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Exam questions · Biology

Hormonal Coordination in Humans

  • 45 exam questions
  • 136 marks
  • 46 quick checks

Hormones and the Endocrine System

Just this lesson
  1. 1 State [2 marks]

    State what is meant by an endocrine gland and a hormone.

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    Model answer

    An endocrine gland releases its hormone into the blood. A hormone is a chemical messenger carried in the blood.

    Mark scheme

    • Endocrine gland releases hormones into the blood — 1 mark
    • Hormone: chemical messenger carried in the blood — 1 mark
  2. 2 Name [3 marks]

    Figure 1 shows some endocrine glands. Name the glands shown at A, B and C.

    A body outline with three glands marked A, B and C.
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    Model answer

    A is the pituitary gland. B is the pancreas. C is an adrenal gland.

    Mark scheme

    • A: pituitary gland — 1 mark
    • B: pancreas — 1 mark
    • C: adrenal gland — 1 mark
  3. 3 Compare [4 marks]

    Compare nervous control with hormonal control.

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    Model answer

    Nervous control uses electrical impulses but hormonal control uses chemicals in the blood. Nervous control is faster than hormonal control. The effect of nervous control is short-lived but hormones have a longer-lasting effect. Nerves act on a precise place whereas hormones act on target organs anywhere in the body.

    Mark scheme

    • Impulses against chemicals in the blood — 1 mark
    • Nervous is faster — 1 mark
    • Hormonal effect lasts longer — 1 mark
    • Precise place against target organs — 1 mark
  4. 4 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain why a hormone only affects some organs, even though it is carried to all parts of the body in the blood.

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    Model answer

    The hormone reaches every organ in the blood. Only its target organs have receptors that fit the hormone. Other organs do not have the receptors, so they do not respond.

    Mark scheme

    • Carried to all organs in the blood — 1 mark
    • Only target organs have the receptors — 1 mark
    • Other organs do not respond — 1 mark

Quick check

  1. 1

    What carries hormones around the body?

    1. AThe nerves
    2. BThe lymph
    3. CThe blood
    4. DThe air
    Show answerHide answer

    C: The blood

    Hormones are released into the blood and carried to their target organs.

  2. 2

    Which gland is called the master gland?

    1. AThe pituitary gland
    2. BThe thyroid gland
    3. CThe pancreas
    4. DThe adrenal gland
    Show answerHide answer

    A: The pituitary gland

    The pituitary gland releases hormones that control other glands.

  3. 3

    Which gland is found in the neck?

    1. AThe pituitary gland
    2. BThe pancreas
    3. CThe adrenal gland
    4. DThe thyroid gland
    Show answerHide answer

    D: The thyroid gland

    The thyroid gland is in the neck.

  4. 4

    How does hormonal control compare with nervous control?

    1. AFaster and shorter-lasting
    2. BSlower and longer-lasting
    3. CFaster and longer-lasting
    4. DSlower and shorter-lasting
    Show answerHide answer

    B: Slower and longer-lasting

    Hormonal control is slower, and the effects last longer.

  5. 5

    What is a target organ?

    1. AAn organ that makes hormones
    2. BAn organ in the head
    3. CAn organ with receptors for a hormone
    4. DAn organ that stores hormones
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    C: An organ with receptors for a hormone

    A target organ has receptors that fit a particular hormone.

  6. 6

    Which hormone is released by the testes?

    1. ATestosterone
    2. BOestrogen
    3. CInsulin
    4. DAdrenaline
    Show answerHide answer

    A: Testosterone

    The testes release testosterone.

Blood Glucose and Diabetes

Just this lesson
  1. 1 State [2 marks]

    State the organ that releases insulin and the organ that stores glycogen.

    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    The pancreas releases insulin. The liver stores glycogen.

    Mark scheme

    • Pancreas — 1 mark
    • Liver — 1 mark
  2. 2 Name [3 marks]

    Figure 1 shows how the blood glucose concentration is controlled. Name the parts shown at A, B and C.

    The blood glucose diagram with three parts marked A, B and C.
    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    A is the pancreas. B is the liver. C is a hormone, insulin (or glucagon).

    Mark scheme

    • A: pancreas — 1 mark
    • B: liver — 1 mark
    • C: insulin — 1 mark
  3. 3 Explain [4 marks]

    Explain how the body responds when the blood glucose concentration rises after a meal.

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    Model answer

    The pancreas detects the rise in blood glucose. The pancreas releases insulin into the blood. The insulin makes the liver take up glucose and convert it to glycogen. The blood glucose concentration falls back to normal.

    Mark scheme

    • Pancreas detects the rise — 1 mark
    • Insulin released — 1 mark
    • Liver takes up glucose and stores it as glycogen — 1 mark
    • Blood glucose falls — 1 mark
  4. 4 Compare [3 marks]

    Compare type 1 diabetes with type 2 diabetes.

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    Model answer

    In type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not make enough insulin, but in type 2 diabetes the cells stop responding to insulin. Type 1 is treated with insulin injections, but type 2 is treated with diet and exercise. Type 2 is linked to obesity.

    Mark scheme

    • Type 1: not enough insulin; type 2: cells do not respond — 1 mark
    • Type 1: insulin injections; type 2: diet and exercise — 1 mark
    • Type 2 linked to obesity — 1 mark
  5. 5 Describe [3 marks]

    Figure 2 shows the blood glucose concentration of a person without diabetes and of two people with diabetes after a meal. Describe the differences between the person without diabetes and the person with type 1 diabetes.

    A graph of blood glucose after a meal for a person without diabetes, and for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
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    Model answer

    The person without diabetes starts at about 5 and rises to about 8, then returns to about 5 within 3 hours. The person with type 1 starts higher, at about 10, rises to about 17 and stays above 14. The concentration does not return to normal.

    Mark scheme

    • Without diabetes: peak about 8 — 1 mark
    • Without diabetes returns to about 5 — 1 mark
    • Type 1 starts higher, peaks higher and stays high — 1 mark
  6. 6 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain why a person with type 1 diabetes needs to inject insulin but a person with type 2 diabetes may not.

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    Model answer

    In type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not make enough insulin, so it must be injected. In type 2 diabetes the pancreas makes insulin but the cells do not respond to it. Diet and exercise can make cells respond better, so injections may not be needed.

    Mark scheme

    • Type 1: pancreas does not make enough insulin — 1 mark
    • Type 2: cells do not respond to insulin — 1 mark
    • Diet and exercise can help in type 2 — 1 mark
  7. 7 Explain [4 marks]

    Explain how insulin and glucagon work together to keep the blood glucose concentration constant.

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    Model answer

    When the blood glucose is too high the pancreas releases insulin, which makes the liver store glucose as glycogen, so the concentration falls. When the blood glucose is too low the pancreas releases glucagon, which makes the liver convert glycogen to glucose, so the concentration rises. They have opposite effects, so this is negative feedback.

    Mark scheme

    • High glucose: insulin, liver stores glycogen, concentration falls — 1 mark
    • Low glucose: glucagon, liver releases glucose, concentration rises — 1 mark
    • Opposite effects — 1 mark
    • Negative feedback keeps the concentration constant — 1 mark
  8. 8 Evaluate [4 marks]

    A study finds that type 2 diabetes is more common in countries where more people are obese. A newspaper says that the study proves that obesity causes type 2 diabetes. Evaluate this claim, and suggest one recommendation for people at risk.

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    Model answer

    The study shows a link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, but a link does not prove that one causes the other, because other factors such as diet or exercise could cause both. However, the link is supported by other evidence on how cells respond to insulin. People at risk should eat a healthy diet, take more exercise and keep a healthy body mass.

    Mark scheme

    • A link or correlation is shown — 1 mark
    • A link does not prove cause, as other factors could be involved — 1 mark
    • Evidence from other studies supports the link — 1 mark
    • A sensible recommendation, such as diet, exercise or a healthy body mass — 1 mark

Quick check

  1. 1

    Which hormone lowers the blood glucose concentration?

    1. AGlucagon
    2. BInsulin
    3. CAdrenaline
    4. DThyroxine
    Show answerHide answer

    B: Insulin

    Insulin lowers the blood glucose concentration.

  2. 2

    In which form does the liver store glucose?

    1. AStarch
    2. BCellulose
    3. CLipid
    4. DGlycogen
    Show answerHide answer

    D: Glycogen

    The liver stores glucose as glycogen.

  3. 3

    Which organ makes insulin?

    1. AThe pancreas
    2. BThe liver
    3. CThe kidney
    4. DThe stomach
    Show answerHide answer

    A: The pancreas

    The pancreas makes insulin.

  4. 4

    What is the cause of type 1 diabetes?

    1. AEating too much sugar
    2. BLack of exercise
    3. CThe pancreas does not make enough insulin
    4. DCells that respond too much to insulin
    Show answerHide answer

    C: The pancreas does not make enough insulin

    In type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not make enough insulin.

  5. 5

    Which type of diabetes is linked to obesity?

    1. AType 1
    2. BType 2
    3. CBoth equally
    4. DNeither
    Show answerHide answer

    B: Type 2

    Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity and lack of exercise.

  6. 6

    How is type 1 diabetes usually treated?

    1. AWith antibiotics
    2. BWith glucagon only
    3. CBy eating more sugar
    4. DWith insulin injections
    Show answerHide answer

    D: With insulin injections

    Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections.

  7. 7

    What does glucagon make the liver do?

    1. ARelease glucose
    2. BStore glucose
    3. CMake insulin
    4. DDestroy glucose
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    A: Release glucose

    Glucagon makes the liver convert glycogen to glucose.

  8. 8

    When is glucagon released?

    1. AWhen blood glucose is too high
    2. BAfter a big meal
    3. CWhen blood glucose is too low
    4. DWhen the body is too hot
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    C: When blood glucose is too low

    Glucagon is released when the blood glucose concentration is too low.

Water and Nitrogen Balance

Just this lesson
  1. 1 State [2 marks]

    State two substances that are lost from the body in sweat.

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    Model answer

    Any two of: water, ions, urea.

    Mark scheme

    • Substance 1 — 1 mark
    • Substance 2 — 1 mark
  2. 2 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain why the water content of the blood needs to be controlled.

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    Model answer

    If the blood is too dilute, water enters the cells by osmosis, so they may swell and burst. If it is too concentrated, water leaves the cells by osmosis and they shrink. In both cases the cells do not function efficiently.

    Mark scheme

    • Too dilute: water enters the cells — 1 mark
    • Too concentrated: water leaves the cells — 1 mark
    • Cells do not function efficiently — 1 mark
  3. 3 Name [3 marks]

    Figure 1 shows how urine is made. Name the liquids shown at A, B and C.

    A diagram of three boxes marked A, B and C.
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    Model answer

    A is the blood. B is the filtrate. C is the urine.

    Mark scheme

    • A: blood — 1 mark
    • B: filtrate — 1 mark
    • C: urine — 1 mark
  4. 4 Describe [4 marks]

    Describe how the kidneys produce urine.

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    Model answer

    The blood is filtered, so small molecules such as water, glucose, ions and urea leave the blood. Blood cells and proteins are too big and stay in the blood. Useful substances are selectively reabsorbed back into the blood: all of the glucose, some ions and some water. The urea, excess ions and excess water leave the body as urine.

    Mark scheme

    • Filtration of small molecules from the blood — 1 mark
    • Blood cells and proteins stay in the blood — 1 mark
    • Selective reabsorption of glucose, some ions and some water — 1 mark
    • Urea, excess ions and water leave in the urine — 1 mark
  5. 5 Explain [3 marks]

    Figure 2 shows the concentrations of three substances in the blood plasma, in the filtrate and in the urine. Explain why there is glucose in the filtrate but none in the urine, and why the urea is more concentrated in the urine.

    Bar charts of the concentrations of glucose, urea and mineral ions in blood plasma, filtrate and urine.
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    Model answer

    Glucose is a small molecule, so it is filtered out of the blood into the filtrate. All of the glucose is then reabsorbed into the blood by selective reabsorption, so none is left in the urine. The urea is not reabsorbed, and some of the water is, so the urea is more concentrated in the urine.

    Mark scheme

    • Glucose is filtered out of the blood into the filtrate — 1 mark
    • All of the glucose is reabsorbed, so none is in the urine — 1 mark
    • Urea is not reabsorbed but water is, so the urea is concentrated — 1 mark
  6. 6 Calculate [2 marks]

    Use Figure 2 to calculate how many times more concentrated the mineral ions are in the urine than in the blood plasma. Give your answer to 2 significant figures.

    Bar charts of the concentrations of glucose, urea and mineral ions in blood plasma, filtrate and urine.
    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    1.7 times

    Mark scheme

    • \(0.50 \div 0.30\) — 1 mark
    • 1.7 — 1 mark
  7. 7 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain why the liver deaminates excess amino acids and then converts the ammonia into urea.

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    Model answer

    The body cannot store excess amino acids, so they have to be excreted safely. In the liver they are deaminated, which forms ammonia. Ammonia is toxic, so the liver immediately converts it to urea, which can be carried in the blood to the kidneys and excreted in the urine.

    Mark scheme

    • Excess amino acids cannot be stored and must be excreted — 1 mark
    • Deamination forms ammonia, which is toxic — 1 mark
    • Ammonia is converted to urea, which is removed in the urine — 1 mark
  8. 8 Explain [4 marks]

    A person runs a marathon on a hot day and sweats a lot. Explain how ADH changes the amount of urine that the person produces.

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    Model answer

    The person loses water in sweat, so the blood becomes more concentrated. The pituitary gland releases more ADH. ADH makes the kidney tubules more permeable to water, so more water is reabsorbed into the blood. The person produces a small volume of concentrated urine.

    Mark scheme

    • Blood becomes more concentrated — 1 mark
    • Pituitary releases more ADH — 1 mark
    • Kidney tubules more permeable, so more water is reabsorbed — 1 mark
    • Small volume of concentrated urine — 1 mark
  9. 9 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain how negative feedback keeps the water level of the blood constant.

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    Model answer

    If the water level falls, more ADH is released and more water is reabsorbed, which raises the water level. If the water level rises, less ADH is released and less water is reabsorbed, which lowers it. Each change causes a response that reverses the change.

    Mark scheme

    • Low water level: more ADH, more water reabsorbed — 1 mark
    • High water level: less ADH, less water reabsorbed — 1 mark
    • The response reverses the change — 1 mark

Quick check

  1. 1

    How does water leave the body through the lungs?

    1. AIn the urine
    2. BIn the breath
    3. CIn the sweat
    4. DIn the blood
    Show answerHide answer

    B: In the breath

    Water leaves in the air that you breathe out.

  2. 2

    Which substances are lost in sweat?

    1. AWater only
    2. BWater and glucose
    3. CGlucose and urea
    4. DWater, ions and urea
    Show answerHide answer

    D: Water, ions and urea

    Water, ions and urea are all lost from the skin in sweat.

  3. 3

    What are the two stages in the making of urine?

    1. AFiltration and selective reabsorption
    2. BDigestion and absorption
    3. COsmosis and diffusion
    4. DReabsorption and respiration
    Show answerHide answer

    A: Filtration and selective reabsorption

    The blood is filtered and then useful substances are selectively reabsorbed.

  4. 4

    Which substance is all reabsorbed in the kidney?

    1. AUrea
    2. BWater
    3. CGlucose
    4. DProtein
    Show answerHide answer

    C: Glucose

    All of the glucose is reabsorbed, so there is none in the urine.

  5. 5

    Why are blood cells not found in the filtrate?

    1. AThey are reabsorbed
    2. BThey are too big to be filtered
    3. CThey are destroyed in the kidney
    4. DThey are used as food
    Show answerHide answer

    B: They are too big to be filtered

    Blood cells are too big to be filtered out of the blood.

  6. 6

    What happens to a red blood cell in a very dilute solution?

    1. AIt swells and may burst
    2. BIt shrinks
    3. CIt stays the same
    4. DIt divides
    Show answerHide answer

    A: It swells and may burst

    Water enters by osmosis, so the cell swells and may burst.

  7. 7

    Where are excess amino acids deaminated?

    1. AIn the kidney
    2. BIn the pancreas
    3. CIn the stomach
    4. DIn the liver
    Show answerHide answer

    D: In the liver

    Excess amino acids are deaminated in the liver.

  8. 8

    What does ADH do to the kidney tubules?

    1. AMakes them less permeable to water
    2. BCloses them
    3. CMakes them more permeable to water
    4. DMakes them make glucose
    Show answerHide answer

    C: Makes them more permeable to water

    ADH makes the kidney tubules more permeable to water, so more water is reabsorbed.

Kidney Failure, Dialysis and Transplants

Just this lesson
  1. 1 State [2 marks]

    State two treatments for kidney failure.

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    Model answer

    Dialysis (using a machine) and a kidney transplant.

    Mark scheme

    • Dialysis — 1 mark
    • Kidney transplant — 1 mark
  2. 2 Name [3 marks]

    Figure 1 shows a dialysis machine. Name the parts shown at A, B and C.

    A dialysis machine with three parts marked A, B and C.
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    Model answer

    A is the partially permeable membrane. B is the dialysis fluid. C is the blood.

    Mark scheme

    • A: partially permeable membrane — 1 mark
    • B: dialysis fluid — 1 mark
    • C: blood — 1 mark
  3. 3 Describe [4 marks]

    Describe how a dialysis machine removes urea from the blood of a patient.

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    Model answer

    The patient's blood flows on one side of a partially permeable membrane, and dialysis fluid flows on the other side. The dialysis fluid has no urea, so urea diffuses from the blood through the membrane into the fluid. Blood cells and proteins are too big to cross, so they stay in the blood. The cleaned blood returns to the patient.

    Mark scheme

    • Blood on one side of a partially permeable membrane, dialysis fluid on the other — 1 mark
    • Urea diffuses from the blood into the dialysis fluid — 1 mark
    • Blood cells and proteins cannot cross — 1 mark
    • The cleaned blood returns to the patient — 1 mark
  4. 4 Explain [3 marks]

    The dialysis fluid contains the same concentration of glucose as normal blood. Explain why.

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    Model answer

    If the concentrations of glucose are the same on both sides of the membrane, there is no net diffusion of glucose. The patient therefore does not lose glucose from the blood, as they would if there were none in the fluid.

    Mark scheme

    • Same concentration on both sides, so no net movement of glucose — 1 mark
    • The patient does not lose glucose — 1 mark
    • It would diffuse out if there were none in the fluid — 1 mark
  5. 5 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain why the dialysis fluid is kept flowing past the membrane instead of staying still.

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    Model answer

    The flow carries the urea away, so the concentration of urea in the fluid stays low. This keeps a steep concentration gradient across the membrane, so urea keeps diffusing out of the blood.

    Mark scheme

    • Flow carries the urea away — 1 mark
    • The urea concentration in the fluid stays low — 1 mark
    • A steep concentration gradient keeps urea diffusing out — 1 mark
  6. 6 Evaluate [4 marks]

    Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of treating kidney failure by dialysis and by a kidney transplant.

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    Model answer

    Dialysis is available straight away and keeps the patient alive while they wait for a donor. However, it has to be repeated several times a week and restricts the patient's life. A transplant provides a working kidney and frees the patient from dialysis, but there are few donors, the kidney may be rejected, and the patient needs drugs for life, which increase the risk of infection.

    Mark scheme

    • Dialysis: advantage, such as available at once — 1 mark
    • Dialysis: disadvantage, such as repeated often — 1 mark
    • Transplant: advantage, such as no need for dialysis — 1 mark
    • Transplant: disadvantage, such as few donors / rejection / drugs — 1 mark
  7. 7 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain why a patient who has had a kidney transplant has to take drugs for the rest of their life.

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    Model answer

    The patient's immune system may recognise the new kidney as foreign and attack it, which is rejection. The drugs reduce the activity of the immune system, so the kidney is less likely to be rejected. They have to be taken for life because the risk does not go away.

    Mark scheme

    • The immune system may attack the new kidney — 1 mark
    • The drugs reduce the activity of the immune system — 1 mark
    • The risk of rejection continues — 1 mark

Quick check

  1. 1

    What does a dialysis machine remove from the blood?

    1. AGlucose
    2. BBlood cells
    3. CUrea
    4. DProtein
    Show answerHide answer

    C: Urea

    Dialysis removes urea and excess ions from the blood.

  2. 2

    What separates the blood from the dialysis fluid?

    1. AA partially permeable membrane
    2. BA tube of glass
    3. CA layer of fat
    4. DA wall of cells
    Show answerHide answer

    A: A partially permeable membrane

    A partially permeable membrane lets small molecules through but not blood cells or proteins.

  3. 3

    How does urea move from the blood into the dialysis fluid?

    1. ABy active transport
    2. BBy osmosis only
    3. CBy being pumped
    4. DBy diffusion
    Show answerHide answer

    D: By diffusion

    Urea diffuses from a higher concentration in the blood to a lower concentration in the fluid.

  4. 4

    What is rejection?

    1. AThe failure of a dialysis machine
    2. BThe immune system attacking the new organ
    3. CThe loss of the donor
    4. DThe growth of the kidney
    Show answerHide answer

    B: The immune system attacking the new organ

    Rejection is the attack of the immune system on a transplanted organ.

  5. 5

    Why do transplant patients take immunosuppressant drugs?

    1. ATo make the kidney work faster
    2. BTo clean the blood
    3. CTo reduce the risk of rejection
    4. DTo prevent diabetes
    Show answerHide answer

    C: To reduce the risk of rejection

    The drugs reduce the activity of the immune system, so the new kidney is less likely to be rejected.

  6. 6

    Which is an advantage of dialysis over a transplant?

    1. AIt is available straight away
    2. BIt cures kidney failure
    3. CIt needs no machine
    4. DIt needs no time
    Show answerHide answer

    A: It is available straight away

    Dialysis is available straight away, but a transplant needs a matching donor.

  7. 7

    Which is a disadvantage of a kidney transplant?

    1. AIt takes hours every week
    2. BIt uses a machine
    3. CIt removes glucose from the blood
    4. DThere are not enough donor kidneys
    Show answerHide answer

    D: There are not enough donor kidneys

    There are not enough donors, and the kidney may be rejected.

  8. 8

    Why do blood cells stay in the blood in a dialysis machine?

    1. AThey are destroyed
    2. BThey are too big to cross the membrane
    3. CThey are carried away with the urea
    4. DThey are filtered out
    Show answerHide answer

    B: They are too big to cross the membrane

    Blood cells are too big to pass through the partially permeable membrane.

Hormones in Human Reproduction

Just this lesson
  1. 1 State [2 marks]

    State the roles of oestrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle.

    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    Oestrogen and progesterone are both involved in maintaining the lining of the uterus.

    Mark scheme

    • Oestrogen is involved in maintaining the lining — 1 mark
    • Progesterone is involved in maintaining the lining — 1 mark
  2. 2 Name [3 marks]

    Figure 1 shows the levels of four hormones during the menstrual cycle. Name the hormones shown by the curves A, B and C.

    A hormone graph for the menstrual cycle with three curves marked A, B and C.
    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    A is FSH. B is LH. C is progesterone.

    Mark scheme

    • A: FSH — 1 mark
    • B: LH — 1 mark
    • C: progesterone — 1 mark
  3. 3 Describe [3 marks]

    Describe what happens to the lining of the uterus during the menstrual cycle.

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    Model answer

    The lining breaks down on days 1 to 5, which is the period. It repairs and thickens between day 5 and day 14. It is maintained from day 14 to day 28 unless the woman becomes pregnant.

    Mark scheme

    • Breaks down in days 1 to 5 — 1 mark
    • Repairs and thickens to day 14 — 1 mark
    • Maintained until day 28 — 1 mark
  4. 4 Explain [2 marks]

    The level of LH peaks on day 14. Explain what the peak causes.

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    Model answer

    The surge of LH causes ovulation, which is the release of a mature egg from the ovary.

    Mark scheme

    • Causes ovulation — 1 mark
    • The release of a mature egg from the ovary — 1 mark
  5. 5 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain why the lining of the uterus breaks down at the end of the cycle if the woman is not pregnant.

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    Model answer

    After ovulation progesterone maintains the lining. If there is no pregnancy, the progesterone level falls. The lining is no longer maintained, so it breaks down.

    Mark scheme

    • Progesterone maintains the lining — 1 mark
    • If there is no pregnancy the progesterone level falls — 1 mark
    • The lining breaks down — 1 mark
  6. 6 Explain [4 marks]

    Explain how FSH, oestrogen and LH interact to cause ovulation.

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    Model answer

    FSH makes an egg mature and stimulates the ovary to release oestrogen. The oestrogen level rises and stops the release of more FSH, so only one egg matures. A high oestrogen level also stimulates the pituitary gland to release a surge of LH. The LH causes ovulation.

    Mark scheme

    • FSH matures the egg and stimulates oestrogen — 1 mark
    • Oestrogen stops further FSH release — 1 mark
    • High oestrogen stimulates the LH surge — 1 mark
    • LH causes ovulation — 1 mark
  7. 7 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain the part played by progesterone after ovulation.

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    Model answer

    Progesterone is released by the empty follicle after ovulation. It maintains the lining of the uterus, ready for an embryo. It also stops the pituitary releasing FSH and LH, so no other eggs mature.

    Mark scheme

    • Released after ovulation — 1 mark
    • Maintains the lining — 1 mark
    • Stops FSH and LH release so no new egg matures — 1 mark
  8. 8 State [3 marks]

    State the roles of FSH, LH and testosterone in human reproduction.

    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    FSH causes an egg to mature in the ovary. LH stimulates the release of the egg. Testosterone is the main male reproductive hormone, which stimulates sperm production.

    Mark scheme

    • FSH causes the maturation of an egg — 1 mark
    • LH stimulates the release of the egg — 1 mark
    • Testosterone stimulates sperm production — 1 mark
  9. 9 Describe [2 marks]

    Describe two changes that reproductive hormones cause in a person at puberty.

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    Model answer

    Any two of: eggs begin to mature and are released about every 28 days (females), sperm production starts (males), the secondary sex characteristics develop, such as breasts or facial hair.

    Mark scheme

    • Change 1 — 1 mark
    • Change 2 — 1 mark

Quick check

  1. 1

    Which hormone causes ovulation?

    1. AFSH
    2. BLH
    3. COestrogen
    4. DTestosterone
    Show answerHide answer

    B: LH

    A surge of LH causes ovulation.

  2. 2

    Which hormone makes an egg mature in an ovary?

    1. AFSH
    2. BLH
    3. CProgesterone
    4. DTestosterone
    Show answerHide answer

    A: FSH

    FSH makes an egg mature in a follicle.

  3. 3

    Which hormone maintains the lining of the uterus after ovulation?

    1. AFSH
    2. BLH
    3. COestrogen
    4. DProgesterone
    Show answerHide answer

    D: Progesterone

    Progesterone maintains the lining.

  4. 4

    On which day of a 28-day cycle does ovulation usually happen?

    1. ADay 1
    2. BDay 7
    3. CDay 14
    4. DDay 28
    Show answerHide answer

    C: Day 14

    Ovulation usually happens on about day 14.

  5. 5

    Which gland releases FSH and LH?

    1. AThe ovary
    2. BThe pituitary gland
    3. CThe thyroid gland
    4. DThe pancreas
    Show answerHide answer

    B: The pituitary gland

    The pituitary gland releases FSH and LH.

  6. 6

    Which hormone is released by the testes?

    1. ATestosterone
    2. BOestrogen
    3. CProgesterone
    4. DLH
    Show answerHide answer

    A: Testosterone

    The testes release testosterone.

  7. 7

    What does a rise in oestrogen do to FSH?

    1. AIt increases FSH
    2. BIt has no effect
    3. CIt stops further FSH release
    4. DIt turns FSH into LH
    Show answerHide answer

    C: It stops further FSH release

    A rising oestrogen level stops the pituitary releasing more FSH.

  8. 8

    What causes the lining of the uterus to break down at the end of a cycle?

    1. AA rise in progesterone
    2. BA rise in oestrogen
    3. CA surge of LH
    4. DA fall in progesterone
    Show answerHide answer

    D: A fall in progesterone

    The level of progesterone falls, so the lining is no longer maintained.

Contraception and Fertility Treatment

Just this lesson
  1. 1 State [2 marks]

    State two hormones that are in the combined contraceptive pill.

    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    Oestrogen and progesterone.

    Mark scheme

    • Oestrogen — 1 mark
    • Progesterone — 1 mark
  2. 2 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain how the combined contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy.

    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    The pill contains oestrogen and progesterone, which keep the level of these hormones high. This stops the pituitary gland releasing FSH. Without FSH no egg matures in the ovary, so there is no egg to be fertilised.

    Mark scheme

    • Contains oestrogen and progesterone — 1 mark
    • Stops FSH release — 1 mark
    • No egg matures — 1 mark
  3. 3 Evaluate [4 marks]

    Figure 1 shows how many women out of 100 become pregnant in a year when using each method of contraception. Use the data in Figure 1 to evaluate the use of the male condom and the implant as methods of contraception.

    A bar chart of pregnancies per 100 women in a year for six methods of contraception.
    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    The implant is much more effective, because fewer than 1 woman in 100 gets pregnant in a year, compared with 13 in 100 for the condom. The implant lasts for years and does not depend on remembering. However, the condom is the only one that protects against sexually transmitted infections, and the implant may have hormonal side effects.

    Mark scheme

    • Implant more effective, using the data — 1 mark
    • Implant does not depend on remembering — 1 mark
    • Condom protects against infection — 1 mark
    • Implant may have side effects — 1 mark
  4. 4 Describe [3 marks]

    Describe three non-hormonal methods of contraception.

    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    Any three of: condoms, a diaphragm with spermicide, an IUD, abstaining at fertile times, sterilisation.

    Mark scheme

    • Any three methods — 3 marks
  5. 5 Explain [2 marks]

    Explain why a progesterone injection can be more effective than the combined pill in real use.

    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    The injection lasts for weeks, so it does not need to be remembered every day. The pill is often forgotten, which makes it less effective.

    Mark scheme

    • The injection is not taken daily — 1 mark
    • The pill may be forgotten — 1 mark
  6. 6 Describe [4 marks]

    Describe the main stages of in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    The woman is given FSH and LH so that several eggs mature. The eggs are collected from the ovaries. They are mixed with sperm in a dish, where they are fertilised. The embryos grow for a few days, and one or two are put into the uterus.

    Mark scheme

    • FSH and LH to mature eggs — 1 mark
    • Eggs collected — 1 mark
    • Fertilised with sperm in a dish — 1 mark
    • Embryos put into the uterus — 1 mark
  7. 7 Evaluate [4 marks]

    Evaluate the use of IVF to treat infertility.

    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    IVF can give a baby to couples who cannot conceive in any other way. However, many cycles do not work, and the success rate falls with age. The hormones may have side effects, and more than one embryo can lead to multiple births, which carry more risk. It is stressful and expensive, and some people have ethical objections to unused embryos being destroyed.

    Mark scheme

    • Gives a baby to couples who cannot conceive — 1 mark
    • Low success rate — 1 mark
    • Health risks, such as multiple births — 1 mark
    • Cost, stress or ethical issues — 1 mark
  8. 8 Explain [2 marks]

    Explain why issues around contraception cannot be answered by science alone.

    Show answerHide answer

    Model answer

    Science can show how effective each method is and how it works. However, whether a person should use contraception, and which method, depends on beliefs, culture, religion and personal values, which science cannot decide.

    Mark scheme

    • Science can show how well methods work — 1 mark
    • Decisions also depend on beliefs / values / religion — 1 mark

Quick check

  1. 1

    Which two hormones are in the combined pill?

    1. AFSH and LH
    2. BInsulin and glucagon
    3. COestrogen and progesterone
    4. DTestosterone and adrenaline
    Show answerHide answer

    C: Oestrogen and progesterone

    The combined pill contains oestrogen and progesterone.

  2. 2

    Which method of contraception also protects against sexually transmitted infections?

    1. AThe pill
    2. BThe condom
    3. CThe implant
    4. DThe IUD
    Show answerHide answer

    B: The condom

    Only the condom provides a barrier to infection.

  3. 3

    How does the combined pill stop an egg maturing?

    1. AIt stops FSH release
    2. BIt kills sperm
    3. CIt blocks the oviduct
    4. DIt stops ovulation by releasing LH
    Show answerHide answer

    A: It stops FSH release

    It stops the pituitary releasing FSH.

  4. 4

    Which of these is a permanent method of contraception?

    1. AThe pill
    2. BThe condom
    3. CThe diaphragm
    4. DSterilisation
    Show answerHide answer

    D: Sterilisation

    Sterilisation is permanent.

  5. 5

    In the chart, which method has the fewest pregnancies in a year?

    1. AThe male condom
    2. BThe combined pill
    3. CThe implant
    4. DThe diaphragm
    Show answerHide answer

    C: The implant

    The implant has fewer than 1 pregnancy per 100 women in a year.

  6. 6

    Why is the daily pill less effective in real use than the implant?

    1. AIt has no hormones
    2. BIt can be forgotten
    3. CIt is a barrier
    4. DIt lasts for years
    Show answerHide answer

    B: It can be forgotten

    The pill can be forgotten, but the implant needs no daily action.

  7. 7

    Which hormones can be given to a woman who does not ovulate?

    1. AFSH and LH
    2. BInsulin and glucagon
    3. CTestosterone and thyroxine
    4. DAdrenaline and ADH
    Show answerHide answer

    A: FSH and LH

    FSH and LH stimulate eggs to mature and be released.

  8. 8

    Where does fertilisation happen in IVF?

    1. AIn the uterus
    2. BIn the oviduct
    3. CIn the ovary
    4. DIn a laboratory dish
    Show answerHide answer

    D: In a laboratory dish

    In IVF the egg is fertilised by sperm in a laboratory dish.