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Exam questions · Biology · Hormones and Reproduction

The Menstrual Cycle

  • 6 exam questions
  • 17 marks
  • 9 quick checks
  1. 1 State [1 mark]

    State the day of the menstrual cycle on which ovulation usually occurs.

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    Model answer

    Day 14.

    Mark scheme

    • Day 14 — 1 mark
  2. 2 Name [2 marks]

    Name the two hormones from the ovaries that control the menstrual cycle.

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    Model answer

    Oestrogen and progesterone.

    Mark scheme

    • Oestrogen — 1 mark
    • Progesterone — 1 mark
  3. 3 Describe [3 marks]

    Describe what happens to the lining of the uterus during the 28 days of a menstrual cycle.

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    Model answer

    In the first days of the cycle the lining breaks down and is lost in the period. Then it is repaired and thickens, and after ovulation it is maintained as a thick lining with many blood vessels. If there is no pregnancy, it breaks down again at the end of the cycle.

    Mark scheme

    • Breaks down at the start — 1 mark
    • Repaired and thickens — 1 mark
    • Maintained after ovulation — 1 mark
  4. 4 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain why the lining of the uterus breaks down at the end of a cycle in which the woman does not become pregnant.

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    Model answer

    The level of progesterone falls, because there is no embryo. Progesterone maintains the lining, so when the level falls, the lining can no longer be maintained, and it breaks down.

    Mark scheme

    • Progesterone level falls — 1 mark
    • Progesterone maintains the lining — 1 mark
    • So the lining breaks down — 1 mark
  5. 5 Calculate [2 marks]

    A woman's last period began on 5 June, and she has a regular 28-day cycle. State the date on which she is likely to ovulate.

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    Model answer

    Ovulation is on day 14, which is 18 June.

    Mark scheme

    • Day 14 — 1 mark
    • 18 June — 1 mark
  6. 6 Evaluate [6 marks]

    Explain how oestrogen and progesterone work together to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy, and what happens if the woman does become pregnant.

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    Model answer

    In the first half of the cycle, oestrogen is made by the follicle in the ovary, and it causes the lining of the uterus to repair and thicken after the period. Around day 14 an egg is released, at ovulation. After this the empty follicle makes progesterone, which maintains the thick lining, so that it is ready for an embryo to implant. If the egg is fertilised, it implants in the lining, and the level of progesterone stays high, so the lining is kept, and there is no period. If there is no fertilisation, the level of progesterone falls, the lining cannot be maintained, and it breaks down, and the cycle begins again.

    Mark scheme

    • Oestrogen repairs and thickens the lining — 1 mark
    • Egg released at ovulation — 1 mark
    • Progesterone maintains the lining — 1 mark
    • Embryo implants if the egg is fertilised — 1 mark
    • Progesterone stays high, so no period — 1 mark
    • No fertilisation: progesterone falls and the lining breaks down — 1 mark

Quick check

  1. 1

    How many days does a typical menstrual cycle last?

    1. A14
    2. B28
    3. C7
    4. D365
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    B: 28

    About 28 days.

  2. 2

    What is ovulation?

    1. AThe loss of the lining of the uterus
    2. BFertilisation of an egg
    3. CThe release of an egg from the ovary
    4. DThe implantation of an embryo
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    C: The release of an egg from the ovary

    The release of a mature egg from an ovary.

  3. 3

    Which hormone repairs and thickens the lining of the uterus?

    1. AOestrogen
    2. BProgesterone
    3. CInsulin
    4. DThyroxine
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    A: Oestrogen

    Oestrogen.

  4. 4

    Which hormone maintains the lining of the uterus?

    1. AOestrogen
    2. BInsulin
    3. CAdrenaline
    4. DProgesterone
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    D: Progesterone

    Progesterone.

  5. 5

    On which days does menstruation usually take place?

    1. ADays 6 to 13
    2. BDays 1 to 5
    3. CDay 14
    4. DDays 15 to 28
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    B: Days 1 to 5

    Days 1 to 5.

  6. 6

    What happens to the level of progesterone if the woman is not pregnant?

    1. AIt rises
    2. BIt stays the same
    3. CIt falls
    4. DIt is not made
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    C: It falls

    It falls, so the lining breaks down.

  7. 7

    Where are oestrogen and progesterone made?

    1. AThe ovaries
    2. BThe pancreas
    3. CThe thyroid
    4. DThe testes
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    A: The ovaries

    In the ovaries.

  8. 8

    A woman's period starts on 10 September. She has a 28-day cycle. When will she ovulate?

    1. A14 September
    2. B28 September
    3. C10 October
    4. D23 September
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    D: 23 September

    Day 14 is 23 September.

  9. 9

    Why is the lining of the uterus kept thick after ovulation?

    1. ATo store more blood
    2. BTo be ready for an embryo
    3. CTo make hormones
    4. DTo make eggs
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    B: To be ready for an embryo

    To be ready for an embryo to implant if the egg is fertilised.