Thursday, 10 January 2013

A2 Biology: The endocrine system

Endocrine uses hormones as its signalling molecules.

Hormones: are molecules that are released by endocrine glands directly into the blood. They act as messengers, carrying a signal from the endocrine gland to a specific target organ or tissue.


  • Blood circulation is used to transport hormones
  • Transported throughout the body
  • Endocrine glands are ductless and release hormones straight into the capillaries running through them
ENDOCRINE gland: is a gland that secretes hormones directly into the blood. They have no ducts.

EXOCRINE gland: is a gland that secretes molecule into a duct that carries the molecules to where they are used e.g. salivary glands.


Adrenaline

  • Adrenaline is an amino acid derivative, they cannot enter the target cell. Adrenaline receptor on outside of the plasma membrane ha a shape complimentary to the shape of the adrenaline molecule
Adenyl cyclase
  • Adenyl cyclase is an enzyme associated with receptor for many hormones, including adrenaline. It is found on the inside of the plasma membrane.
  • Adrenaline receptor is associated with this enzyme.

Action of adrenaline

  • Adrenaline in blood binds to a specific receptor
  • Adrenaline is first messenger
  • Activate adenylcyclase enzyme which converts ATP to cyclic AMP
  • cAMP is second messenger inside the cell
  • cAMP causes effect inside cell by activating enzymes
Adrenal medulla
  • Cells make and release adrenaline hormone in response to stress
  • Most cells have adrenaline receptors
  • Effect is to prepare for activity
Effects of adrenaline
  • Relax smooth muscles in  bronchioles
  • Increase stroke volume of heart and increase heart rate
  • Causes vasoconstriction to raise blood pressure
  • Stimulate glycogen to convert to glucose 
  • Dilate pupils
  • Increase mental awareness
  • Inhibit action of gut and cause body hair to react
Target cells must have specific receptors as hormones binds to receptor and activates a process inside the cell receptors must be specific so the hormone only bind to the correct cells, receptors and hormones have shapes complementary to each other.

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