GCSE Science (Synergy Higher) AQA

This subject is broken down into 192 topics in 9 modules:

  1. Homeostasis 20 topics
  2. Building Blocks 21 topics
  3. Transport over Larger Distances 15 topics
  4. Interactions with the Environment 25 topics
  5. Explaining Change 25 topics
  6. Building Blocks for Understanding 11 topics
  7. Interactions over Small and Large Distances 20 topics
  8. Movement and Interactions 39 topics
  9. Guiding Spaceship Earth towards a Sustainable Future 16 topics
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  • 192
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  • 63,915
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  • 8+
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Science (Synergy Higher)

Homeostasis

Introduction to Homeostasis

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Introduction to Homeostasis

Introduction to Homeostasis

Definition

  • Homeostasis is a process used by many organisms to maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions.
  • This involves balancing inputs with outputs, and maintaining optimal conditions for cell functioning.

Importance of Homeostasis

  • Homeostasis is crucial to support normal physiological activities and to handle stresses.
  • It primarily controls three core aspects: the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide, the pH and the concentration of nutrients and waste products.
  • Alterations to these aspects can lead to cell dysfunction or even death.

Mechanisms of Homeostasis

  • Homeostatic control mechanisms have three interdependent components: a receptor, a control centre (or integrator) and an effector.
  • The receptor detects changes in the conditions of the environment and sends the information to the control centre.
  • The control centre processes the information and commands the effector to respond and restore the conditions to the norm.
  • This process is known as a feedback loop. If the response decreases the original stimulus, it is termed a negative feedback loop. If the response increases the original stimulus, it is termed a positive feedback loop.
  • Negative feedback loops are more common in nature and stabilise the system, while positive feedback loops are less common and usually exacerbate the system’s response.

Course material for Science (Synergy Higher), module Homeostasis, topic Introduction to Homeostasis

Science (Synergy Higher)

Explaining Change

Inheritance: Chromosomes and Genes

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Inheritance: Chromosomes and Genes

  • Inheritance involves the transfer of genetic characteristics from parents to their offspring, which are either directly visible or unseen traits.
  • Chromosomes are bundles of tightly coiled DNA located in the nucleus of almost every cell in our body. Humans normally have 23 pairs of chromosomes, totalling 46.
  • Genes are the segments of DNA found on chromosomes that determine the characteristics of an individual. They are the basic genetic units responsible for the physical and inheritable characteristics or phenotype of an organism.
  • A single chromosome contains many genes, not all of which are expressed at the same time. When a gene is expressed, it is transcribed into mRNA and then translated into a protein that carries out a particular function in the body.
  • Genes are passed from parents to offspring in their gametes. This transmission of genetic information is known as inheritance.
  • Each individual has two copies of each gene – one from the mother and one from the father.
  • Different versions of the same gene are called alleles. These differences in alleles contribute to the variation in physical appearance among individuals.
  • Gregor Mendel's laws, including the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment, form the basis of our understanding of genetic inheritance. These laws describe how genes behave during the formation of gametes and in subsequent generations.
  • Sex determination in humans is controlled by the presence of two X chromosomes (XX) in females and one X and one Y (XY) in males.
  • Punnett squares are commonly used to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses, including inheritance patterns of specific traits and probability of offspring having particular genotypes or phenotypes.
  • Genetic mutations can cause changes in the DNA sequence of a gene, leading to different characteristics or diseases. Mutations can be spontaneous or can be caused by environmental factors like radiation or chemicals.
  • Variation within a species can be due to genetic factors (genetic variation), the environment (environmental variation), or a combination of both (interaction of genes and the environment).
  • An understanding of genomics allows scientists to study and combat genetic diseases, and it is instrumental in the development of personalised medicine.
  • The Human Genome Project was a huge scientific endeavour that mapped all of the genes in the human genome. This information has greatly increased our understanding of human biology and disease.

Course material for Science (Synergy Higher), module Explaining Change, topic Inheritance: Chromosomes and Genes

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