UNIT

Transport In
Plants

1
FRANSPORT
IN PLANTS
SYLLABUS
Diffusion definition:
Osmosis- definition, example
active transport. semipermeable membrane, root pressure
Transpiration definition, importance and factors
Structure and function of Xylem and Phloem in affecting transpiration.
detail.
Importance of minerals: macro and micro-nutrients; three
diseases caused by lack of deficiency
these essential nutrients.

TRANSPORT IN PLANTS
carbon dioxide from the
You have
atmosphere. The
already
learnt that plants can water with minerals is absorbed from
along
prepare their own food by a process called the soil through the roots. It is then
transported
photosynthesis. For this process, plants require upwards to the leaves of the plant.
carbon dioxide and water. The leaves take in The food prepared by the leaves is
transported to all parts of the plant including
Absorption and - SHOOT
roots.
distribution of
water and
minerals by Transportation in plants is the
rots from the
process in which substances absorbed or
soil Manufacture of
food by leaves synthesized in one part of the plant are
ROOT
and distribution
to all plant parts.
moved to other parts of the plant

Transportation of water and foodin

plants is carried out by a conducting system
consisting of two main tissues- xylem and
Fig 1.1 The root (underground) and the shoot
(above phloem. Together, they form the vascula1
ground) are the conducting systems of a plant bundle.
T CONDUCTING OR TRANSPORTING Functions of xylem
TissUES 1. The main
function
Xylem This tissue forms a tubular of
passage to transport water and mineral salts transportation of water andxylem
salts from the roots to mineral
from the roots to the aerial parts of the plant. of the plant. the aerial
The xylem tissue consists of
four
types of
part."
cells xylem tracheids, 2. Tracheids, vessels and xyler
vessels,
xylem xylem
fibres andxylem parenchyma. sclerenchyma provide mechanical
.Tracheids are elongated dead cells with strength and support to the plant.
tapering ends. Their walls have thickenings The rings seen in the
with lateral pores. They trunk of
provide mechanical which has been cut an old tree
strength support the plant in addition
and to
to
conducting water upwards. xylem rings. The agetransversely
of a tree
are the
Vessels. They are tube-like structures
determined by counting the number can b-
of ring-
open atboth ends. They are
placed
one above the other, to
form long
channels. Just like tracheids,
Activity 1
mechanical support they provide To study
xylem as the water
conduct water upwards.
to the plant and tissue. conducti
Take a soft twig of a
Xylem or wood and put it in flowering pla
small, thick walled,parenchyma.
living
cells.
They are
Add a few aeaker containing wat-
food and also They store drops of red ink to the
Leave the twig in this wat
help to conduct water and water for half
mineral salts. hour. Cut athin slice of the
twig. Keep this slice of the stem of t
glass slide. Put a few drops ofstemn o
the slide. water
Observe the slide unde-
microscope.
the
You will observe that
xylem gets stained as watern
VESSEL transported up through xylem.
TRACHEIDD

PHLOEM
THICKENINGS
YLEM

Fig 1.2 LS. of Xylem

.Xylem sclerenchyma or
They are thick walled, wood fibres.
with long, narrow cells
tapering ends.
mechanical support toTheythe
provide only
plant. Xylem conducts water in
Concise
BIOLOGY- Middle School- 8 plants
 IS
Phloem: It
transports food manufactured Pores in
the siev
Phloom sap passges
by leaves to various parts of the
plant. It is through th0 pores
a part of vascular bundle and sieve plates
along with
vlem, phloem also extends along the Sieve plate
length of the plant body, in the root, stem,
branches and leaves. Sieve tube element

The phloem tissue consists of the Companion cell

following four types of cells : sieve tubes,
cells, phloem parenchyma and
companion
phloem fibres.
Sieve plate
.Sieve tubes are formed of cylindrical
cells that are devoid of nucleus. They Fig 1.3 LS. of phloem
are found arranged in vertical rows,
placed end to end. Their end walls are Differences between xylem and phloemn
perforated and are called sieve plates. Phloem
these sieve plates, food Xylem
Through 1. Translocates food
Conducts water and
material passes from cell cell. Thus,1. mineral
to salts from from the leaves
to
role in
sieve tubes play a n important the roots to the the storage organs
transporting food. aerial parts of the and growing parts
of the plant.
living, thin walled, plant.
Companion cells
are
sieve
to the of 2. Made up of
elongated cells found attached
2. Made up tubes, companion
cells help tracheids, vessels, |
of the sieve tubes. These cells, phloem
sides c o n d u c t i o n of xylem prenchyma and
in the parenchyma
the sieve tubes and xylem fibres.
phloem fibres.
food. Conducting
cells

parenchyma is formed of thin- 3. Conducting

cells3.Conducting
cells 3. (sieve tubes) are
Phloem
These (vessels and tracheids)
cells.
walled
parenchymatous
are dead.
living 1S
is 4. Conduction
store food.
4 Conduction bidirectional.
sclerenchyma
are dead
fibres unidirectional.
Phloem
cells. These 5. Conduction requires
formed of elongated and
Conduction does of
fibres strength expenditure
mechanical not require any
fibres provide of energy
to the plant. expenditure

support
energy.

Functions of phloem water,

food prepared by
absorb
can
alone
roots cannot.
transports The stem
o r the
1. P h l o e m of the plant. the leaves
be
leaves to
all parts whereas the ro
r oo
otts
s can
c an
the
the the storage
helpsin property
of
given
simple activity
This
parenchyma aa
2
Phloem sclerenchyma
de
d em
moon
nsst
trra
atte
edd by
The phloem mechanical
of food. ahead.
fibres) provides
(phloem Transport in Plants
to the plant.
support
THE Activity 2 Result of the
experiment
TIS Test Tubhe Observation
rootsalbsorb water.
A Water level No loss
clusion
of
four test tubes and mark them A, B, remains water
And D unchanged.
Fill water in test tubes A, B and C up to
about three-quarters, and only a little
amount of water in test tube D. Water level falls Water was
not by evapora- absorbed by the
tion from the
water surface
plant through its
OL
due to the
roots dipped in
water
OiL OIL presence of oil).

C
Water level
B D
. fallswater got into the
just as in tube B. |plant through the
Start of the experiment but here, the veins roots, and
reached
in the leaves have the leaves.
OIL
Fix a cork firmly over the mouth of test taken up the red
tube A and leave it. colour of water.
Take three young small-sized
plants D
such as balsam with their roots intact. The leaves The leaves lost
Wash their roots under tapwater and shrivelled up. water by evapo-
ration. that could
insert them in the test tubes B, C and
not be replaced
D in a manner that the roots get by absorption
fully dipped in water in test tubes B and through the roots.
C but remain well above the water level
in test tube D.

In C, add a dye (such as pink-coloured Transport of Food

carmine) to water. Pour a few drops of
oil (like mustard oil) in B and C which
produce their food as glucose which i
will float on the surface and
prevent any
loss of water by evaporation.
Mark the levels of water in the four
test tubes with a marker. Leave this set-
up for about 24 hours and look for any
change in their water levels.
During photosynthesis,
the plant
stored in the form of starch. This starch
transported in the form of a sucros
solution through the phloem upwards an
downwards to all parts of the plai
including its roots. This is also calle
translocation of solutes (food).
 WATER ABSORPTION BY THE
We are familiar with ROOTS Inner cell membrane. The outer cell wall is
the
water by blotting
paper or by cotton
absorption of rigid and the inner cell membrane encloses
in water. In both dipped the nucleus, cytoplasm and its contents
cases, water is
by the absorbed
property of
capillarity (attraction of
The cell wall is said to be freely
water molecules towards narrow permeable
permeable as
as it
it allows
allows all
all substances to
suDstr
and surface tension. spaces) through it. The cell
pass through cell membrane 1s
But the
absorption of
semi-permeable. It
membra
allows the water
water by the roots is
quite different. To molecules
understand it, let us first
consider the
to pass through it, but prevents
structure of the roots. the entry of any larger molecules. This
feature of the cell membrane facilitates the
The root system of
plants consists of a movement of water molecules from the
main root, which gives out lateral soil into the root cells.
(branch)
roots. The lateral roots bear a The cell sap in the root hair cell is said
large
number of fine
outgrowths called root- to be of a high concentration as it
contains
hairs (Fig. 1.4). more solutes
compared to the surrounding
soil water. This
promotes water absorption.
LATERAL ROOT Speciality of root hairs
The root hairs well-suited for
are
ROOT HAIRS
absorbing water from the soil in three
ways
MAIN ROOT
1. The numerous root hairs
provide a

Fig 1.4 Root system of a plant large surface area. More the surface
area, greater is the absorption.
ROOT HAIR: Given below is a 2. Root hairs contain cell sap which is
magnified view of a root hair (Fig. 1.5). It of a higher concentration than the
is a long protuberance (extension) of an surrounding soil water.
epidermal cell of the root. This cell being 3. The cell wall is freely permeable, i.e.,
a plant cell, has an outer cell wall and an permits movements of all types of
substances. But the cell membrane is
semi-permeable. It allows only some

CELL WALL substances to pass through it.

CELL MEMBRANE
EPIDERMAL CELLS
OF THE R0OT
The nature of a semi-permeable
CYTOPLASM
membrane can be illustrated by the
NUCLEUS
following diagram (Fig. 1.6).
The semi-permeable membrane lies
ROOT-HAIR between water on one side (A) and a
strong sugar solution the other side (B).
on

Fig. 1.5 A root hair (highly magnified) While the sugar solution has a higher

5 Transport in Plants
cOnentration ot siugar molecules, there are
simple process of
diffusion.
itfusesInhdar
no sugar molecules in water time, carbon dioxide
the
In other words, side A, containing only atmosphere into the
and oxygen dittuses leat cel.
leaf cells rom
water molecules is a dilute solution,
out from
whereas side B, containing sugar solution leaf cells into the
is a concentrated solution as here the during photosynthesis. atmospher.
eTe
water molecules comparatively
sugar molecules are more.
are less and
This(movement of molecules
gas, liquid orsolid from
WATER MOLECULES CAN concentration to lower highe
EASLY PASS THROUGH
THESE PORES SEMI-PERMEABLE MEMBRANE is called diffusion.) concentration
A
2.Osmosis : It is the
movement a
water molecules irom its
higher concentration throughregion o
permeable membrane to the regionsemio
O a
_O0O
O
O
O its lower concentration.
MORE WATER SUGAR
MOLECULES O
GO IN THIS
MOLECULES
CANNOT PASS
3/ Active transport: The root hairs
DIRECTION O
O o
THROUGH absorb both water and
from the soil. Water enters minerals
THESE PORES
O
O
FEWER WATER
OBOOD, O
hair cell by
the root-
osmosis, because
MOLECULES GO concentration of water molecules
is
IN THIS DIRECTION
higher in the soil than inside the
root
Fig. 1.6 hairs. But in
Diagrammatic representation of the case of minerals,
nature of
semi-permeable membrane
a they are more in
concentration
inside the root hairs
After a while it will be than in the
observed that soil. These minerals
the level of water on
side A decreases, and
have to be
the level of absorbed from a level of
sugar solution on side B lower
increases. This occurs concentration (soil) to a level of
molecules which are more because water higher concentration (cell). This
moved
on side
A, have movement of molecules
across to side B, where from their löwer
less in number. they are concentration to a
higher concentration
The movement of
requires energy and is called active
a dilute solution to
water molecules from transport
across
a
concentrated solution Ascent of sap : The
a
absorbed by water is
known as OSMOSIS. semi-permeable membrane is
the root
hairs from the
osmosisIt then moves intosurrounding soil
sou by
o
Three types of the root the inner cells of
movements of molecules to by cell-to-cell diffusion and
are seen in
plants. reach the central osmosis
xylem, which continues
Diffusion : Soil water and upward into the stem and the
move into the minerals upward movement of leaves. This
root hair cell
by the (called sap) is called water and minerals
ascent of
Concise BIOLOGY-Middle School-8 sap
6
 force the water to be pulled up from
causes

the xylem in the roots to the stem and

then
to the leaves. This pulling force is called the
transpirational pull. This is very important
in tall trees upward conduction
where an
ROOT HAIR 100 m
MINERALS
of
water takes place upto a height of
or more.

WATER AND MINERALS Xylem tissues are in the form of capillary

ENTERING INTO THE
ROOT HAIR
Fig. 1.7 Movement of water along with
minerals in a plant
Root pressure t is the pressure
developed in the root due to the continuous
inflow of water because of cell-to-cell
osIMTOSÍS. As a result of this pressure, water
enters the xylem vesselsand helps in pushing
the plant sap upwards.)I hus, root pressure
is one of the forces which contributes to the
ascent of sap through the stem into the leaves
upto a certain height.
TRANSPIRATION
You have learnt that plants continuously
tubes, where narrower the diameter, greater
is the forcç of movement of water molecules
upwards. Whenever the xylem vessels lie
empty, such as during the loss of water by
transpiration, the water from below rises into
them by a capillary force Water molecules
are pulled up due to their tendency of
remaining joined together (cohesion) and
stick to the sides of the xylem vessels
(adhesion).
Factors affecting the rate of transpiration
The following main factors affect the rate
oftranspiration:
1. Sunlight: During daytime, the rate of
transpiration is faster. 1This is because the
stomata remain open to allow the

absorb water through their roots. This water inward diffusion of carbon dioxide for
the
is distributed through the stem to all parts of photosynthesis. During night time,
the plant, including the leaves. Only a little stomata remain closed and hence
amount of water is either retained in the plant transpiration hardly occurs.

or utilised by it during photosynthesis. The : Transpiration

2. Temperature Transpiration faster on
is faster on
1emperature:
rest of it gets evaporated into the
atmosphere due to faster
hot summer days
as water vapour through the stomata present evaporation of water.
in the epidermis of the leaves by a process
when the
3. Wind : Transpiration is more
called transpiration. wind is blowing faster as water vapour
moves away faster from
the surface of
in the
Transpiration is the loss of water
leaves.
aerial parts
form of water vapour from the is reduced if
4. Humidity : Transpiration
ofa plant. the air is humid. Air cannot hold any
laden
a suction water molecules when it is already
AS a result of transpiration,
torce is created in the xylem vessel. This with moisture (humidity).

Transport in Plants
lmportance of transpiration in plants
Cooling effect: In
transpiration, water
Activity 3
gets evaporated from the plant The To demonstrate transpiration.
heat required tor this evaporation is
Take a
small-si/ed,
obtained from the plant itself 0atent potted plant. Cover the plart well-7iatered
heat) and thus the plant is able to cool
transparent polythene bay and
itself, when it is hot outside. its mouth around the
ba of th
2. Transpiration helps in maintaining the eave the plant in sunlieht and
concentration of the sap inside the change after a few hours. rA
plant body : The roots continue to
absorb water from the soil. If excess
water is not evaporated out, the sap
would then become dilute, preventing
further absorption of water along with
the minerals required by the
plant.
Uses of water in the plant
The water absorbed by the roots is
important for the plant in three main ways Release of water vapour by the
plant
Transportation, food
production and cooling. You will ee drops of water on
1. the inside
Transportation. The water in the plant surface of the bag, which have
body, both in xylem and phloem, to the condensation of water appeared due
transports substances in a solution form by the plant. The vapour gven out
from one partanother.
to results when it is
experiment gives better
hot and sunny outside.
2. Food production. Water is
required
photosynthesis. It combines with carbon
for

dioxide from the air in the Activity 4

presence of
sunlight and
chlorophyll to
produce To demonstrate that
the
glucose and oxygen. water through leaves. plants lose
3. Cooling. The heat Take
utilized when water one
small-sized, well-watered
is
transpired from the surface of leaves potted plant having a few branches. Place
in the form of water
vapour induces a
a
polythene bag over its one branch as
cooling effect. shown in Fig. (A) and tie it with a rubbe
You must have band.
standing under a tree experienced that
during a hot summer PLASTIC BAG
midday, gives you a cooling effect. PLASTC

cooling is not entirely due to shade, but This

also STICK
BAG

due to the loss of water STICK

from the surface of
the leaves by
evaporation. Since evaporation
produces coolness, it makes the air cool. The RUBBER
A
(Leaves intarct)
RUBBER
BAND 8
cool air being heavier, tends BAND (Leaves remiove
to settle down
and makes the
surroundings pleasant. The plant loses water by the leaves
Concise BIOLOGY-
Middle School-8 8
 Activity 5
Remove all
the leaves ironn another the rate of
affecting
ot the same plant, cover
factors
branch Fig. (B) and tie it To study
with a polythene bag transpiration. same
this too plants of
r u b b e r band. small potted leaves.
with a Take two number of
Place the plant
in sunlight, and equal another

hours. wil You type having In

undisturbed.

it after 4-6 one plant surface ot

observe have appeared o n
the Leave vaseline on
either
at s a m e
notice
that drops plant, applyLeave both the plants
surtace of
the polythene bag over
all leaves. and compare
on Observe
inner w a t e r drop appears sunlight.
branch A,
while no place in hours and
record your
after 4-5
branch B. the plants
This experiment indicates observations on its leaves
Conclusion: from vaseline applied
Plant with which
most water gets evaporated because
transpiration
that water
through its
leaves.
appeared wilting exchange
and
the plant is necessary
for gaseous
take place.
could not
IMPORTANCE OF MINERALS transport in
the plant
anda
(minerals) are c o n c e n t r a t i o n s ,

elements in larger in very

Nutrient well and large) required (micro: small) required
to grow
for the plants m i c r o n u t r i e n t s elements are
essential nutrient
their life-cycle
properly. amounts. All of the
small
complete divided into soil.
nutrient
elements are
(macro:
obtained from the
The m a c r o n u t r i e n t s

deficiency
and their
-

broad categories in the plants

two o c c u r r e n c e under each
their diseases
other deficiency
micro-nutrients,

macr0-
and several
Some of
the below. There are

in table 1.1
are given of the syllabus.
symptoms
beyond
the scope for the plants
which are
m i c r o - n u t r i e n t s

and Major Deficiency Symptoms

category M a c r o - n u t r i e n t s

Table 1.1 :
Plant
Role in the
leaves,
wrinkling
Nutrients Yellowing
of

of all proteins. of cereal grains.

M a c r o - n u t r i e n t s
constituent
leaves,
on
Major and red spots
1. Nitrogen (N) and
Purple germination.
seed
delay in
membrane

C o n s t i t u e n t
of cell reduced
rate
with
2. Phosphorus (P) certain proteins. Poor growth
tissues,
of transpiration.
abundant in growing
More and closing
opening
3. Potassium (K) involved
in the
of stomata.

Yellowing o f leaves.

leaves,
with grey
some
proteins. of
of Yellowing
M i c r o - n u t r i e n t s Constituent

enzymes.
some spots.
of Deshaped leaves, yellowing
1. Iron (Fe) Constituent

growth.
2. Manganese (Mn) stunted plant
hormones, leaves,
of plant of
Constituent Transport in Plants
activates enzymes.

3. Zinc (Zn)
 REVIEW QUESTIONS|

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Put a tick mark () against the correct alternative in the
following statements
(a) Diffusion occurs when molecules move:

(i) from lower concentration to

higher concentration.
(ii) from higher concentration to lower concentration through a membrane.
(ii) from higher concentration to lower concentration.
(iv) when energy is used.
(b) Ascent of
sap in plants takes place through
(i) Cortex
(ii) Epidermis
(ii) Xylem
(iv) Phloem
(c) If the xylem vessels of a
plant are
plugged
(i) The leaves will turn
yellow (ii) No food will be made
(ii) The
plant will wilt (shrivel) (iv) The plant will continue to
(d) Force grow
responsible for the ascent of
sap is
(i) Capillary force
(i) Transpirational pull
(ii) Root pressure

(e)
(iv) All the three
Raisins swell when
put in :
(i) Rain water
(ii) Mustard oil (ii) Saline water
() The root hairs are (iv) Saturated
suited for sugar solution
(i) They have a absorbing water from the soil
large surface area. because
(ii) They have a
(ii)
semi-permeable membrane.
They contain a solution of
(io) All the three. higher concentration than the
surrounding water.
(g) Transpiration is defined as
(i) the rise of
water up to the stem
of
(ii) the
a
plant.
elimination
of water with
(iii) the loss of dissolved water
water as water products.
(io) the loss of vapour from the aerial parts of a
water as water plant.
Concise
BIOLOGY- Middle School- 8 vapour rom the roots as well as the leaves of the
10 plant.
 (h) Which one ot the
tollowing favours the fastest
(i) A cool, humid, windy day
transpiration rate ?

(ii) A hot, humid, windy day

(iii) A hot, humid, still day
(iv) A hot, dry, windy day
Short Answer Questions
1 n experiment was set up as
shown in the figure below. After some time, the water Jevei
in test tube A tell down but not in
test tube B.
Why was there a tall in the water level of test
tube A and not in that of test-tube 5
.. *********************'***************** ***************'******'**"

.. ****'***'***********'******* *

****"************************************'*****'****"
****************

********************'*************** ******"******
,.. *************'****************** ***********
s+ss***************°

******'*********************************** ****** ****************************.

***********'**********

****************************** . *** ************** TEST

TUBE
***********'***********
******************* **** ******************** *** ******'***" WATER-

*************************** ************************************
***** **********

2. How are roots useful to the plants ? Give any two

points.
(i) ****************'*****"****'**********'********************************* ***********************************"********' *** ****

(i1) s
**************************************************************** *** ******* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ° * * * * * * ***********

3. What do xylem vessels carryy?

**********************
******************** ************************************* *** **************** ****************

4. Name the plant tissue which helps in carrying the food to different parts of a
plant.
** *************** * **** ***s******************************************** *************** ********

5. Define the terms : (a) semi-permeable membrane (b) osmosis.

************************************************************************.*****************ssn... ... ... ... ...........

****************************************"**********************************************"********************* ** on.i

6. Under what conditions do a plant transpire (a) more quickly and (b) most slowly ?

******************'***** *** **************************'************************************** . *************

11 Transport in Plants
 water abHrbel by thw root teah th oavon ad in ted in prod }
()
food for he entire plant

A semi ermeable membrane allow larger moleeulen to pan throt,h,

but prevents the aallor onen

Transpiraon IN the losN Ol water Iromm the ooli ol he plant

)Transpiration cOola the plant whern it in hot utside

llin the blanks with suitable terma given below

13
(fast, leaves, conducting, ascent, humid)
(a) Transportation in plants is carried out by a.
yslem,
(b) The upward movment of sap that contains waler and minerals is called Of
sap
(c) Transpiration is more when the wind is blowing

(d) Most water gets evaporated from the plant from its

(e) Transpiration is reduced if the air is

ohg Answer Questions (Write the answers in your notebook)

of water
1. Draw a magnified view of the root hair, and describe how it helps in the absorption
from the soil ?

How does transpiration help the roots absorb water and nminerals from the soil
2.
Define the three processes by which plants absorb water and minerals fronm the soil.
3.

How the water absorbed by the roots is important for the plants ?

5. Name the factors that affect the rate of transpiration. State their role in each case.

Mention the two ways in which transpiration helps the plants.

6.
loses water through its leaves.
Describe an experiment to show that the plant
diseases in plants. Give the symptoms of
Name any three minerals whose deficiency causes

each deficiency.
. List out the differences between xylem and phloem.

Transport in Plants
13
 t * * * * ' ** ***

uppose that the pot in this experiment was inside a dark

placed roomn instead of
placi
t in
sunlight tor some time. What difference would be noticed

hether the following statements are True or False. Rewrite the false statements correct
ater
absorption mainly occurs through the root-hair.
terenters the root-hair by osmosis.

Y-Middie School -8
12
UNIT:4
Human Body
5
and
spe
by
ENDOCRINE
SYSTEM AND th
th
ADOLESCENCE
SYLLABUUS
Endocrine system
Two types of glands exocrine, endocrine (basic concept and
Hormone (definition): difference).
Hormonal glands
(thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, pituitary): location and function
Following points to be studied in tabular
form of
of each
Adolescence and accompanying changes
name gland, location in body, secretion, functiort
Physical and emotional changes in the body
Importance of personal hygiene. during adolescence
Stress management
(meaning of stress
management, sports, hobbies, rational ways to tackle stress yoga, meditation, time
thinking, etc.).
Our body has two types of
the exocrine glands- pancreas,
glands and the endocrine etc. On the other hand,
the
glands. The exocrine glands send endocrine glands ductless glands. Their
are
secretions their
(enzymes) through secretions are called
ducts to the hormones, which are
target organs. For example, salivary glands, poured directly into the blood and are
then
carried by blood to the
GLAND WITH DUCT
(EXOCRINE GLAND)) DUCTLESS GLAND target organs.
(ENDOCRINE GLAND)
ENDOCRINE GLANDs
The
GLAND hormone-producing
called endocrine glands are
GLAND
no ducts and
glands. These glands have
they pour their
DUCT directly into the blood (Fig 5.1). secretions
Therefore,
they are also called ductless
TARGET ORGAN
BLOOD VESSEL secretions of these glands. The
are secreted
glands, i.e., hormones,
in very small
Fig. 5.1 Difference between the glands with they are vital and carried to quantities, yet
all parts of the
ducts and ductless glands
body. Each hormone has a
Concise BlOLOGY Middle School specific function
42
 is
a chemial stanee secreted
MMtone
ulnrine glmd, which is directly
the blood stream and acts on
thebl
NNIN?
m
his chapter, We wil discuss only
t thus
ortnt
ocrine glands, namely
, Jdrenal panci and pituitary
THYROID GLAND
Fig. 5.3 Simple goitre
is a bilobed gland situated
hethroid
exther side of the wind pipe, just below Thyroid deficiencies are common in many
arvn.
It secretes the hormone parts of India. The use of iodised (iodine-
Wich is iodine-containing added) salt in the food is recommended
an
thyroine
n tain. This hormone speeds up the rate of because iodine is required in the
activities of the
mst ot the body. It production of thyroxine.
in intants. The insufficent
stimulates growth
over-secretion hasof this gland 2. Cretinism : It is an ailment which
NTtion or
harmtul ettects on the body. brings about abnormal development in
an infant. This results in both
physical
BACK VIEWN and mental retardation.
NT IEW LARYNX PHARYNX-
THYROID GLAND 3. Myxoedema: It is a condition seen in an
adult when insufficient amount of
thyroxine is produced. It shows general
sluggishness, with swelling on the face
and hands.
THYROID GLAND
TRACHEA
B. Oversecretion of thyroxine causes an
OESOPHAGUS increased metabolic rate, increased heart
beat, weight loss and general restlessness.
Fig. 5.2 The Thyroid Gland
ADRENAL GLANDS
A. Insufficient secretion of thyroxine The adrenal glands are like caps over the
causesthree ailments kidneys (Fig. 5.4). Each adrenal gland
1. Simple goitre: It is an ailment caused consists of two parts- a central medulla and
due to the enlargement of the thyroid a peripheral cortex.
gland. It appears as a swelling in the Medulla secretes adrenaline (also called
neck. It occurs due to insufficient iodine epinephrine or emergency hormone). This
n our
daily food. hormone is secreted when a person is under
Endocrine System and Adolescence
43
severe stress (physical or emotional), fearful
or angry. This hormone prepares he body to
meet any emergency situation i.c., to face the
danger, or flee trom a situation. Hence,
adrenaline is called the "fight or flight
hormone". This hormone provides extra PANCREASs
energy and strength to the body in any
adverse situation. It increases the heart beat DUODENUM
and the rate of respiration,
with a rise in blood
accompanied
pressure, increase in Fig. 5.5 The Pancreas Gland
blood supply to the muscles and release of
more glucose into the blood
by the liver (like Insulin lowers glucose from the bloo
putting more fuel into the engine). stream in three ways:
ADRENAL GLANDS G) Converts extra glucose to glycogen
which is ultimately stored in the liver
and muscles.
i) Induces the cells to burn extra
glucose to produce heat and energy
for the body.
(i) Causes the cells to convert extra
KIDNEY glucose into tat.
URETER
RENAL
ARTERY
Insufficient secretion of insulin causes
RENAL diabetes (more correctly called diabetes
VEIN
mellitus). A diabetic person has a high
Fig. 5.4 The adrenal gland concentration of sugar (glucose) in the
The adrenal cortex secretes blood. He excretes a great deal of urine loaded
many with sugar and feels thirsty because of the-
hormones, but the well-known hormone is
cortisone. In general,
O
the cortical hormones loss of water through too much
urination-
influence carbohydrate, fat, and Usually, he loses weight and tends to become
metabolism. Also, they regulate the salt and
protein weak.
water balance in the
body. They adapt the In certain persons, the
glucose level
body to "stresses" such as extreme heat, cold, Comes down due to oversecretion of
insulin-
infections, etc. This is very harmful and
may have serious
PANCREAS Consequences.
The pancreas is situated behind the Glucagon stimulates the breakdowno
stomach. Although it is mainly a digestive glycogen in the liver to glucose. Thus, it raises
the sugar level in the blood.
gland, it has a cluster of hormone-secréting Jiabete s
cells called Islets of
Langerhans. They PITUITARY GLAND insipidus.
secrete two principal hormones -insulin and
glucagon. Pituitary gland is a
pea-sized
gland-
located below the brain. It secretes several
Concise BIOLOGY Middle School-8 44
 me of which regulate the
onOnes SOme
Some of the functions of major hormones
r
o t h e r

endocrine glands. So, the

produced by the pituitary are
ituilary
gland
also called the "master
Growth hormone regulates growth
yhnd, especially in the adolescent years.
Insufficient amount of growth hormone
PITUITARY GLAND Causes dwarfism and excess secretion
results in gigantism.
THYROID GLAND
-Thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulates
the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine.
-
Follicle-stimulating hormone intluences
the production of sperms in males and
ADRENAL GLAND
the ova or eggs in females.
PANCREASs The pituitary gland plays an important
role in the birth process as it produces
OVARY (FEMALE)
hormones which cause the contraction
of the muscles of the uterus during
TESTES (MALE)
child birth.
Prolactin stimulates the
breasts to
producing
-
major.hormone
-
Some
produce milk after child birth.
Fig. 5.6 glands in humans
main hormone-producing glands and their
Table 5.1: Some of the
secretions in the human body
Function
Hormone
Location rate.
Controls the metabolic
Gland
of the Thyroxine
On either side
Thyroid below
wind pipe, just
the larynX. for any
Prepares the body
Adrenaline emergency situation.
over the
Adrenal Like a cap
amount of sugar in the|
kidneys. Regulates the
Insulin
Behind the stomach. blood.
from the liver.
Pancreas Releases sugar
Glucagon
Speeds up growth.
hormone (GH) to
(i)
Growth
Stimulates the thyroid gland
Below the brain.
Pituitary (ii) Thyroid-stimulating secrete thyroxine.
hormone (TSH) of sex
the production
Stimulates
in males and
females
cells (gametes)
( i i ) F o l l i c l e - s t i m u l a t i n g
hormone (FSH)
Adolescence
and
Endocrine
System
45
 Growth begins from the day an height. Durng uus perioa, the
he bo
bones
of the and legs
individual is born. A new-born baby has a
arms
weight of the body also
elongate.
The
complete set of sex organs. However, the
testes of a baby boy are not yet able to
increas
Initially, girls grow faster than ,
make sperms, and the ovaries of a baby but towards the end of their ts, boys,
height.nage,
both reach their maximum
girl can't produce eggs even though
hundreds of immature eggs are already rate of growth in height
varies
The
varies in
present in them. different individuals.
Growing up is a natural process. The 2. Change in body shape:
period of life when the body undergoes generally have longer bones and Boys
development leading to reproductive muscles compared to
as more
have broader shoulder
girls. Bo
maturity is called "adolescence". Adolescence and
is a transitional hips, while girls have narrow
stage of physical and mental curvaceaous
human development that occurs between body and broader hips due to tho
childhood and adulthood. The term enlargement of hip bones.
"adolescence" is derived from a Latin word 3. Change in voice: During adolescenc
adolescere which means "to grow into thelarynx or the voice box begins ceto
maturity". It is a time of rapid development grow. Boys develop larger
ofgrowing towards physical and sexual boxes. This can be seen in voice
maturity. An adolescent is neither a child nor boys as a
an adult. protruding part of the throat which
has been called Adam's
apple. In girls,
the voice box is smaller
The period between 10-19 in size.
years of age
in an individual's life is called Generally, girls have
a
high
adolescence. It normally voice, whereas boys have pitched
a deep
the age of 12 and lasts begins
around hoarse voice.
upto 18 or 19
years of age. However, this period You must have observed
may that some of
vary from person to person. In your classmates develop a hoarse
adolescence may begin girls, voice. This is due to the
a
earlier than in year or two muscles of their
boys. growing voice box that
develop to a
Physical changes during adolescence larger extent changing their voice. This
situation remains for brief
Upon crossing the age of 10 or 11, there may be for
a
period,
is a sudden a few months, after which
spurt in the voice becomes
quite noticeable. Thesegrowth which is normal.
place in the body, under changes
4. Increased activity of sweat
taking
the influence of and
hormones, are part of sebaceous glands During
growing up. The
following physical changes adolescence, the secretion of
adolescence:
occur
during glands and sebaceous glandssweat|
glands) increases. Many young (ou
1. Increase in height : The most
and visible get acne and pimples on the facepeope
at this
conspicuous change during time because of the increased activity
Concise BIOLOGY-Middle School-8 of these
46 glands in the skin.
 ment of sexual
and
D e v e .
s e x u a

secondary
pevecharacters during adolescence The table given below shows the
in boys and
During the
adolescent period, the sex mportant physical changes
become active -the testes start girls that take place during puberty.
r g a n s
producing cing sperms, and the ovaries start Boys Girls
This
indicates that
aroduucing eggs.
Prod
individual is
is
becoming capable
the 1.
Enlargement of testes. 1.Ovaries mature, the
of release of eggs stats.
producin8 children. This is the stage of 2. Penis
2. and scrotal
grow.
sac|2. Uterus and vagina grow
puberty.
in size. Menstruation
cycle starts.
is the period during which 3. Sudden spurt in
of boys and the
the
shoulder girdle growth,|
Puberty 3. Sudden
grows spurt in
reproductive systems girls more than the
growth for a short
mature. In girls, it starts at the age of hip girdle. time, hip girdle
welve and the first becomes trough-
about
sign of
Duberty is the development of breasts. shaped and bigger
than the shoulder
in boys, it starts
at about thirteen years girdle, breasts grow.
a0e and the enlargement of the testes 4. Beard, moustache, pubic |4. No hair on chest
and chest hair or
is its first sign. grow. abdomen.
5. Voice becomes deep and|
hoarse, low pitched voice.
5. High pitched voice.
Puberty is onbrought
by sex
hormones which start getting produced by
the testes and the ovaries. The male sex he changes that
hormones are called androgens (the main puberty
perfectly normal, but adolescents
occur at
who are
are
one is called testosterone), and the female
worried about them should ask for
ones are called oestrogens. These from their parents or
help
or a
a counsellor at
parents counsellor at
hormones are activated by the Follicle- school. The changes in the hormones
stimulating hormone (FSH) produced by sometimes cause depression and emotional
the pituitary gland. swings during adolescence.
The sex Adolescence and the related
hornmones bring about other
changes as well. For example, in boys the changes
psychological
voice breaks and hair starts growing on Adolescence is a very critical period.
the legs, chest and face. A boy who has
been through puberty soon finds himself
During this period, boys and girls not only
experience a spurt of
physical growth, but
having to shave. In girls, breasts start also rapid emotional or psychological
developing, and fat is laid down in the changes. Some of these changes are
thighs, giving the characteristic curves of highlighted below:
the female body.
Boys and girls become too conscious
The various
changes which have just and start worrying about the growth
Deen described in various parts of their body. They
constitute the person's
ECOndary sexual characteristics. At this start feeling shy and feel hesitant in
ge, boys and girls both become moree sharing their problems with others.
anterested in the opposite sex Most of the time, they go on finding
Endocrine System and Adolescence
- 47
 IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL HY
faults with themselves and developa
complex. Also, they spend a lot of Personal hygiene plays
very
a GIENE
their time in grooming.
become worried about their
role in maintaining one's own health
adolescence. Hence, individuals: dur
re advised
nportant
during
They
future although it is a juvenile stage to to observe
the following practices. "dVise
think about the future. Since they have 1. Proper and safe food:
no set goals, they start fearing, which .Adolescence is a stage of
develops a stage of depression in and development. Hence,
rapid gro
an
them. Scientifically, the cause of
depression is the dramatic increase in
should take care of
They should take a balanced e t
adolescent
his/her diet
arbohydratesdiet
the hormone level in the body. The that includes proteins,
hormones affect the brain that control fats, vitamins and minerals
emotions and moods. Normally, it is a is good for our bones. Fruits and
Milk
temporary phase that goes away as fresl
vegetables also provide nourishment
one grows up.
Take freshly prepared food, and
Boys and girls like to remain with stale food. avoid
their group of friends (also called Cooked food and milk,
peers) most of the time, since they butter, fish,
meat and other perishable food iteme
feel safe in groups. They also try to
should be stored
properly in
imitate what others do in their peer a
refrigerator.
group Avoid excessive consumption of fast
This is a crucial age, as adolescence foods.
psychological
brings with itchanges. In
emotional the
and 2. Proper life style : Sleep and regular
eagerness to be like their peers, boys exercise are necessary for
maintaining
and girls may get into wrong good health.
company, develop habits like smoking Avoid long hours of continuous table
and drinking, or become addicted to work.
Avoid
certaintypes of drugs. This may cause
harm to them in the long run.
watching television or playing
games on computer for long hours.
Avoid smoking and consumption of
Adulth0od : The stage that follows
adolescence is adulthood. An individual alcohol and drugs.
attains full physical growth and a 3. Cleanliness Certain basic
great precautions
amount of emotional stability. By this are
necessary for maintaining personal
time, the values learnt during childhood hygiene, like
and adolescence are grounded and a Always wash your hands with soap
strong vision for the future dominates. before and after taking meals.
Stable relationships, intellectual and Clean your teeth after each meal and
and
career pursuits
responsibilities take priority.
shouldering before going to bed.
T a k e bath regularly with clean wate
and good soap.
Concise BIOLOGY-Middle School-8 48
 thes, especiall
hld be changed undergarments,
Clot
shouhd
daily. Wearing
ery tight clothes must be avoided.
.Regular toilet habits must be adopted
tor maintaining good health. After
detecation,
detecation, hands should be cleaned
with water and soap.
, The feet should be cleaned everyday
well protected.
and kept
.Hair should be washed regularly. tnat speed up your heart beat, make you
breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy
Combing removes the dirt sticking to
hair. Always use a clean comb.
.Eyes should be washed daily
clean and cold water. Rubbing of eyes
with hands should be avoided to
prevent the entry of germs into the
feel when you have to
tress is what you
handle what you
nandle more than what you are
used to. You
a can do about
ay feel there's nothing you
the things going on in your life. This eresults
alleration in attention, thought processes
and body functions resulting in various
pnysiological and psychological disorders.
When you are stressed, your body responds
as if you are in danger. It makes hormones
Stress produces numerous physical and
mental symptoms which vary according to
with every individual's situational factors. This can
include a decline in both physical and mental
health. The skill of stress management is
regarded as one of the key skills to a happy

eyes. and successful life in modern society.

. I fcleanliness is not mantained, there How to manage stress
are chances of catching bacterial Stress management is all about taking
infection. Girls should take special care
charge of your lifestyle, thoughts, emotions,
of cleanliness during the time of their and the way you deal with problems. No
menstrual cycle. matter how stressful your life seems, there
relieve the
4. Physical exercise: To keep the
body fit are steps you can follow
to life
and healthy, all young boys girls
and pressure and regain control. Although
should walk, exercise and play outdoor provides numerous demands that can prove

regularly. Physical activity is also difficult to handle, stress management

games
important to combat the stress
and strain provides a number of ways to manage
of adolescence. anxiety and maintain overall well-being.
A number of self-help approaches to prevent
STRESS stress have been developed.
emotional
Stress is a state of mental or Yoga It is a mind-body practice
that

strain and in very simple terms

it can be controlled
combines physical poses,
called tension. meditation or relaxation.
breathing and
stress with:
to
Stress is body's way of responding any Yoga may help reduce
both
kind of demand. It can be caused by Increased flexibility.
feel
g0od and bad experiences. When people Increased muscle strength and tone.
on around them,
Stressed by something going certain Improved respiration, energy and
tneir bodies react by releasing vitality.
hormones into the blood.

Adolescencee
Endocrine System and
49
 Deep breathing : It is
Weight reduetion invoke the relaxation
Imponed athletic perlormance response o stress.
Meditation: For meditatiotre het wa
ust 0to 45minules ofexercise
ercise

at lst t h e time's a
werk can make you feel place for about 15-20mi
your hands
your hands in
in
,sit ina q
minutes every
muh heulthiwr and
in control of your own
closed, and focus
a com
comfortable
wi t
day,
si
on
t
yourion, e
Cearingaimultaneo ncentaerate s
take up running/jo8ging,
lite. o mar
a team sport like cricket,
onclearing your of breath
mind
s m m n . playing
totall, hockev, ete.
negativg.
thoughts and simultaneously W
veor stress
your inhaled and
exhaled
Time management breath.
P'roper sleep schedule :
Improving your
slep schedule will go long way in helping : Gettino
Vou to reduce stress.
a
will help you to plan ting organinzat
your wor
better sense of what
you need nd have
Reading lt is a great way to calm your ed to do.
do
mind and to gain knowledge.
Hobbies Do something and ho
thaso
every day, whether it is u eniçoy
eni
Thinking positively: Become a positive music, playing a musical ine. reading, wrifing
Writ
thinker and
take more pleasure in your doing a puzzle as it
helps instrur ent, or
in div
mind
negative orerting
everyday interactions. from all the v
Laughing :It improves your mood and thoughts. st
makes you feel happier.

REVIEW QUESTIONS|

Multiple Choice Questions :

1. Put a tick mark ( ) against the correct alternative in the following statements:
(a) Cortisone hormone is secreted by
(i) Medulla of adrenal (ii) Cortex of adrenal
(ii) Pancreas (iv) Thyroid
(b) Which one of the following hormones stimulates the breakdown of
intoglucose? glycogen in the liver
(i) Insulin
(ii) Adrenaline
(ii) Glucagon (iv) Thyroxine
(c) Which one of the following hormones converts excess of glucose into glycogen
(i) Glucagon (ii) Thyroxine
(iii) Insulin
(iv) Adrenaline

Concise BIOLOGYMiddle School-8 50

 (d) Which one of the folowing glands is also
called the master gland
(i) Pituitary gland
(ii) Adrenal gland
(ii) Thyroid gland
(iv) Ovary
(e) Theemergency hormone to face the
(i) Islets of Langerhans
danger or to fight is secreted by
(ii) Adrenal cortex
(ii) Pituitary
iv) Adrenal medulla
Which one ot the
tollowing endocrine glands
a result of emotional stimulation ? produces its hormone in large quai
(i) Thyroid
Cii) Islets of
(ii) Adrenal medulla Langerhans
(iv) Adrenal cortex
o) In humans, increased thyroxine
production results in
(i) Increased metabolism
ii) Decreased metabolism
(ii) Dwarfism
(iv) Cretinism
ShortAnswer Questions

1 What is a hormone?

**********°°*****.

********°** °°*°***
*********e****************** °°**°°°*°*°****°*°**°°*******°***************

..eseeaeeen*
*****°*°°*****°°*******************°°°**°*°°**°°* *e***** *
**********°***********
2. Match the items in Column A with those in Column B.
Column A
Column B
(a) Cretinism (i) Pituitary gland L
(b) Diabetes mellitus (i) Abnormal development of infant
(c) Increased metabolic rate q
Cii) Oversecretion of thyroxine c
(d) Simple goitre (io) Insufficient iodine in food ad
(e) Growth hormone () Insufficient insulin in blood.k
3. In table given below, fill in the blanks by naming endocrine glands, the hormones they secrete,
and the function they perform in a normal
person.
S. No Name of the gland Hormone produced Function

1.
Thyroid
2. Insulin **

3. Prepares the body for action

Growth hormone

Endocrine System and Adolescencee