fossil Record
○ Shows species change over time
○ Older fossils are found in deeper rock layers
● Homologous Structures
○ Same basic structure, different functions
○ Indicates a common ancestor
● Genetic Evidence
○ Species with similar DNA/proteins are more closely related
○ Example: humans and chimpanzees
Ecology & Stability
● Biodiversity
○ Higher biodiversity = more stable ecosystem
● Carrying Capacity
○ Maximum population an environment can support
○ Increases when resources increase
● Limiting Factors
○ Disease, predation, competition
○ Prevent populations from growing infinitely