Biology Matters G.C.E.

'O' Level (2nd Edition): Textbook Answers Chapter 15

Chapter 15 Hormones

Test Yourself 15.1 (page 287)

1. Hormones are chemical substances that are produced in minute quantities by endocrine
glands. They are transported by the blood and alter the activity of one or more target
organs. They are then destroyed by the liver.

2. An endocrine gland is a ductless gland that secretes its hormones directly into the
bloodstream.

Test Yourself 15.2 (page 288)

See Figure 15.2 for the shape and positions of these glands:
– Pancreas
– Adrenal gland (medulla)

Test Yourself 15.3 (page 293)

1. (a) Diabetes mellitus

(b) Any two of the following:
– A persistently high blood glucose level;
– The presence of glucose in the urine after a meal; and
– Healing of wounds is slow or difficult.
(c) – People with type 1 diabetes can be treated by means of insulin injections
into their bodies and a supply of sugary food to their diet.
– People with type 2 diabetes need to observe their diet and exercise
regularly, metformin tablets and insulin injections are used only when
lifestyle changes fail.

2. Adrenaline is secreted when a person is afraid, angry, anxious or stressed.

Adrenaline has wide-ranging effects on the body. It increases blood glucose levels,
metabolic rate, heartbeat, blood pressure and the rate and depth of ventilation.
Adrenaline also constricts arterioles in the skin, increases the rate of blood coagulation,
causes pupils to dilate and contracts hair muscles. It prepares the body of the person
concerned for ‘fight or flight’ situations or for states of emergency.

Test Yourself 15.4 (page 294)

The endocrine system and the nervous system

Comparisons between the two control systems are listed in the table below.
Endocrine control Nervous control
Involves hormones (chemical substances) Involves nerve impulses (electrical signals)
Hormones are transported by the blood Impulses are transmitted by neurones
Usually slow responses Usually quick responses
Responses may be short-lived or long-lived Responses are short-lived
Always involuntary May be voluntary or involuntary
May affect more than one target organ Usually localised

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15.1
Biology Matters G.C.E. 'O' Level (2nd Edition): Textbook Answers Chapter 15

Get It Right (page 296)

(a) True
(b) False
Responses to the endocrine system can be slow and short-lived or fast and long-
lived.
(c) True
(d) False
The endocrine and nervous systems are two systems are not completely independent
of each other.

Let’s Review (page 296)

Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions

1. B
2. B
3. B

Section B: Structured Questions

1. (a) The person is performing physical activities.

(b) The person has taken a sugary meal.
(c) The production of hormone A is affected by the concentration of sugar in the
blood.
(d) They must not inject too much hormone A into the body as this may lead to
an abnormal decrease in blood glucose concentration. Low blood glucose
level results in a condition called shock. Coma and death may follow in
severe cases. The injection needle used must also be sterilised.

2. Any three from the following table:

Endocrine Control Nervous Control
Involves hormones (chemical substances) Involves nerve impulses (electrical signals)
Hormones are transported by the blood Impulses are transmitted by neurones
Usually slow responses Usually quick responses
Responses may be short-lived or Responses are short-lived
long-lived
Always involuntary May be voluntary or involuntary
May affect more than one target organ Usually localised

Section C: Free-Response Questions

1. (a) Hormone is a chemical substance that is produced in minute quantities

by an endocrine gland. It is transported by the blood and alters the activity
of one or more target organs. It is then destroyed by the liver.
(b) An endocrine gland is a ductless gland that secretes its hormones directly
into the bloodstream.

2. The islets of Langerhans in the pancreas produce insulin when the concentration of
blood glucose increases above normal levels. Insulin decreases blood glucose
concentration by:
– increasing the permeability of cell membranes to glucose, thus increasing the rate of
glucose uptake by cells;
– stimulating the conversion of glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver and
muscles; and
– increasing the oxidation of glucose during tissue respiration.

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15.2
Biology Matters G.C.E. 'O' Level (2nd Edition): Textbook Answers Chapter 15

The islets of Langerhans produce glucagon when the concentration of blood glucose
decreases below normal levels. Glucagon increases blood glucose concentration by
stimulating:
– the conversion of glycogen into glucose in the liver; and
– the breakdown of fats and amino acids to glucose;

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15.3