Nerves vs Hormones (8.7)

Question 1

Compare the following features between nerves and hormones

Answer 1

Relative speed = signals can be transmitted at speeds of aoround 74m/s, whereas hormonal repsonses take longer as they need to be synthesised packaged and transported

Length of response = nerves provide a short term reponse to a stimuli compared to hormones which produce a long lasting response

Body part responsible for carrying signal = the nervous system and nerves carry and relay signals, and the circulatory system (bloodstream) carries hormones

Local or widespread response = nerves provide a local response in certain organs and areas around the body but hormones generate a widespread response affecting a large number of tissues and organs

Question 2

Explain how hormones bring about gene expression in the target cells

Answer 2

Hormones act as transcription factors so when introduced a the target cells they expose the promotor region on genes in the target cell. This allows RNA polymerase to bind to the gene allowing it to be replicated.