Compare and contrast the structure and function of the saccule and utricle with that of the semicircular canals with
regard to maintaining equilibrium. What will be an ideal response?
In mammals, the utricle, saccule, and semicircular canals function in approximately the same
way in that the deformation of hair cells in the proper direction ultimately results in an action
potential being sent to the brain. Depending on which hair cells are deformed (and in which
direction), these signals are used by the brain to determine the position of the head (utricle
and saccule) and the rotation of the head (semicircular canals). In the utricle and saccule the
hair cells are covered by a gelatinous cupula in which otoliths are embedded; gravity causes
the otoliths to move within the cupula, and this movement results in the generation of a nerve
impulse. In the three semicircular canals, there are no otoliths; instead, the canals are filled
with endolymph. Rotation of the head causes movement of the endolymph, and this
movement deforms the hair cells resulting in the generation of an action potential.
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Water molecules are polar with ends that exhibit partial positive and negative charges. These opposite charges allow water molecules to attract each other through:
A. ionic bonds. B. covalent bonds. C. hydrogen bonds. D. peptide bonds.
The intermediate-disturbance hypothesis predicts that the most species rich communities would contain
A. both r- and K-selected species. B. high rates of evapotranspiration. C. predominantly K-selected species. D. intermediate biomass. E. predominantly r-selected species.
In what way are vitamins and essential amino acids similar in human metabolism?
A. Both are integral parts of membrane lipids. B. They cannot be synthesized and must be ingested. C. Both are needed to synthesize steroid hormones. D. They are derived from the same precursor molecules. E. Both contain metal ions.
Describe diabetes mellitus
What will be an ideal response?