Growth (Edexcel GCSE Biology: Combined Science)

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Growth in Animals & Plants

  • Growth is described as a permanent increase in size or mass
  • The growth process is slightly different in plants compared to animals
  • Both plants and animals grow via two key processes:
    • Cell division - mitosis
    • Cell differentiation - development of specialised features creating specialised cells

  • Plants also grow through a unique process called cell elongation
    • This is where hormones, such as auxin, cause cells to grow longer in response to certain stimuli e.g. sunlight

Monitoring Growth

  • Growth charts can be used to monitor the growth of an organism by comparing its growth to the usual trends for that particular organism
  • In humans, the growth of a baby is monitored using indicator measurements such as mass, length and head circumference
  • These measurements are then compared with historical data collected from other children of the same age
  • Any potential issues can then be highlighted and assessed if necessary. These issues might include:
    • Malnutrition
    • Obesity
    • Inconsistencies across different measurements e.g. a large baby with a small head
    • Sudden changes in trend (which may indicate expression of a new health problem)

Growth Chart, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

The growth of an infant can be monitored using a growth chart that compares their mass, length or head circumference to historical data

Reading a Growth Chart

  • To compare the growth of a child using a growth chart:
    • Find the child's age on the X-axis
    • Find the child's weight on the Y-axis
    • Read across and up to the growth chart lines and find where they intersect (the correct percentile is the line closest to the intersection)

  • For example:
    • If a baby is on the 25th percentile for mass, it means that they are lighter than 75% of children their age and heavier than 25% of children their age

  • Children can fluctuate around a growth trend, this is more obvious in younger children
  • Girls follow a different growth chart to boys
  • Specialised growth charts have been produced for children who suffer from specific health issues, such as Down syndrome

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Lára

Author: Lára

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.