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SIB Fall Essays
**Take Home Essays
(Chapter 6) Possible Anatomy & Physiology Essay #1
part a. Outline the basic aspects of both the pulmonary blood circulation & the systemic blood circulation.
Specifically, how does the heart - in conjunction with all blood vessels (arteries, and veins, and capillaries) &
the lungs - pump gases and nutrients of every imaginable kind to every part of our anatomy, while at the same
time, moving waste products back out of the body.
part b. Detail the precise function of the heart, and all of it’s chambers, & valves leading to, and coming from,
the lungs. * be sure to detail the precise physical nature/structure of each type of blood vessel mentioned above.
part c. How can poor dietary habits cause problems for our circulatory systems (think high fats and
carbohydrates)? Please provide at least two solid examples with details of long-term affects.
(Chapter 6) Possible Anatomy & Physiology Essay #2
part a. Beginning with the mouth and any digestive enzymes existing in saliva, outline the major components
of the human digestive system. Identify the (4) four food categories entering our circulation - both the
“indigested” form and the form “after” digestion. Where, specifically, are each of these digested molecules
taken into the blood stream? * It is essential that you mention examples of all enzymes involved in
transforming these nutrients into a readily “digestable” form.
part b. How is blood glucose homeostasis achieved in humans? Provide specific details of all organs, blood
vessels, and hormones involved in this process.
part c. Considering the crucial nature of maintaining very specific glucose levels within the blood stream,
compare and contrast type I & type II diabetes.
(Chapter 6) Possible Anatomy & Physiology Essay #3
#1 Please compare and contrast the main fundamental anatomical aspects of the male & female reproduction
system, and describe the main hormones (GnRH, LH, FSH, Estrogen, Progesterone) involved in the female
reproduction system - and the specific effect they have. In other words, if you mention the hormone
progesterone...where is this hormone secreted from? Where does it exert its influence? What are some very
basic aspects of fertilization, and where does it occur? Can it occur at any time during the month? If not, Why?
What are two main ways to prevent ovulation in females (ie. methods of birth control). What are two ways to
prevent a male from impregnating a female?
(Chapter 6) Possible Anatomy & Physiology Essay #4
Part a. Respiratory System: Describe adaptations in the human respiratory system that allow it to function
more efficiently. Inspiration and expiration are necessary processes. Describe the mechanisms and structures
involved in both processes.
Part b. Human’s have evolved a complex immune system. We have a non-specific defense and a specific
defense. Please describe the two types of defense and two examples of each type..
SIB Fall Essays
(Chapter 6) Possible Anatomy & Physiology Essay #5
Describe & draw the basic structure of a neuron is very general form. Describe the difference between a motor
neurons and sensory neurons. What is an action potential, and how do they allow neurons to send signals to
each other. What proteins and ions are involved in the conductance of an action potential? How is the resting
state of a negative charge inside a cell maintained? What kinds things might occur to interfere with nerve
signaling. For example, research a drug such as an uptake inhibitor, and describe in very general terms how they
affect the way our brains perceive some external stimuli - pain for example. In what ways do you think evolution
has influenced the ways that our brains function. Use specific examples - such as the “fight or flight” response,
homeostasis within the central nervous system, etc. Include an explanation of a synaptic transmission.
(Chapter 7) Possible Central Dogma Essay #6
#1 Part a. What is DNA replication? Why does it occur? In other words - why is it such an important process?
Describe the major steps involved in DNA Replication & the function of the two enzymes we discussed in class
(DNA polymerase & Helicase). Be sure to thoroughly compare and contrast continuous DNA replication &
discontinuous DNA replication? (hint: what are Okasaki fragments - A.K.A. lagging strands)
Part b. What is DNA transcription? Where and why does it occur? In other words - why is it such an important
process? Describe the major steps (and enzymes) involved in transcription & explain how DNA serves as a
“Code” (or template)for the production of the building blocks of an organism.
Part c. What is DNA translation? Where and why does it occur? In other words - why is it such an important
process? Describe the three major components involved in translation & explain how mRNA codons play a
vital role in directing the synthesis of a very important type of organic molecule. Do not forget to thoroughly
explain what tRNA’s are and their vital role!
(Chapter 9) Possible Plant Science Essay #7
Plant 1. Part a. Adaptations: roots, stems, leaves. Plants have evolved a wide variety of adaptations to allow
them to survive. Describe three root, three stem, and three leaf modifications and why they might be
selected for in a particular environment.
Part b. Xerophytes & guard cells. Describe five adaptations xerophytes have evolved to survive in arid
environments. Explain the process by which guard cells change shape and cause stomata to open or close.
(Chapter 9) Possible Plant Science Essay #8
Plant 2. Part a. Plant Hormones: Auxin, Gibberellic Acid, and Abscissic acid. Describe the role of these
hormones in plants. Diagrams are encouraged.
Part b. Describe the structures and processes involved in the movement of water and organic molecules in plants.