Biology: Homeostasis, Plant Systems, and Tropisms

• Core concept centers around biology TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills).

Homeostasis & Organ System Interactions

• Homeostasis is an organism's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.
• Body temperature regulation is achieved via sweating and shivering.
• Blood sugar regulation is achieved via insulin and glucagon.
• Water balance is achieved as kidneys filter excess water.
• Organ systems involved in homeostasis include: nervous, endocrine, circulatory, integumentary, digestive, urinary, and immune.

Plant Systems & Functions

• Vascular tissues, xylem, transports water and minerals within a plant.
• Vascular tissues, phloem, transports food (sugar) within a plant.
• Primary plant growth results in taller roots and stems.
• Secondary plant growth thickens and widens stems.

Tropisms (Plant Responses to Stimuli)

• Phototropism is the growth towards light.
• Geotropism is growth in response to gravity.
• Thigmotropism is growth in response to touch, allowing vines to wrap around objects.

Plant Reproduction (Angiosperms vs. Gymnosperms)

• Angiosperms are flowering plants with seeds enclosed in fruit.
• Gymnosperms are cone-bearing plants with exposed seeds.
• Angiosperm reproduction involves pollination, where pollen is transferred to the stigma.
• Angiosperm reproduction involves fertilization, or the fusion of sperm and egg in the ovule.
• Seed formation occurs after fertilization and the seed then develops into a new plant..

Interactions Between Human Body Systems

• Muscular and skeletal systems enable you to moves your body to get up.
• The nervous system controls movement and senses thirst.
• The digestive system processes water and nutrients.
• The urinary system includes Kidneys that filter and remove waste.
• The Integumentary system sweats to regulate temperature.
• The immune system fights off infections, which can cause fever.