0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views5 pages

Endocrine & Reproductive Systems: Endocrine System - Main Idea

The document covers key concepts in the endocrine and reproductive systems, including hormone functions and the menstrual cycle. It also outlines the major parts of the nervous system, genetics and DNA structure, theories of evolution, and the importance of biodiversity in ecology. Additionally, it discusses feedback mechanisms, mutations, and factors affecting population stability.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views5 pages

Endocrine & Reproductive Systems: Endocrine System - Main Idea

The document covers key concepts in the endocrine and reproductive systems, including hormone functions and the menstrual cycle. It also outlines the major parts of the nervous system, genetics and DNA structure, theories of evolution, and the importance of biodiversity in ecology. Additionally, it discusses feedback mechanisms, mutations, and factors affecting population stability.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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

You might also like