Chapter –Control and Coordination

1. Define the following terms-

a) Stimulus – any external or internal factor that causes a living
organism to react is called a stimulus. (Plural: stimuli)
b) Response- the specific reaction shown by a living organism towards a
stimulus
c) Impulse- an electrical wave of excitation or irritation that travels
across a neuron and carries specific messages.
d) Receptor- special cells that receive sensory impulses and convey
them to the brain
e) Effector- organs that show responses to a specific stimulus

2. Name various types of receptors along with their location and function.
Type of receptor Location function
Gustatory Tongue Detect taste
Olfactory Nose Detect smell
Phonoreceptors Ears Detect sound
Photoreceptors Eyes Detect vision
Tangoreceptors Skin Detect touch and
pressure

3. Draw a well labeled diagram of a neuron and explain its each part.

A neuron is made up of three main parts;

a) Cyton b) dendrites c)Axon
 a) Cyton (also called cell body)- accepts nerve impulses from dendrites
b) Dendrites- receive the impulses from the environment and passes to cell
body
c) Axon- transfers nerve impulse away from cell body to another neuron
through nerve endings
4. What is a neuron? What are its various types? Write their functions.
Neuron:-The fundamental structural and functional unit of the nervous
system that carries impulses across the body. There are three types of
neurons.
Sensory neurons- Those neurons that carry impulses from the receptors
(sense organs)to the brain or spinal cord.
Motor neurons- Those neurons that carry impulses from the brain or spinal
cord to the effectors.
Relay(inter) neurons- They allow sensory and motor neurons to
communicate. They are present in central nervous system .

5. What is a synapse? How is the conduction of nerve impulse take place

across it?
Synapse :-The point of contact between the terminal branches of axon of
one neuron with the dendrite of another neuron is called synapse
When a nerve impulse reaches the end of an axon, the axon releases
chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters
travel across the synapse between the axon and the dendrite of the next
neuron. Neurotransmitters bind to the membrane of the dendrite.
 6. What is a neuromuscular junction? How is nerve impulse transmitted through a
neuromuscular junction and cause muscle contraction? Neuromuscular junction:-
The site of contact between the nerve ending of a neuron and the surface of muscle
fibre.

Nerve impulse transmission at the neuromuscular junction begins when

an electrical impulse reaches the nerve ending of a motor neuron. It
releases neurotransmitters from the nerve ending of motor neuron, which

diffuses across the synaptic cleft and bindsto the cell membrane of the
muscle fiber, also known as the sarcolemma. This eventually results in the
rearrangement of proteins in muscle fibres and causes muscle contraction.

7. How does nervous tissue cause action?

Ans. Muscle cells have special proteins called contractile proteins that change both their
shape and their arrangement in the cell in response to nervous electrical impulses. When a
nerve impulse reaches the muscle fibre through neuromuscular junction, new arrangements of
these proteins give the muscle cells a shorter form (due to contraction). This results in the
movement of attached body part. In this way nervous tissue causes action.
8. Differentiate between reflex action and voluntary actions.

9. What is reflex action? Give example.

Ans. Reflex action is the extremely quick, automatic, sudden action in response to something
in the environment. Example- Immediately pulling back of fingers after touching a hot plate.

10.Explain reflex arc with diagram.

Ans. Reflex arc is the pathway travelled by a nerve impulse during a reflex action.

11.What are the components of reflex arc? Explain.

12.Draw a flow chart to show reflex arc.

Ans.

13.Explain two types of reflexes.

Ans.

14.Why do reflex actions evolved in animals?

Ans. Reflex arc have evolved in animals inorder to take sudden and involountary actions
which are required in certain circumstances where emergency response is required to save
body from situations which may lead to danger. lf they were not evolved, then it would take
much time to respond to the stimuli as it is voluntary action thus may be not at right time and
can even become dangerous.

15.What are nerves? Explain the types of nerves based on their functions.
Ans. Nerves are the bundles of neurons. There are three types of nerves-
 Sensory nerves (afferent nerves)- Those nerves that carry impulses from the receptors
(sense organs)to the brain or spinal cord. These impulses are sensory in nature.
 Motor nerves (efferent nerves) - Those nerves that carry impulses from the brain (or
spinal cord) to the effectors . These impulses are motor in nature.
 Mixed nerves- They are called mixed nerves as they carry impulses both to and from the
brain.
 16.Why is the conduction of nerve impulse unidirectional?
Ans. The nerve impulses are transmitted in single direction. Unidirectional transmission of a
nerve impulse through nerve fibre is due to the fact that neurotransmitters are released by the axon
endings and not by dendrites. Transmission of nerve impulses along the synapse comes through the
ends of axons the nerve endings, through which electrical impulses are transmitted from one neuron
to another.
17. How is brain protected in human beings?
Answer: Brain is protected by-
a) Bony skull called the cranium.
b) Membranous protection in the form of three membranes called the meninges.
These three membranes are called – Dura mater, Arachnoid mater and Pia mater.
c) The cerebro-spinal fluid in between the three layers, protects the brain further .
18. Draw a well labeled diagram of human brain.

19. Write the functions of all parts of the human brain.

Answer : Brain is the main coordinating centre of the body. It has three major parts :
(a) Fore-brain (b) Mid-brain (c) Hind-brain
(a) Fore-brain : It is the most complex or specialized part of the brain. It consists of cerebrum.
 Functions :
(i) Thinking part of the brain.
(ii) Control the voluntary actions.
(iii)Store information (Memory).
(iv) Receives sensory impulses from various parts of the body and integrate it.
(v) Centre associated with hunger.
(b) Mid-brain : Controls involuntary actions such as -
• Change in pupil size.
• Reflex movements of head, neck and trunk.
(c) Hind-brain : It has three parts :
(i) Cerebellum : Controls posture and balance. Precision of voluntary actions.
e.g. picking pen.
(ii) Medulla : Controls involuntary actions e.g., blood pressure, salivation, vomiting.
(iii) Pons : Involuntary actions, regulation of respiration
 20. What is spinal cord? How is it protected in the body?
Answer : The spinal cord is an extension of the posterior part of brain.
Spinal cord is protected by a set of 33 bones called vertebral column, the three meninges and
cerebrospinal fluid.

21. Write the functions of spinal cord.

Answer : The functions of spinal cord are-
 Spinal cord conducts impulses from the receptors to the brain as well as from the brain
to the effectors.
 Spinal cord controls reflexes (reflex actions).

22. How many cranial and spinal nerves are there in human nervous system?
Answer : 12 pairs of cranial nerves emerge out of brain in both directions.
31 pairs of spinal nerves emerge out from either sides of the spinal cord.
23. What are glands? Explain its various types with examples of each.
Answer : Glands:- are specialised cells or tissues which have secretory function. Their
secretion may be hormones, enzymes, oil, mucus, milk, etc.
 Types of glands- three types-
1. Exocrine – which pour their secretions in ducts. Then, from ducts, secretion reaches to
the target organs or places when required. e.g.- liver secretes bile juice which is
temporary stored in gall bladder (duct).
2. Endocrine – which are ductless glands and pour their secretions directly into the blood.
e.g.- adrenal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland ,etc. These glands secrete hormones.
3. Heterocrine (mixed glands)- These glands serve the dual function. They pour their
some secretions in duct and others directly in blood. e.g.- pancreas, testes, ovaries .
24. What are heterocrine glands? Explain with example.
Answer : Heterocrine (mixed) glands- These glands serve the dual function. They pour their
some secretions in duct and others directly in blood. e.g.- pancreas, testes, ovaries .
Pancreas secrete pancreatic juice in pancreatic duct ,later it reaches to small intestine for
digestion of food. Pancreas secrete hormone insulin directly into the blood which lowers the
blood sugar level.

25. What are the components of endocrine system?

Answer: Endocrine system consists of two components-
Hormones : Hormones are the chemical substances which coordinate the activities of living
organisms and also their growth. These are secreted by endocrine glands
Endocrine glands : These glands secrete their product (hormones) into the blood. These
glands are located at various places in our body.
26. Differentiate between nervous and endocrine system.
27. Write the location and the hormones released by the following glands along with
their functions-
a) Pituitary b) Thyroid
c) Parathyroid d)Adrenal
e) Pancreas f)Testes
f) Ovaries

28. What do you mean by feedback mechanism of hormonal control? Explain with a
suitable example.
Answer : Feedback mechanism:-The excess or deficiency of hormones has a harmful
effect on our body. The mechanism which makes sure that hormones should be secreted in
precise quantity and at right time is called feedback mechanism of hormonal control.
Example :
 29. Why is it advised to take iodised salt in our diet?
Answer : Iodised salt is necessary because iodine mineral is essential part of thyroxine
hormone secreted by thyroid gland. Thyroxine regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats
and proteins. So, we must consume iodised salt which is necessary for proper working of
thyroid gland. It’s deficiency causes a disease called Goitre (Swollen neck).

30. Why is hypothalamus called master of master gland?

Answer : Pituitary gland is called master gland as it secretes many hormones which regulate
the functioning of various organs of our body.
But hypothalamus is called master of master gland because it secretes two types of hormones-
releasing and inhibitory hormones. These hormones stimulate various regions of pituitary
gland to secrete various hormones.

31. What is diabetes? Write its cause and treatment?

Answer : diabetes is a disease in which blood sugar level increases.
Cause : Due to the deficiency of insulin hormone secreted by pancreas that is responsible to
control blood sugar levels.
Treatment : Injections of insulin hormone.

32. How does adrenaline help in cope up with a stressful condition? Or

Why is adrenaline called as hormone of emergency?
Answer: Adrenaline hormone makes our body ready to deal with emergency situation. It is the
hormone that initiates quick response in individuals to make them think and respond quickly to
the stress. The hormone also increases metabolic rate and leads to dilation of blood vessels
going to heart and the brain so that there is more flow of blood to these regions. Thus it helps
to cope up with a stressful situation and hence called as the emergency hormone.

33. What are hormones? Write their characteristics.

Ans : Hormones are chemicals that essentially function as messengers of the body. These
chemicals are secreted by special glands known as the endocrine glands. These endocrine
glands are distributed throughout the body. These messengers control many physiological
functions as well as psychological health. They are also quite important in maintaining
homeostasis in the body.
Characteristics -
1) Hormones are secreted by the endocrine glands in small amounts.
2) They are secreted directly into the blood and it is transported throughout the body.
3) They are chemical messengers that regulates the behaviour of the target cells.
4) The specific hormones act only on the target organs.

34. What are phytohormones? Give examples.

Ans : Plant Hormones : These are chemical compounds which help to coordinate growth,
development and responses to the environment in plants. Examples- auxins, gibberellins,
cytokinins, etc.

35. Write the functions of plant hormones.

Ans : The functions of plant hormones are –
(a) Auxin :
• Synthesized at shoot tip
• Helps the cells to grow longer
• Involved in phototropism
(b) Gibberellin :
• Helps in the growth of the stem
(c) Cytokinins :
• Promotes cell division
• Present in greater concentration in fruits and seeds
(d) Abscisic Acid :
• Inhibits growth
• Cause wilting of leaves
• Stress hormone
(d) Ethylene:
 It is a gaseous plant hormone which helps in ripening of fruits.

36. What are the two types of movements shown by plants?

Ans : Two types of movements shown by plants-
1. Tropic movements(directional) or growth dependent movements :- The movements which
are growth related are called tropic movements. These movements occur in response to
stimuli and the direction of the response is dependent on the direction of the stimulus.
2. Nastic movements(non-directional) or growth independent movements :- The movements
which are not growth related are called nastic movements. These movements occur in
response to environmental stimuli but the direction of response is not dependent on the
direction of the stimulus.

37. Differentiate between tropic and nastic movements.

Ans :
 38. Explain phototropism with example.
Ans : Phototropism is the growth plant part towards the source of light. The cells on the plant
that are far from the source of light produce a chemical called auxin. This chemical is stimulated
and reacts during phototropism. This causes the plant to have elongated cells on this side of the
plant.
Example :- Tips of leaves and stems contain auxin, causing them to positively grow
towards the light. In this phenomena, the plant grows towards the sunlight hence
the plant body grows in this process.

39. Explain positive and negative geotropism with examples.(with diagram)

Ans : The movement of plant parts in response to gravity is known as geotropism. The
movement of roots towards the soil is an example of positive geotropism, whereas the
movement of plant stem away from the soil in the upward direction is an example of negative
geotropism.
 40. Give examples of chemotropism, thigmotropism and hydrotropism along with their
definition.

Ans : Hydrotropism
Movement of plant parts in response to water or moisture.example- movement of roots under
soil in search of water is positive hydrotropism.
Chemotropism
Movement of plant parts in response to chemical stimuli is known as chemotropism.example:-
The growth of pollen tube towards the ovule is positive chemotropism.
Thigmotropism
Movement of plant parts in response to touch is called as thigmotropism.example- Movement
of tendrils around the support is positive thigmotropism

41. What are nasties?

Ans : The movements which are not growth related are called nastic movementsor nasties.
These movements occur in response to environmental stimuli but the direction of response
is not dependent on the direction of the stimulus.
• Thigmonasty(seismonasty)
• Photonasty

42. Define photonasty with examples.

Ans : Photonasty : The non-directional movement of a plant part usually in the petals of
flowers in response to light is photonasty movement. Examples are: Dandelion flower,
Moonflower, etc

43. Explain the mechanism of drooping of leaves during thigmonasty.

Ans : When the Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant, is touched by
another organism, its leaves fold in upon themselves and its stems droop. The leaves of
the Mimosa achieve this rapid folding by a change in turgor pressure. Mimosa has pad like
swellings called pulvini at the base of each leaf. The folding up of the leaves of a sensitive
plant on touching is due to the sudden loss of water from the pulvini.
 44. Differentiate between phototropism and photonasty.
Ans :

45. State how concentration of auxin stimulates the cells to grow longer on the side of
the shoot which is away from light ?
Answer. When light falls on the side of the shoot auxin diffuses towards the shady side of the
shoot. This concentration of the auxin stimulates the cell to grow longer on the side of the
shoot which is away from light. Thus plant appears to bend towards light.

46. (a) Which plant hormone is present in greater concentration in the areas of rapid
cell division?
(b) Give one example of a plant growth promoter and a plant growth inhibitor.
Answer.
(a) Cytokinin is present in greater concentration in the areas of rapid cell division.
(b) An example of a plant growth promoter is gibberellins and example of a plant growth
inhibitor is abscisic acid.