Topic Summaries
The kidney
Transport Systems
Blood and heart disease
Stem cells, microscopy, and microorganisms
Transport in cells
Human health and enzymes
Plant transport systems
Pathogens and non-specific immunity
The immune system and drugs
Plant disease and monoclonal antibodies
Photosynthesis and respiration
The nervous system and homeostasis
The brain and the eye
Hormone regulation and waste excretion
Reproductive hormones and plant hormones
Cell division, reproduction, and DNA structure
DNA synthesis and inheritance
Genetic engineering and modification
Evolution and natural selection
Species and classification
Resource cycles and environmental change
Biodiversity and environmental management
Biomass and trophic levels
Food supply and biotechnology
Science skills: Experimental procedures
Science skills: Presenting and using data
Science skills: Measuring results
Transport Systems
Blood and heart disease
Stem cells, microscopy, and microorganisms
Transport in cells
Human health and enzymes
Plant transport systems
Pathogens and non-specific immunity
The immune system and drugs
Plant disease and monoclonal antibodies
Photosynthesis and respiration
The nervous system and homeostasis
The brain and the eye
Hormone regulation and waste excretion
Reproductive hormones and plant hormones
Cell division, reproduction, and DNA structure
DNA synthesis and inheritance
Genetic engineering and modification
Evolution and natural selection
Species and classification
Resource cycles and environmental change
Biodiversity and environmental management
Biomass and trophic levels
Food supply and biotechnology
Science skills: Experimental procedures
Science skills: Presenting and using data
Science skills: Measuring results
- The kidneys produce urine by filtration of the blood and selective reabsorption of useful substances, such as glucose, water and some ions.
- The water balance in the body is controlled by the hormone ADH which increases the permeability of kidney tubules. ADH is released by the pituitary gland when the blood is too concentrated, causing more water to be reabsorbed back into the blood from the kidney tubules (i.e. negative feedback as more ADH is released when the blood is more concentrated).
- Kidney failure happens when a person’s kidneys are no longer able to filter their blood effectively and can lead to toxicity. Kidney dialysis can be used to treat kidney failure temporarily by the removal of high levels of urea. This involves filtering the blood through a dialysis machine to diffuse urea out of the blood before it is returned to the body.
- An organ transplant can be used to treat kidney failure as humans have two kidneys and only require one to survive, so a living person can donate a kidney for transplant.
- The body may treat the kidney as foreign and the body’s immune system may attack it. Immunosuppressant drugs are given to the patient to reduce the chances of rejection; however, these weaken their immune system.
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