ASSIGNMENT 1

Biology II Standard, Pre-Health Sciences - Durham College, Winter 2021

/60 marks
EVALUATION NOTES

Read before submitting:

• This assignment is worth 12.5% of your final grade.

• This assignment is due according to the instructions below:

o Due date: Sunday, February 14 at 11:59 PM

o Late submissions are penalized 10% per day up to a
max of 3 days (including weekends). After that a
zero is assigned.

• This assignment should be submitted online to the DC

Connect Assignments folder.

o Your assignment must be submitted to the

designated assignments folder on your DC Connect
course.
o Unless otherwise directed, submissions made by
other means (E.g. email or hard copy) will not be
accepted and will result in a grade of 0.
o Computer malfunctions or technical issues are not
accepted as excuses for late or missing components.
TIP: Submit your assignment early so that you have
time to resolve any potential technical issues prior
to the deadline.

• This assignment should be your own original work

o You may work in groups to complete this assignment but each student must prepare and
submit their own unique answers. A good rule of thumb to practice is to “chat” with
classmates about your work, but never show them your actual assignment.
o All answers can be found using content from DC Connect. If you decide to use Google
as well, make sure to consider the context of our course in terms of vocabulary, level of
difficulty, etc. A reminder that it is considered plagiarism to submit work that has been
copy and pasted from the Internet. All work must be in your own words.

• Please highlight your answers or make them a font colour like red so that they stand out.

PHS – Pre-Health Sciences Page 1 of 10

Part 1 – Basic Knowledge [17 marks]

Rationale: In this section you are required to answer content specific questions. These questions are very
similar in structure and style to Test 1 questions and will therefore be excellent study practice.

Instructions:
• Answer in the spaces provided
• Read the questions carefully and thoroughly
• Consider the point value of each question as a guide for how much detail you should include
• Short answers should be written IN YOUR OWN WORDS using COMPLETE SENTENCES

UNIT 1: The Urinary System

1. (1 mark) Multiple choice – Which of the following is NOT normally found in filtrate?
a. glucose
b. water
c. protein
d. urea
e. salt

2. (4 marks) The kidneys play a role in calcium homeostasis in the body. Complete the table below
with the names of the two calcium regulation hormones and how they impact kidney function.

Calcium level in blood Calcium regulating hormone Effect on kidney

Calcium is high Calcitonin (CT) The release of Calcitonin causes the kidneys to
keep calcium within the blood.

Calcium is low Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) The release of Parathyroid Hormone causes the
kidneys to remove calcium from blood.

3. The process of urine formation is complex, and has three stages: filtration, reabsorption and
secretion. After filtration, the body will reabsorb any molecules that it needs from the nephron.
a. (1 mark) Multiselect – Select from the following list any nutrients that get mostly always
reabsorbed.
Cells
Protein
Amino acids
Glucose
Creatinine
Water
Salt
H+ ions, bicarbonate ions
Drugs

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 b. (1 mark) Multiselect – Select from the following list any other molecules that could get
reabsorbed for the purposes of maintaining homeostasis.
Cells
Protein
Amino acids
Glucose
Creatinine
Water
Salt
H+ ions, bicarbonate ions
Drugs

UNIT 2: The Skeletal System

2. (1 mark) Multiple choice – Which of the following are all bones in the axial skeleton?
a. sternum, clavicle, scapula
b. parietal, temporal, occipital
c. femur, patella, tibia
d. ilium, ischium pubis
e. maxilla, mandible, tarsals

3. (1 mark) Multiple choice – In the vertebral column, there are ____ cervical vertebrae, ____
thoracic vertebrae and ____ lumbar vertebrae
a. 3, 7, 12
b. 7, 5, 12
c. 12, 7, 5
d. 7, 12, 5
e. 5, 12, 7

4. (0.5 x 6 = 3 marks) Compare and contrast the epiphysis and the diaphysis regions of a long
bone. Be sure to include 3 FULL differences. [TIP: Make sure to organize your answers in the
chart so that the differences align.]

Epiphysis Diaphysis

Difference #1 Red Bone Marrow Yellow Bone Marrow

Difference #2 Compact Bone Tissue

Spongy Bone Tissue
Structural Units are beam like
shapes of bone matrix and Structural units are osteons (cylinder
Difference #3
osteocytes shape)

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UNIT 3: The Muscular System

6. (1 mark) Multiple choice – Which definition best describes a skeletal muscle cell?
1 nucleus, no striations, tapered ends
1-3 nuclei, striated, branched cells
Multi-nucleated, striated, long parallel cells
1-3 nuclei, no striations, tapered ends

7. (1 mark) Multiple choice – Which of the following terms is NOT linked to their correct definition?
insertion – the end of a muscle connected to a moveable bone
ligament – the connective tissue which connects bones to other bones
articular cartilage – smooth cartilage that remains at the ends of long bones
antagonist – the muscle that acts as the primary mover

8. (3 marks) Ordering. There are several steps which occur at the neuromuscular junction leading to
calcium release in a muscle cell. Put the following steps in the correct sequence starting with the
action potential travelling down the neuron and finish with calcium being released in the muscle cell.

_1__ Action potential travels down motor neuron to axon terminal

___3__ Calcium causes the release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft
___6__ Calcium is released from sarcoplasmic reticulum inside muscle cell
__5__ Action potential travels along T-tubules
___2__ Action potential triggers influx of calcium into the neuron
__4_ Acetylcholine binds to receptors on sarcolemma – sodium channels open

Part 2 – Case Study [43 marks]

Rationale: In this section you will develop your problem-solving and critical thinking skills by applying
your knowledge of basic concepts to a case study. This is an important skill to develop as it allows you to
relate what you are learning to the everyday world and helps prepare you for future programs and careers
in the health care field. As you proceed through this section, think about how these questions connect to
your other courses and to your future goals.

Instructions:
• Answer in the spaces provided.
• Read the questions carefully and thoroughly.
• Consider the point value of each question as a guide for how much detail you should include
• Short answers should be written in IN YOUR OWN WORDS using COMPLETE SENTENCES

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Scenario: Margaret is a second semester Pre-Health Sciences student in the college pathway. She is
finishing up the program and has applied for entry into the Paramedic program in the fall. As part of her
preparations, Margaret has decided to get her class F driver’s license so she is certified to drive an
ambulance.

During one of her driver training classes, a classmate was not paying attention and Margaret was hit. She
was immediately transported to Lakeridge Health in Oshawa on Simcoe Street. Margaret sustained
several injuries including a broken leg bone and muscle damage. Doctors were also concerned Margaret’s
kidneys were injured in the accident and ordered a variety of tests. Margaret has a family member
requiring a kidney transplant so at the same time as the other testing, she asks to be tested to determine
if she is eligible to donate a kidney.

At Lakeridge Health, two doctors discuss which imaging test would be best to determine if Margaret has
suffered kidney injury in the accident. One physician suggests an x-ray and the other suggests an
ultrasound.

9. (2 marks) Visit https://www.medlineplus.gov/ and use the search function to read about
ultrasounds and x-rays as diagnostic tests. Based on what you read, which test would you
recommend for Margaret, and why?

I would recommend an ultrasound for Margret as it would provide a view of the kidney
to check for abnormalities whereas an x-ray wouldn’t show a good depiction of the
kidney just the structure.

Scenario: Next, doctors take Margaret’s blood pressure and temperature. Her blood pressure is 100/60
and body temperature is 35.7oC.

10. The kidneys play an important role in regulating blood pressure. If blood pressure is low, the
renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is activated. When answering the below
questions, be sure to use full names (no acronyms).
(2 marks) List TWO final hormones that are activated at the end of the RAAS pathway.
Antidiuretic Hormone as well as Atrial natriuretic peptide are activated at the end of the
RAAS pathway.

(2 marks) What SUBSTANCE is reabsorbed in the nephron as the result of each hormone
listed in part a?

Water.

Scenario: In the middle of the conversation with the doctors, Margaret suddenly needs to take a
bathroom break. After she finishes, she notices that her urine looks reddish in colour. She alerts the
doctor who is immediately concerned.

11. (1 mark) What is the likely cause of the red colour in Margaret’s urine?
Red blood cells
White blood cells
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 Platelets
Proteins
Urochrome

12. (5 marks) Explain why the nurses and doctors would be concerned with the red urine. Use your
knowledge of what happens in the glomerulus during FILTRATION to explain why urine is
not normally red. [TIP: Use proper terminology including afferent arteriole, glomerulus,
Bowman’s capsule, efferent arteriole podocytes, pressure, small vs. large molecules, filtration,
filtrate]

When blood enters the glomerulus through the afferent arteriole it is now in an
environment with high blood pressure and podocytes which cause small holes in the
glomerular wall. The blood is pushed with force through the tiny holes into bowman’s
capsule. Things such as red and white blood cells as well as platelets are too big to
squeeze though the glomerular wall and thus remain in the glomerulus to eventually exit
via the efferent arteriole, this process prevents red urine as red blood cells are separated
from the filtrate.

Scenario: As the nurses stabilize Margaret and make her comfortable in the bed, the results come back
about the broken bone that Margaret has sustained.

13. (1 mark) Inspect the image to the right and indicate which bone
Margaret has broken. _____fibula_______

Scenario: The radiologist indicates that Margaret is lucky since the break happened in the diaphysis,
far from the epiphyseal growth plate. Fractures in the epiphyseal growth plate in children need to be
treated quickly and followed for a certain amount of time to ensure proper healing. (Note: Margaret is
an adult, so this particular concern does not apply to her.)

14. (2 marks) Where is the epiphyseal growth plate located?

Metaphysis of a flat bone
Epiphysis of a long bone
Diaphysis of an irregular bone
Metaphysis of a long bone
Epiphysis of a flat bone

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Scenario Margaret can’t wait to get back to her normal exercise routine and she thinks back to what
she learned about bone repair in biology class for any hint of how to speed up her healing. When the
hospital staff come to visit, Margaret asks for a glass of milk, hoping to increase her calcium intake.

15. (1 mark) What hormone is responsible for taking up calcium from the blood and depositing it
into bone?
Aldosterone
Calcitonin
Parathyroid hormone
ADH
Calcitriol

16. Calcium is only one of the minerals required for bone growth. Margaret knows she should also
increase Vitamin D but can’t remember why. Help Margaret by answering the following
questions.
(1 mark) Why might adding vitamin D to her diet help in bone repair?
Vitamin D must be present and activated by the kidney so the small intestine can absorb
calcium into the blood.
(2 marks) Provide her with 2 ideas of foods that are rich in vitamin D. Use a credible
resource to find this information, and be sure to provide the source link(s).

Fish and eggs.

NOTE: Credible sources include government websites and peer-reviewed journal articles. If you
are unsure of how to pick a credible source, watch the following video or take a look at the resources
posted on the SALS course in DC Connect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ122WakNDY

Source Link(s): https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/sources-calcium-vitamin-d

17. (2 marks) There are three main types of bone cells: osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes. List
TWO differences between osteoblasts and osteoclasts with respect to their role in bone growth,
maintenance and repair. [TIP: Make sure to organize your differences in the chart so that the
differences align.]

Osteoclasts Vs Osteoblasts
Build bone matrix Destroy bone matrix

Vs

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 Scenario: In order to allow the bone to heal, the doctor suggests immobilizing her lower leg with a
cast. This means she won’t be able to move her ankle for 6 weeks while the bone repair process
completes.

18. (4 marks) The ankle is an example of a synovial joint, which is the most complex type of joint.
List and describe TWO of the structural features of a synovial joint which contribute to the
protection and/or stability of the joint.

Articular Cartilage- covers the surface of each bone to prevent friction

Ligaments – strong connective tissue that anchors bones together to prevent separation and provide
stability.

19. (3 marks) Margaret is nervous about the cast. She’s heard that casts can lead to atrophy of
muscle tissue but she’s not 100% sure what that means. Do your own research to understand
what muscular atrophy means, and provide an explanation IN YOUR OWN WORDS below.
Then, list TWO things that can be done to help reverse muscular atrophy. Provide the link to
the source(s) that you use to find your answer.

Source Link(s): https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003188.htm

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325316#summary

NOTE: Credible sources include government websites and peer-reviewed journal articles. If you are
unsure of how to pick a credible source, watch the following video or take a look at the resources posted
on the SALS course in DC Connect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ122WakNDY

Muscle atrophy is the loss of muscle tissue. Two thing that can be done to reverse muscle atrophy are;
light exercise (in a pool), as well as functional electric stimulation to stimulate the muscles to contract.

20. (1 mark) Based on the fact that Margaret’s ankle will be immobilized due to her cast, what
muscles are at the greatest risk for atrophy while Margaret is casted? Select all that apply.
Rectus abdominus
Gluteus maximus
Gastrocnemius
Iliopsoas
Sternocleidomastoid
Soleus

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Scenario: The doctor warns Margaret that since her muscles were strained in the accident, she may
experience some spasms (contractions) of the muscles in the cast. Margaret tries to visualize a muscle
contraction and recalls from her prior learning that there are several steps, but she can’t remember
them.

21. (5 marks) Describe to Margaret the steps leading to the ‘shortening of a sarcomere’, starting
from immediately after calcium is released into the muscle cell from the sarcoplasmic
reticulum. Ensure you use the proper terminology including: calcium, troponin, tropomyosin,
myosin, actin, cross-bridge, power stroke, sarcomere and ATP

After calcium is released into the muscle cell from the sarcoplasmic reticulum it travels to actin and
binds with the associated troponin, this binding causes tropomyosin to move thus the myosin binding
sites to enact the sliding filament theory. Then myosin bound ATP hydrolyzes which activates myosin
to bind to actin. The hydrolyzed ATP leaves myosin which moves myosin to the centre of the
sarcomere, this causes actin to slide across myosin or power stroking thus shortening the sarcomere.

22. (8 marks) There are other kinds of disorders which can cause muscle atrophy including
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and peripheral neuropathy. Research to learn more about
these disorders and summarize your findings in the table below. Answers must be IN YOUR
OWN WORDS. Be sure to provide the source link.

NOTE: Credible sources include government websites and peer-reviewed journal articles. If you are
unsure of how to pick a credible source, watch the following video or take a look at the resources posted on
the SALS course in DC Connect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ122WakNDY

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetes, tumours, bone marrow
Cause(s) Age, Genetics, Smoking.
disorders, alcoholism.
Signs and Clumsiness, slurred speech, hard Sharp intense pain, sensitive to touch
symptoms time walking. areas, numbness of the hands or feet.
Pain relievers, topical treatments,
Treatment Medication (Riluzole & Edaravone)
antidepressants.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/amyotrophic-lateral- conditions/peripheral-
Source Link(s)
sclerosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc- neuropathy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-
20354027 20352067

23. (1 mark) Margaret has been so focused on her injured leg that she didn’t realize how sore the
rest of her body is from the accident. She extends her elbows and feels tightness in her right
arm. What arm muscle is causing the tightness? Bicep brachii muscle.

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Epilogue: After a couple of months, Margaret has her cast removed, and begins her next phase of
recovery. This includes a combination of physiotherapy, massage therapy and various exercises. In the
meantime, Margaret received the exciting news that she was accepted into the Paramedic program.
Knowing that her injury may pose some challenges in her new program which has physical fitness
component, she reaches out to the Program Coordinator for any advice they may be able to give her in
advance. Although it was a rocky semester after the accident, all of Margaret’s hard work and
dedication paid off, and her dedication to her recovery program allowed her to start off the new
program in full recovery mode.

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