1. (a) Figure 1 shows the structure of a nephron.

Proximal
convoluted tubule

Figure 1

(i) Name the process that takes place in labelled P.

- Ultrafiltration

(ii) In which region of the kidney, P is found?

- Cortex

(iii) Give one feature of the blood vessels associated with P and
explain how this feature can assist in the process that takes
place in (a)(i).

- Diameter of the afferent arteriole that transports

blood into the glomerulus is bigger than the efferent
arteriole that transport blood away from glomerulus
- Difference in the rate of blood flow through these
blood vessels facilitates the creation of a high
hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus
(b) State two adaptations of the proximal convoluted tubule
to perform its function efficiently.

- Epithelial cells of the proximal convoluted tubule have

microvilli on its surface facing the lumen of tubule to
increase the surface area for the reabsorption process

-The epithelial cells have high density of mitochondrion

to generate energy to be used in the active transport

(c) Explain why glucose may be found in the urine of diabetics

Glucose in the glomerular filtrate is only reabsorbed in

the proximal convoluted tubule through active transport
and facilitated diffusion. A high concentration of
glucose in the glomerular filtrate of diabetes will result
in some of the glucose not being reabsorbed at the
proximal convoluted tubule, thus ending up in the urine.

(d) Why would the consumption of a large amount of alcohol

cause the production of a high volume of diluted urine
and the body to suffer from dehydration?

Alcohol inhibits the secretion of ADH from the posterior

pituitary gland. Less water is reabsorbed from the distal
convoluted tubule and collecting duct, resulting in a
higher volume of urine.

2
3