Homeostasis SAC

[yazza]

can anyone give me a brief description of the key areas to know and any tips for doing well in this sac.

[Yacoubb]

Given that your SAC is on homeostasis, I'd suggest that the two areas you focus on are:
(a) The Endocrine System - differences/similarities with nervous system
(b) The Nervous System - differences/similarities with endocrine (or hormonal) system
(c) What is homeostasis and why is it important?
(d) What is the difference between the internal/external environment of an organism?
(e) How do many systems come together to achieve homeostasis.
(f) What variables in the internal environment must be maintained under homeostatic conditions.

Could you be a bit more specific as to which area you will be focussing upon on the SAC? This will help in really zooming in on one (or more) areas of homeostastis and its importance.

[yazza]

looking on the past sac there were many questions about patients involving their blood glucose levels, most of the questions were worded exam scenario questions. do you know anywhere i can find many of these types of questions to pracice on and any tips for preparing for this type of sac?

[Yacoubb]

looking on the past sac there were many questions about patients involving their blood glucose levels, most of the questions were worded exam scenario questions. do you know anywhere i can find many of these types of questions to pracice on and any tips for preparing for this type of sac?

Okay so blood glucose level, is obviously looking at the Endorine System:
* Homeostasis - how is blood glucose level maintained relatively stable within narrow limits.
* Alpha and Beta cells in the pancreas.
* The role of glucagon and insulin.
* The importance of regulating blood glucose level & consequences of not doing so.
* What type of hormones and insulin & glucagon - signal transduction.

The best thing to do would be to consult some past VCAA papers and find some questions relating to homeostasis and particularly BGL (blood glucose level maintenance)

[Stick]

Don't forget your feedback mechanisms!

[Yacoubb]

Don't forget your feedback mechanisms!

Yeah Good point - I don't imagine positive feedback would be important in this instance though. Negative feedback would probably be important though, because you need to understand that when there is a increase in blood glucose for example, the body reacts in the opposite direction by having muscle tissue increase absorbption of glucose, therefore lowering and stabilising blood glucose level.

[yazza]

thanks so much for the help and advice, ive still got a few more weeks until the sac