OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Which characteristic defines a hormonal response?

1. Quick and temporary effects

2. Involves electrical impulses

3. Glands are involved

4. Immediate response

The correct answer is: Glands are involved

A hormonal response is defined by the involvement of glands that produce hormones, which are chemical messengers released into the bloodstream. These hormones travel throughout the body to target organs or tissues, where they exert their effects over a longer duration than signals from the nervous system. The presence of glands is crucial, as they are responsible for synthesizing and releasing hormones. This differs significantly from other forms of response, such as those triggered by electrical impulses, which are characteristic of the nervous system and lead to immediate, short-term responses. The other characteristics mentioned—quick and temporary effects, immediate response, and the involvement of electrical impulses—are not aligned with hormonal responses, which are typically slower and can result in prolonged effects, contributing to the regulation of long-term processes such as growth, metabolism, and stress response.