Cambridge AS & A Level Biology
14.1Homeostasis in mammals
Homeostasis in mammals in Cambridge AS & A Level Biology: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.
Subtopic62 practice questions3 lessons
Learning objectives
What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.
- 14.1.1Explain what homeostasis is and why it matters in mammals.
- 14.1.2Explain homeostasis in terms of stimuli, receptors, nervous and endocrine coordination, effectors and negative feedback.
- 14.1.3State that urea is made in the liver by deamination of excess amino acids.
- 14.1.4Describe the structure of the kidney.
- 14.1.5Identify the parts of a nephron and its blood vessels.
- 14.1.6Describe and explain ultrafiltration in the Bowman's capsule and selective reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule.
- 14.1.7Relate the structure of the Bowman's capsule and proximal convoluted tubule to their functions.
- 14.1.8Describe the roles of the hypothalamus, posterior pituitary, ADH, aquaporins and collecting ducts in osmoregulation.
- 14.1.9Describe cell signalling by glucagon: receptor, G-protein, adenylyl cyclase, cAMP, protein kinase A and the amplifying enzyme cascade.
- 14.1.10Explain negative feedback control of blood glucose by insulin (muscle and liver) and glucagon (liver).
- 14.1.11Explain how test strips and biosensors measure glucose, with glucose oxidase and peroxidase.
Lessons
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Control of blood glucose and cell signalling
45 min
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Principles of homeostasis
35 min
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The kidney: urine formation and osmoregulation
50 min
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Sample question
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