Content

• What topics does the AQA biology paper 2 cover?

  Homeostasis, inheritance, variation, evolution, ecology
• What is homeostasis?

  Regulation of internal conditions despite external changes
• Why is homeostasis important for chemical reactions?

  It allows reactions to occur at optimum rates
• What three conditions does the body regulate?

  Blood glucose concentration, temperature, water levels
• What is the central nervous system (CNS)?

  It consists of the brain and spinal cord
• What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consist of?

  Nerves that go through the rest of the body
• How does a receptor detect a stimulus?

  It detects changes and sends signals to the CNS
• What happens when an electrical signal reaches the spine?

  It can go to the brain or directly to effectors
• What is a reflex arc?

  A pathway where signals bypass the brain
• How do glands function as effectors?

  They produce specific chemicals needed by the body
• How can you investigate reaction times?

  By dropping a ruler and measuring the distance
• What is the effect of a stimulant on reaction time?

  It decreases reaction time
• What is the formula to calculate reaction time?

  Reaction time = $\frac{distance}{speed}$
• What are the three parts of the brain?

  Cerebral cortex, cerebellum, medulla oblongata
• What does the cerebral cortex control?

  Higher level functions like memory and speech
• What is the function of the cerebellum?

  It controls motor skills, movement, and balance
• What does the medulla oblongata control?

  Unconscious actions like heart and breathing rates
• How do MRI scans help in brain activity assessment?

  They safely visualize brain activity
• What is accommodation in the eye?

  Ability to change lens shape to focus light
• How do ciliary muscles affect lens shape?

  They contract or relax to change lens thickness
• What happens to the lens when focusing on distant objects?

  The lens becomes thinner and less powerful
• What is myopia?

  Shortsightedness, can't focus on far objects
• How do glasses correct vision?

  They converge or diverge light before entering the eye
• What is thermoregulation?

  Control of internal body temperature
• How does the body respond when too hot?

  Sweat glands produce sweat to cool down
• What is vasodilation?

  Widening of blood vessels to increase heat loss
• What is the role of the endocrine system?

  It produces hormones that regulate body functions
• What is the master gland of the endocrine system?

  The pituitary gland
• What hormone does the pancreas produce?

  Insulin
• What happens when blood glucose levels are too high?

  The pancreas secretes insulin to lower levels
• What is type 1 diabetes?

  Condition where pancreas can't produce enough insulin
• How do kidneys maintain water balance?

  They filter blood and adjust water reabsorption
• What is ADH?

  Antidiuretic hormone that regulates water reabsorption
• What is negative feedback?

  Body responds to return conditions to normal
• What is the purpose of dialysis?

  To filter blood when kidneys aren't functioning
• What occurs during menstruation?

  Eggs mature and the uterine lining thickens
• What hormone stimulates egg maturation?

  Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
• What is the role of progesterone?

  It maintains the uterine lining for pregnancy
• What are some contraception methods?

  Pills, injections, condoms, IUDs
• What is IVF?

  In vitro fertilization to assist with conception