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

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What occurs after a stimulus is detected by receptors?

The response is acted upon immediately
Information is transformed into a chemical signal
Information is sent as electrical impulses to the central nervous system
Muscle contractions begin instantly

The correct answer is: Information is sent as electrical impulses to the central nervous system

When a stimulus is detected by receptors, the correct process involves the transmission of information as electrical impulses to the central nervous system (CNS). This action is critical because it allows for the processing and interpretation of the stimulus. Receptors, such as those in our skin or eyes, convert the detected stimulus into electrical signals, which are then sent along sensory neurons to the CNS. Once the CNS receives these signals, it can then determine an appropriate response, which may involve signaling muscles to contract or activating other parts of the nervous system to elicit a reaction. The rapid transmission of electrical impulses is essential for quick responses to stimuli, ensuring that organisms can react promptly to changes in their environment. The roles of chemical signals and muscle contractions occur later in the response pathway and are not the immediate actions following stimulus detection.