D3.

3 Homeostasis

Theme: Continuity and change

Level of organization: Organisms
https://tomi-digital-resources.storage.googleapis.com/images/classes/resources/rsc-212168-5ef12313cd258.png
Guiding questions

● How are constant internal conditions maintained in humans?

● What are the benefits to organisms of maintaining constant internal
conditions?
SL & HL content statements
D3.3.1 - Homeostasis as maintenance of the internal environment of an organism

D3.3.2 - Negative feedback loops in homeostasis.

D3.3.3 - Regulation of blood glucose as an example of the role of hormones in

homeostasis.

D3.3.4 - Physiological changes that form the basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

D3.3.5 - Thermoregulation as an example of negative feedback control

D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans

Additional higher level content
D3.3.7 - Role of the kidney in osmoregulation and excretion.

D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted

tubule in excretion

D3.3.9 - Role of the loop of Henle

D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts

D3.3.11 - Changes in blood supply to organs in response to changes in activity.

D3.3.1 - Homeostasis as maintenance of the internal environment of an organism

Variables are kept within preset limits,

despite fluctuation in external
environment.

Include body temperature, blood pH,

blood glucose concentration and
blood osmotic concentration as
homeostatic variables in humans.

https://pmgbiology.com/2015/02/20/homeostasis-a-understanding-for-igcse-biology/
D3.3.1 - Homeostasis as maintenance of the internal environment of an organism

Homeostasis
Homeostasis is the maintaining
of the internal environment
between narrow limits.

Examples of factors that are

maintained in our body are:
● Body temperature,
● Blood pH,
● Blood glucose concentration
● Blood osmotic concentration
(water balance)
https://pmgbiology.com/2015/02/20/homeostasis-a-understanding-for-igcse-biology/
D3.3.2 - Negative feedback loops in homeostasis.

Students should understand the

reason for use of negative rather
than positive feedback control in
homeostasis and also that negative
feedback returns homeostatic
variables to the set point from values
above and below the set point.
Review: C4.1.6 - Negative feedback control of population size by density-dependent factors.

Negative feedback
● Negative feedback – a change in
state triggers a response that
counteracts the original change.

● Enables self regulation.

● Returns the system to its original

state, maintaining equilibrium.

● Stabilizing as it reduces change.

https://www.pngkey.com/detail/u2e6t4o0q8e6r5e6_feed
back-loops-diagram-positive-feedback-loop/
D3.3.1 - Homeostasis as maintenance of the internal environment of an organism

Negative feedback

● Homeostasis involves negative

feedback. A change in the variable
being monitored triggers a response
that counteracts the original change.

● The endocrine (hormone secreting

parts in the body) and nervous system
are involved in homeostasis.

Source/ url here

Review: C4.1.6 - Negative feedback control of population size by density-dependent factors.

Positive feedback
● Positive feedback – a change in
state of the system causes more of
that change to occur.
● The system moves away from
equilibrium.

● The system changes to a new state.

● Destabilizing as it increases
change.

https://www.pngkey.com/detail/u2e6t4o0q8e6r5e6_feed
back-loops-diagram-positive-feedback-loop/
D3.3.1 - Homeostasis as maintenance of the internal environment of an organism

Assignment - Positive feedback

● Use your knowledge of positive feedback to suggest why it is not

common in the human body.

vs.
D3.3.1 - Homeostasis as maintenance of the internal environment of an organism

Positive feedback

● Positive feedback is not appropriate for homeostasis as it amplifies a

response. There is no equilibrium reached.

● In positive feedback a specific value increases or decreases

continuously and moves away from equilibrium.
D3.3.3 - Regulation of blood glucose as an example of the role of hormones in homeostasis

Include control of secretion of insulin

and glucagon by pancreatic
endocrine cells, transport in blood
and the effects on target cells.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/408490628694544649/https://www.scientistcindy.co
m/endocrine-and-homeostasis-lab.html
D3.3.3 - Regulation of blood glucose as an example of the role of hormones in homeostasis

Endocrine system & Hormones

● The endocrine system consists of
glands that release hormones into the
blood for transport to the target cells.

● Hormones are chemical messengers.

They are secreted by endocrine
glands into the blood and
transported to the target cells where
they elicit a response.
The Endocrine System
A stimulus is received and processed.
Hormones are secreted directly into the blood.
They are carried to the target tissues (the place of intended action).
The action of the hormone changes the condition of the tissue.
This change is monitored through feedback.
Most hormonal change results in negative feedback.
Key endocrine glands:
1.Pineal gland
2.Pituitary gland
3.Thyroid gland
4.Thymus
5.Adrenal gland
6.Pancreas
7.Ovary (female)
8.Testes (male)
9. Hypothalamus Endocrine glands from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrine_gland
D3.3.3 - Regulation of blood glucose as an example of the role of hormones in homeostasis

Control of blood glucose concentration

● Blood glucose concentration is around
5mmol dm-3 (90mg/100ml).
It varies between 4 and 8 mmol dm-3.

● Pancreas monitors the blood glucose

concentration and uses negative feedback
to control the concentration.

● Pancreas releases the hormones, insulin

to decrease the blood glucose level and
glucagon to increase the glucose
concentration of the blood.
D3.3.3 - Regulation of blood glucose as an example of the role of hormones in homeostasis

Control of blood glucose concentration

● Within the pancreas there are pancreatic

islets that consists of endocrine cells.

● Alpha cells (α cells) produce glucagon.

● Beta cells (β cells) produce insulin.

D3.3.3 - Regulation of blood glucose as an example of the role of hormones in homeostasis

Control of blood glucose concentration

Glucose released into the blood

& muscle

Into blood

Glucose taken out of blood

D3.3.3 - Regulation of blood glucose as an example of the role of hormones in homeostasis

Control of blood glucose concentration

● Beta cells (β cells) produce insulin.

● Stimulated by high blood glucose level.

● Insulin stimulates all body cells (except

brain cells) to take up glucose from the
blood.

● Liver and muscle cells in particular will

take up glucose and store it as glycogen.
● Adipose cells (fat cells) are stimulated to
store glucose as lipids.

● Cells are also stimulated to use glucose

for cellular respiration
D3.3.3 - Regulation of blood glucose as an example of the role of hormones in homeostasis

Control of blood glucose concentration

● Alpha cells (α cells) produce
glucagon.
● Stimulated by low blood glucose
levels.
● Glucagon stimulates liver cells
to breakdown glycogen stored in
the liver cells into glucose and
release it into the blood.
● When glycogen runs out, fat is
converted to glucose.
D3.3.3 - Regulation of blood glucose as an example of the role of hormones in homeostasis

See - think - wonder

D3.3.4 - Physiological changes that form the basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Students should understand the

physiological changes, together with
risk factors and methods of
prevention and treatment.

https://prescriptionhope.com/blog-how-do-insulin-pumps-work/
D3.3.4 - Physiological changes that form the basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Assignment
● Complete the diabetes case study
assignment
(D3.3.4 Diabetes case study assignment_NB)

Barbera

Lindsey
D3.3.4 - Physiological changes that form the basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus
● Diabetes mellitus is when the body is
unable to control the blood sugar
level.

● Type I Diabetes

● Type II Diabetes
D3.3.4 - Physiological changes that form the basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus - Symptoms

● Glucose is present in the urine.

● High volume of urine produced.

● Always tired, hungry, thirsty

D3.3.4 - Physiological changes that form the basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Type I Diabetes
● Type I Diabetes (early onset or juvenile
onset, insulin-dependent diabetes)

● Onset usually during childhood, could be

caused by an illness (not genetic!).

● β cells do not produce enough insulin.

● Insulin injections are required to

control glucose levels.

Animation: https://medmovie.com/portfolio-item/diabetes/
D3.3.4 - Physiological changes that form the basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Type II Diabetes
● Type II Diabetes (adult onset,
non-insulin dependent diabetes)

● Onset after childhood

● Heredity can play a role but obesity
and lack of exercise is the leading
cause.
● Target cells become insensitive to
insulin.
● Can be managed with a controlled
diet and exercise regime.
CAS

CAS idea

• Raise awareness and raise funds for the local diabetes charity.
• The Dutch charity for diabetes is https://www.diabetesfonds.nl/home
& Ideas for projects can be found at https://www.diabeatit.nl/
https://www.diabeatit.nl/
D3.3.5 - Thermoregulation as an example of negative feedback control

Include the roles of peripheral

thermoreceptors, the hypothalamus
and pituitary gland, thyroxin and also
examples of muscle and adipose
tissue that act as effectors of
temperature change.

https://studymind.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1-44.png
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans

Students should appreciate that birds

and mammals regulate their body
temperature by physiological and
behavioural means.
Students are only required to
understand the details of
thermoregulation for humans.
Include vasodilation, vasoconstriction,
shivering, sweating, uncoupled
respiration in brown adipose tissue
and hair erection.

https://i0.wp.com/celebrateplanetearth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Eastern-Bluebirds-in-the-Snow-530
x353.jpg?resize=530%2C353&ssl=1
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans

● Birds and mammals will regulate their

body temperature using behavioural and
physiological means.
● When cold: birds will raise their feathers
to increase insulation and huddling
together.
● Animals with fur will raise their hairs.
● Humans will put on warm clothes and
moving to a warmer location.
● The opposite happens when it is warm.

https://i0.wp.com/celebrateplanetearth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Eastern-Bluebirds-in-the-Snow-530x353.jpg?resize=
530%2C353&ssl=1 &
https://selfawakeningyogastudio.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/whats-worse-extremely-cold-weather-or-extremely-hot-weather/
D3.3.5 - Thermoregulation as an example of negative feedback control

Thermoregulation

● Thermoregulation is
maintaining the temperature
within narrow limits.

● This can be done in a house

but also by birds and
mammals - endothermic
animals.
D3.3.5
D3.3.1 - Thermoregulation as an example
Homeostasis as maintenance of negative
of the feedback control
internal environment of an organism

Thermoreceptors
● Thermoreceptors are specialised
sensory neurons that register changes
in temperature.

● Peripheral thermoreceptors are

located in the skin and send nerve
impulses to the hypothalamus.

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Diagram-of-the-ther
moreceptors-in-the-skin-Note-that-on-average-hot-rece
ptors-are-found_fig1_309275183
D3.3.5
D3.3.1 - Thermoregulation as an example
Homeostasis as maintenance of negative
of the feedback control
internal environment of an organism

Hypothalamus
● Central thermoreceptors are located in
the core of the body including the
hypothalamus.

● The hypothalamus integrates all the

temperature information and initiates
the appropriate cooling or warming
response.

https://studymind.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1-44.png
D3.3.5
D3.3.1 - Thermoregulation as an example
Homeostasis as maintenance of negative
of the feedback control
internal environment of an organism

Pituitary and thyroid gland

● The hypothalamus can stimulate the
pituitary gland (to release Thyroid
Stimulating Hormone (TSH)).
● TSH stimulates the thyroid gland in
the neck to release the hormone
thyroxin.
● Thyroxin stimulates metabolism in
cells.
● By changing the amount of thyroxine
released the amount of metabolic
heat generated by body cells can be
regulated.

Adison Wesley Longman

D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans
Negative feedback
● Human body temperature is around
37⁰C.

● Humans control their body temperature

using two negative feedback loops.

● One to increase the body temperature.

● The other to decrease the body

temperature.

https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Labs:_A_Mixed_C
ourse_Based_Research_Approach_to_Human_Physiology_(Whitmer)/02:_Labs/2.0
5:_Body_Temperature_Homeostasis
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans

Heat loss

Heat can be lost from the body by:

● radiation
● convection
● evaporation
● conduction
By controlling the heat loss the body can be
cooled or warmed up.
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans

Thermoregulation – conserving heat

To conserve heat the body carries out:

1. Vasoconstriction of the arterioles to
reduces heat loss by radiation.

● Smaller diameter of the arteriole leads

to less blood flowing through the
capillaries
N.B. A common misconceptions is that
the capillaries physically move higher ● Less blood carrying heat close to the
and lower in the body! They do not! surface of the skin
The volume of blood flowing through
the capillaries changes. ● Less heat loss by radiation.
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans

Thermoregulation – conserving & generating heat

2. Raising of hairs traps still air,

reducing heat loss by convection.

3. Stop sweat production, reducing

heat loss by evaporation.

4. Hypothalamus stimulates muscle

cells to start shivering, this increases
heat production by metabolic
reactions.
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans

Thermoregulation – conserving & generating heat

5. Hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary

gland to stimulate the thyroid gland to
release thyroxin, which increases
metabolic activity in all cells (e.g., brown
adipose tissue), thereby generating heat.
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans

Brown adipose tissue - uncoupled respiration

● Brown adipose tissue contains

stored fat and many mitochondria.

● The mitochondria use the fat to

generate heat but no ATP, the heat is
produced at a rapid rate. This is
known as uncoupled respiration.

● It is an important source of heat in

organisms prone to heat loss such as,
small mammals and new-born babies.
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans
Thermoregulation – increasing heat loss
1. Vasodilation of the arterioles,
increases heat loss by radiation.

● Larger diameter of the arterioles,

allows more blood to flow through the
capillaries close to the surface of the
skin.
● Heat transported by the blood close to
the surface of the skin
● Heat is radiated from the body.
● Body temperature is lowered.
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans
Thermoregulation – increasing heat loss
2. Flattening of hairs, increases heat loss by
convection.
3. Hypothalamus initiates sweat production
which increases heat loss by evaporation.
● It takes a lot of heat energy to convert
liquid water to gas.
● The bodies’ heat is used to change the
state of the water from liquid to gas.
● Heat from the body is carried away as the
water evaporates, leaving the body cooler.
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans
Thermoregulation – increasing heat loss

4. Muscles are relaxed (not shivering).

5. The amount of thyroxin released by

the thyroid gland is reduced which
decreases metabolic activity in all
cells and lowers the heat generated.
D3.3.6 - Thermoregulation mechanisms in humans

Assignment

● Explain the role of negative feedback in thermoregulation in humans.

Guiding questions revisited

Mini discussion:
● How are constant internal conditions maintained in
humans?
● What are the benefits to organisms of maintaining
constant internal conditions?

Discuss with the people beside you.

Concept

Mini discussion:

● Explain the connection between

the cartoon and homeostasis.

Discuss with the people beside

you.
AHL

Kidneys
https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/628601/view
Additional higher level content
D3.3.7 - Role of the kidney in osmoregulation and excretion.

D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted

tubule in excretion

D3.3.9 - Role of the loop of Henle

D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts

D3.3.11 - Changes in blood supply to organs in response to changes in activity.

D3.3.7 - Role of the kidney in osmoregulation and excretion.

Students should understand the

distinction between excretion and
osmoregulation.

Osmoregulation is regulation of
osmotic concentration.

The units for osmotic concentration

are osmoles per litre (osmole L-1)
D3.3.7 - Role of the kidney in osmoregulation and excretion.

Assignment – Activating prior knowledge

● Draw diagrams to explain diffusion,

osmosis, active transport,
exocytosis and endocytosis.
● Explain homeostasis
D3.3.7 - Role of the kidney in osmoregulation and excretion.
Excretory system
D3.3.7 - Role of the kidney in osmoregulation and excretion.

Functions of the kidney

● The functions of the kidneys are:

○ Excretion
○ Osmoregulation
D3.3.7 - Role of the kidney in osmoregulation and excretion.

Definitions

● Excretion is the removal from the body of waste products of

metabolic pathways e.g. urea.

● Osmoregulation is the regulation of osmotic concentration.

● Osmotic concentration is the overall concentration of solutes in a

fluid that can affect the movement of water by osmosis.

● The units for osmotic concentration (solute concentration) are

osmoles per litre (osmole L-1)
D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion

Students should appreciate how

ultrafiltration removes solutes from
blood plasma and how useful
substance are the reabsorbed to
leave toxins and other unwanted
solutes in the filtrate, which are
excreted in urine.
D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts
Assignment
● While going through the
information label and annotate
the diagram of the nephron.

http://d30vo02hkyysua.cloudfront.net/content/ucpabt/73/3/156/F2.large.jpg
D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion

The Big Clean Up

● Effectively your kidneys clean up by
throwing out everything, except for the
very big things …
● And then only taking back in what it
wants to keep.

● Try it, next time you need to clean your

room.
D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion
The nephron
● A nephron is a selective filter element that
regulates blood composition and excretes
waste.
● There are 1.2 million nephrons per kidney, a
total of about 80km.
● 1100 – 2000 l of blood pass through your
kidney per day (275x volume of your blood).
You don’t need to remember the
numbers, you do need to ● Your kidneys produce 150 – 200 l of filtrate a
understand the concept that on day.
a daily basis a huge amount of
blood gets filtered, to produce a
● 99% gets reabsorbed producing only about
lot of filtrate but most gets 1 – 1.8 l of urine.
reabsorbed, leaving only a small
amount of urine.
D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion
The nephron
● The nephron consists of the following:
○ Glomerulus
○ Bowman’s capsule
○ Proximal convoluted tubule
○ Loop of Henle
○ Distal convoluted tubule
○ Collecting duct
○ Peritubular capillaries
D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion

The location of the nephron

D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion
The glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule
● The glomerulus is a network of
capillaries.

● The afferent arteriole leading in to the

glomerulus has a larger diameter than
the efferent arteriole leading away from
it.

● It results in blood pressure building up in

the glomerulus pushing substances from
the blood into the surrounding
Bowman’s capsule.
D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion
The glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule
● The walls of the capillaries in the
glomerulus have fenestrations (small
slits) that allow substances to move
through.

● The basement membrane covers and

supports the capillary wall and acts as the
actual filter. Plasma proteins and blood
cells cannot move through.

● This process is called ultrafiltration and

produces glomerular filtrate.
D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion

Glomerulus
D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion

Proximal convoluted tubule

● The proximal convoluted tubule is adapted to
its function:

● The tube is made up of only one layer of

cells.
Cross section of a proximal
convoluted tubule.
● The cells have microvilli on the lumen side
of the tube, to increase the surface area for
reabsorbtion.

● The cells have invagination (infolds of the

outer membrane) on the outer perimeter of
the tube to increase surface area to aid with
ion transport.
B2.3.6—Surface area-to-volume ratios and constraints on cell size

For example, in addition to the microvilli on the cells within the

kidney (see micrograph below), the tissues formed by these cells fold
up into bundles called the convoluted tubule*.
B2.1 Membrane transport
https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5d9aa73f632002001ccd614c/ib-biology-membrane-transpor
D3.3.8 - Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion

Proximal convoluted tubule

● Around 80% of the glomerular filtrate is
reabsorbed by the proximal convoluted
tubule by:
○ Active transport e.g.: Na+ by sodium
potassium pump.
○ Co-transport of glucose with Na+.
○ Passive transport e.g. Cl-
○ Water by osmosis.
D3.3.9 - Role of the loop of Henle

Limit to active transport of sodium

ions in the ascending limb to maintain
high osmotic concentrations in the
medulla, facilitating water
reabsorption in the collecting ducts.

https://ibiologia.com/glomerulus/
D3.3.9 - Role of the loop of Henle

Loop of Henlé
● The loop of Henlé has a descending
and an ascending loop.

● It uses a counter current mechanism to

create a high concentration of salt in
the medulla so that water will leave the
nephron by osmosis.

● Descending loop is permeable to

water, which is reabsorbed by osmosis.

● It is impermeable to Na+ and Cl-.

https://ibiologia.com/glomerulus/
D3.3.9 - Role of the loop of Henle

Loop of Henlé
● Ascending Loop is impermeable to
water.

● The Na+ are pumped out by active

transport.

● It is the re-absorption of Na+ by the

ascending loop into the medulla that
enables osmosis from the descending
loop to take place.

https://ibiologia.com/glomerulus/
NOS - Curiosity led to progress
Continuity and change
● The maximum solute concentration varies
considerably between species.

● This led to research into kidney physiology,

particularly how desert animals conserve water.
Curiosity led to progress in science.

● Research revealed similarities in structures between

kidneys of different species.

● Also revealed differences. There is a positive

correlation between the thickness of the medulla
relative to the overall kidney and the need to
conserve water.

● Thicker medulla, more water conserved as Loop of

Henlé and collecting ducts are longer so more water
can be absorbed.
http://cdn-6.itsnature.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/dipodomys.jpg
D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts

Include the roles of osmoreceptors in

the hypothalamus, changes to the
rate of antidiuretic hormone secretion
by the pituitary gland and the
resultant switches in location of
aquaporins between cell membranes
and intracellular vesicle in cells of the
collecting ducts.

kscience.co.uk
D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts
Collecting duct
● The collecting duct passes through the
medulla.
● Water is reabsorbed by osmosis from the
collecting duct.
● The water moves into the peritubular
capillaries which transports it back to the
body.
● The urine produced is passed to the pelvis
from where it travels via the ureter to the
bladder for storage until it is released via the
urethra.
https://histology.oit.duke.edu/MBS/SysSci/SS-Urinary/SS-Urinary.html
D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts

ADH
● The hypothalamus in the brain has
osmoreceptors that monitor the concentration of
the blood.

● If the blood becomes too concentrated due to

lack of water the hypothalamus stimulates the
pituitary gland to release the ADH.

● ADH (antidiuretic hormone) is produced by

neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamus and
stored in the posterior pituitary gland until
released.

https://www.slideshare.net/SaraSadiq/hypothalamus-pituitary-axis
D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts

Effect of ADH

● ADH travels via the blood to its target

cells in the collecting duct of the
nephron.

● It makes the collecting duct more

permeable to water, causing water to
be reabsorbed into the blood and a
small amount of concentrated urine is
produced.

kscience.co.uk
D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts

How ADH works

● The ADH attaches to receptors in
collecting duct cells.

● This triggers chemical reactions which

cause vesicles with aquaporins to fuse with
the cell membrane by exocytosis.

● More water can be reabsorbed into the

blood by osmosis.
https://www.savemyexams.com/international-a-level/biology/edexcel/18/revision-n
otes/7-respiration-muscles--the-internal-environment/the-internal-environment/7-2
1-hormones-in-osmoregulation/https://www.savemyexams.com/international-a-lev
el/biology/edexcel/18/revision-notes/7-respiration-muscles--the-internal-environme
nt/the-internal-environment/7-21-hormones-in-osmoregulation/
D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts
ADH
● The release of ADH leads to the
production of a small amount of
concentrated urine.

● Water is retained in the body and the

blood becomes more dilute.

kscience.co.uk & https://slideplayer.com/slide/14263821/

B2.1.5—Movement of water molecules across membranes by osmosis and the role of aquaporins

Define and state the purpose of aquaporins

Aquaporins are specialized

integral channel proteins that
functions as a channel for water
to enter/exit the cell (water would
otherwise have a hard time passing through
the hydrophobic center of the phospholipid
bilayer).

Where would you find the hydrophobic and

hydrophilic regions of this aquaporin?

https://www.quora.com/How-does-water-diffuse-a-membrane
NOS - Cooperation
Discovery of aquaporins
● The function of the cell membrane
protein, aquaporin, was discovered
in research led by Peter Agre in
1992.

● He led a team of scientists that

worked together.
Peter Agre and staff of Johns Hopkins Medical
School of Medicine in Baltimore, USA.
● Peter Agre won the Nobel Prize in
Chemistry 2003 for his research.

Frog eggs with the aquaporin

added absorb water and swell up
as shown in the left photo. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2003/agre/biographical/
D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts
ADH
● If the blood becomes too dilute with water the
pituitary gland stops releasing ADH.

● This is an example of negative feedback.

● Aquaporins are taken back into the cell by

endocytosis.

● Kidneys don’t reabsorb water from the nephron

into the blood.

● Large quantities of dilute urine is produced and

the blood becomes more concentrated.
https://image.slideserve.com/331709/adh-stimulation-of-aquaporins-l.jpg
https://slideplayer.com/slide/14263821/
D3.3.10 - Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts
Assignment - Explain the concentration of fluids in the kidney.
Content (mg per 100ml blood)
Glucose Urea Proteins

Blood in 90 30 740
renal artery

Urine 0 2000 0

Glomerular 90 30 0
filtrate

Blood in 90 24 740
renal vein
D3.3.4 - Physiological changes that form the basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Urinary tests
● Urine can be tested for:
○ Glucose
○ Blood cells
○ Protein
○ Drugs
● None of these are present in urine of a
healthy person.
● The presence of glucose indicates the person
is diabetic.
● Blood cells indicates kidney malfunction or an
infection or bleeding in the renal tubes or even
http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/04/25/pilot-st
udy-urine-test-detects-one-third-of-autism-cases
cancer.
/37791.html
D3.3.4 - Physiological changes that form the basis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Diabetes
● A person suffering from diabetes is unable to
regulate their blood glucose levels.

● The concentration of glucose in the blood is so

high that the kidneys can reabsorb all of it into
the blood.

● Glucose will be found in the urine.

● Due to the changes in concentration less

water will be reabsorbed by the kidneys by
osmosis leading to large quantities of urine.

https://www.azsintjan.be/sites/default/files/2023-02/het_
belang_van_bloedketonenmeting_dr._depoorter.pdf
D3.3.11 - Changes in blood supply to organs in response to changes in activity.

As examples, use the pattern of

blood supply to the skeletal
muscles, gut , brain and kidneys
during sleep, vigorous physical
activity and wakeful rest.

https://www.vrogue.co/post/distribution-of-cardiac-output
D3.3.11 - Changes in blood supply to organs in response to changes in activity.
Blood supply to organs
● The blood flow to an organ
depends on its function and its
activity.
● The blood flow is controlled by
contracting the smooth muscle of
the arteriole the lumen is
decreased and the blood flow into
the capillaries is reduced. This is
vasoconstriction.
● By relaxing the smooth muscle of
the arteriole the lumen is
increased and blood flow into the
capillaries is increased. This is
vasodilation.
https://azkurs.org/bio2305-vascular-physiology-perfusion--blood-flow-through-t
iss/12782_html_781a3626.jpg
D3.3.11 - Changes in blood supply to organs in response to changes in activity.
Blood supply to organs

https://www.vrogue.co/post/distribution-of-cardiac-output
A. Allott, D. Mindorff. Biology Course Companion 2023 edition. Oxford University Press. 2023. Pg 736.
D3.3.11 - Changes in blood supply to organs in response to changes in activity.
Blood supply to organs

● For reference.

https://bio.libretexts.org/Courses/Lumen_Learning/Anatomy_and_Physiology_II_(Lumen)/06%3A_Module_4-_The_Cardiovascular_System-_Blood_Vessel
s_and_Circulation/6.05%3A_Homeostatic_Regulation_of_the_Vascular_System
CAS

• Raise awareness about kidney disease

and funds for the Nierstichting (Dutch
charity for kidney diseases)
https://www.nierstichting.nl/

• Raise awareness about organ donations.

https://www.donorregister.nl/
Guiding questions revisited

Mini discussion:
● How are constant internal conditions maintained in
humans?
● What are the benefits to organisms of maintaining
constant internal conditions?

Discuss with the people beside you.

Concept

Mini discussion:

● Explain how the topic of

homeostasis represents the
theme/ concept of continuity and
change.

Discuss with the people beside

you.

https://tomi-digital-resources.storage.googleapis.com/images/classes/resources/rsc-212168-5ef12313cd258.png