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Biology SL

SLHL

Chapter 7: Cell Control and Communication

Explain how cells detect, transmit and integrate information through receptors, neurons, synapses, hormones, feedback systems and plant growth regulators.

Estimated chapter time: 275 minutes

IB syllabus: C2.1 · C2.2 · SL and HL

Chapter Topics

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  1. 1How to Read This Cell Communication Chapter
    1. 1.1Communication Turns Cells into Systems
    2. 1.2Keep Signal, Messenger and Response Separate
    3. 1.3Use Quantitative Thresholds Carefully
  2. 2Nervous Systems and Neuron Structure
    1. 2.1Nervous Systems Receive, Integrate and Act
    2. 2.2Neuron Shape Reflects Signal Direction
  3. 3Action Potentials and Impulse Conduction
    1. 3.1Resting Potential Is a Maintained Electrochemical State
    2. 3.2Myelin Changes Continuous Conduction into Saltatory Conduction
  4. 4Synapses and Neural Integration
    1. 4.1A Chemical Synapse Converts the Signal Twice
    2. 4.2Acetylcholine Must Be Released and Removed
  5. 5Animal Hormones and Blood-Glucose Control
    1. 5.1Insulin and Glucagon Form an Antagonistic Control System
    2. 5.2Diabetes Can Reflect Missing Signal or Reduced Response
    3. 5.3Correlation Alone Does Not Establish Hormonal Cause
  6. 6Chapter Synthesis: From Detection to Coordinated Response
    1. 6.1Different Signals Share One Information Logic
    2. 6.2Thresholds Make Decisions; Feedback Shapes Trajectories
    3. 6.3Trace Matter and Information Separately

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