Prepared by:

Ridwan Abrar

Human Bio Notes: https://edexceligcsehumanbiology.blogspot.com/

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May 2011

1. a) Cell membrane controls substances that enter and leave the cell.
b) Bone is an example of a tissue

c) Oxygen gas is required for aerobic respiration

e) Kidney, lung and skin are the organs of excretion

f) Platelets start the process of blood clotting

i) The number of chromosomes in a human sperm is 23.

2. a) i)

Test for starch using: iodine solution

Test for glucose using Benedict’s solution
Test for lipid using alcohol
Test for protein using Biuret solution

ii) Colour changes

For starch test: blue-black to yellow/orange
For glucose test: yellow/orange to blue
For protein test: lilac to blue

c) Name two elements found in all carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.

Ans: Carbon and hydrogen

3. c) Which two parts of the eye focus the light rays?

Ans: Lens and cornea

4. Oestrogen is a hormone that is involved in the development of secondary sexual

characteristics in females.

(a) State two secondary sexual characteristics in females

Ans: Enlargement of breasts;
Pubic hair;
Widening of hips/ pelvis;
Start of menstruation/ release of ovum

© Complete the passage using appropriate words

Ans: The fusion of the sperm and ovum is known as fertilization This process initially produces a
zygote that undergoes a type of cell division called mitosis and develops into an embryo before
becoming a baby.

5. b) Describe the role of the intercostal muscles when breathing in. (3)
Ans: The external intercostal muscles contract and the internal intercostal muscles relax. Ribs
move up and out. This causes the volume of the thorax to increase and the pressure inside the
thorax decreases.

c) Match up the terms with their correct definitions by drawing a line from each term to its
definition.

Ans:
Tidal volume: the volume of air exchanged during quiet breathing in one breath
Vital capacity: the maximum volume of air that can be breathed in one breath
Breathing rate: the number of breaths taken in one minute

6. a) ii) Name the food group that starts being chemically digested in the stomach
Ans: Protein

b) The table shows some major food groups, the enzymes involved in their digestion and the
end products of digestion. Complete the table.

Major food group Enzyme involved End product of digestion

starch amylose maltose

protein protease Amino acid

fat lipase Glycerol and fatty acids

d) Explain why dietary fibre is important for the human alimentary canal.

Ans: i) Aids in peristalsis

ii) Prevents serious diseases of the intestine such as colitis and bowel cancer

7. c) Explain the function of the joint at the shoulder. (2)

Ans: It attaches the arm with the shoulder. It allows the arm to be bent in 180 degrees.
8. a) Barley is a crop grown mainly to feed animals such as sheep. Humans eat the meat from
sheep.
i) In the space below, draw a food chain containing sheep, humans and barley. (2)

Ans: Barley=> Sheep => Humans

ii) Name the primary consumer in the food chain. (1)

Ans: Sheep

iii) Explain why not all energy is passed from one trophic level to the next in a food chain. (2)

Ans: Lost as heat; respiration/excretion/movement;

Not all digested; energy lost in faeces;
Not all eaten;

b) Barley crops need minerals such as nitrates for healthy growth and increased yield. Artificial
fertilisers may be used to provide these minerals. Sometimes these minerals leach into rivers.

Explain how the leaching of minerals may be harmful to fish. (4)

Ans: Leaching causes soil containing nitrates to be blown away to the river. Algae feed on
nitrates and grow rapidly. The algae form an algal bloom. This prevents the entry of light. The
plants die due to lack of O2. The algae also die as they use up nitrates. Bacteria deompose
these dead materials, using up all the available oxygen. The river become totally anoxic and all
plants and animals die.

9. Cystic fibrosis is a condition that affects people who inherit two recessive alleles.

(a) Explain what is meant by a recessive allele. (2)

Ans: An allele which is not expressed; in the phenotype; when the individual is
heterozygous;

© Cystic fibrosis is a condition that affects the lungs. Mucus in the lungs of someone who has
cystic fibrosis is much stickier and thicker than usual. This means that less air can be breathed
in.

The build-up of this mucus makes it easy for bacteria to grow and this can lead to serious lung
infections.

(i) What type of medicine is usually given to someone who has a bacterial infections?

Ans: Antibiotic
(ii) Explain why someone who has cystic fibrosis may find it hard to exercise. (3)
Ans: Mucus being thicker; there is less oxygen in the body;
Reduced oxygen for aerobic respiration;
Less energy produced;

10. Movement of substances into and out of cells can be by diffusion, osmosis or active
transport.

(a) Match up the statements to the correct process by drawing a line from each process to
the most appropriate statement.

Ans:
Diffusion- Movement is from a high to a low concentration
Osmosis- Involves the movement of water
Active transport - Molecules move against a concentration gradient

b) ii) Explain how an enzyme’s activity is usually affected by pH. (3)

Ans: Bonds hold substrate and enzyme together;

Changes in pH can break these bonds;
And change the shape of active site;

(iii) The diagram shows the breakdown and regeneration of ATP.

Using the information in the diagram, describe what happens during the process of respiration.
(2)

Ans: ATP is made; from ADP and phospate;

11. a) ii) Where do viruses reproduce?

Ans: Inside the cells of the host

b) ii) The influenza vaccine does not contain any live viruses. Explain how it can protect us
against the virus. (2)

Ans: Vaccines contain dead, attenuated virus which has antigens to stimulate antibody
production.

iii) Explain why people need to be vaccinated against influenza virus every year. (2)

Ans: Due to mutation, there is a change in antigen.

12. Mountain biking is a popular sport and one that requires a high degree of fitness. The
cyclists shown here are taking part in a tour across a desert. The cyclists will experience very
hot conditions during the three days of the tour.

(a) (i) When he gets too hot a cyclist starts to sweat.

Ans: Evaporation of heat; removes latent heat from body; absorbs heat to change from
liquid to vapour.
(ii) Describe one other mechanism the body has for cooling down. (2)

Ans: Vasodilation of arteries close to the body surface leads to heat loss more rapidly by
conduction, convection and radiation;
Hair lying flat;

(b) When mountain biking, it is important to replace any fluid lost.

Describe the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in replacing fluid lost from the blood. (2)

Ans: Collecting duct; more permeable to water; water is reabsorbed

© The action of sweating and ADH are both examples of homeostasis.

Define the term homeostasis. (2)

Ans: Maintenance of a constant internal environment

(d) Design an experiment to show that people sweat more when they exercise. (4)

Ans: C: Exercise and no exercise

O: Humans of same age, gender and fitness
R: With different people
M: Sweat produced; blotting paper mass change; immediately after exercise; re-weigh;
S: Temperature; Sort of exercise

13. A woman was admitted into a hospital after accidentally cutting herself very severely.

(a) The main artery in her leg had been cut.

Explain why blood loss is likely to be higher when an artery, rather than a vein, has been
cut.
Ans: Artery carries blood away from the heart; at high pressure

(b) The woman was found to need a blood transfusion. She has blood group A.

Explain why she can be given blood from blood group O as well as from blood group A, but not
from blood group B. (5)
Ans: O is universal donor; contains no antigens; Donor A contains A antigen; and b antibody;
Donor B contains B antigens and A antibody; the B antigen will react with b antibody in the
woman whose blood group is A; agglutination occurs

© The woman also needed a transfusion of tissue fluid. The diagram shows tissue fluid in a
capillary bed in muscle tissue.

Use the information in the diagram to describe the role of tissue fluid. (4)

Ans: Surrounds cells; carries food/oxygen to cells; from capillaries/blood; formed from plasma
under high pressure; carries CO2/nitrogenous waste from cells; to lymph vessels/lymphatic
system; referred to as lymph;

May 2011 Paper 2

1. Limewater/hydrogencarbonate solution is use to indicate the presence of carbon dioxide.

2. (a) (i) Explain what is meant by the term endemic.
Ans: A disease which is always present in the population of a particular geographical
area in limited numbers.

(ii) Describe the position of thyroid gland in the body. (2)

Ans: In the neck/throat in front of the windpipe/ trachea

(iii) Name the hormone secreted by thyroid gland. (1)

Ans: Thyroxine

3. Haemophilia is a sex-linked recessive condition of humans. People with haemophilia

take longer to form blood clots. Females who are heterozygous for this condition are
described as being carriers.

(a) Explain what is meant by the following terms.

(i) sex-linked
Ans: Carried on X-chromosome. This recessive allele is not present in Y; Since
males have only X-chromosome; if present, they are affected

(ii) carrier
Ans: The phenotype is normal. Both the dominant and recessive alleles are
present. The phenotype shows the normal dominant allele for blood clotting.

(b) State two reasons why it is important that blood clots quickly. (2)
Ans: i) Prevents excessive loss of blood
ii) Prevents entry of pathogen
** Infection can only be caused by a pathogenic organism and haemophilia is a genetic
condition/disease.

4. b) Describe how tooth decay is caused. (4 max)

Ans: Food left on teeth;

Bacteria uses sugar;
Converts to lactic; acid;
dissolves/ erodes enamel;

c) Explain why it is mainly teeth at the back of the mouth that have decayed. (2)

Ans: Molars have a large surface area with ridges and hollows/ depression; Food accumulates
in the hollows/ depression; Teeth difficult to brush;

d) Explain, with reasons, why the jaws shown are of adults rather than boys.

Ans: 32 teeth; not boys because they have fewer/ lack of wisdom teeth in a boy’s jaw/ no large
molars;

5. Describe the effects of pollution of air by carbon monoxide and by sulfur dioxide. (7 marks)

Ans: Sulfur dioxide causes acid rain;

Which erodes buildings made of limestone;
Destroys vegetation/ kills pond life;

Sulfur dioxide damages lungs;

Causes breathing difficulties;
Asthma;

Carbon monoxide combines with haemoglobin;

Irreversibly;
Less oxygen transported;
Damage to nerve cells/ brain which are highly sensitive to oxygen starvation

6. c) Describe in detail two effects of smoking, other than lung cancer, on the respiratory
system.

Ans: i) Mucus accumulates in the lungs/ mucus not removed; bacteria and mucus cause lung
infection;

ii) Emphysema; alveoli walls break down; less area for gas exchange;

iii) Bronchitis; gasping/ wheezing; poor oxygenation of blood;

d) Explain one reason why smokers have an increased risk of heart attack. (2)

Ans: increased blood pressure and heart rate;

Less oxygen supplied to heart muscle;
Narrowing of coronary arteries;
Less oxygen supplied to heart muscle;

Human Biology Paper 1

Sample Assessment Paper

1. d) The human foetus usually grow and develop in the uterus

g) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is made by the pituitary gland

3. b) ii) State three ways in which the spread of gonorrhoea can be reduced. (3)

Ans: use a condom;

One partner;
Prevent sexual intercourse with people who might have the infection;

5. a) Some people carry donor cards.

This means that when they die, their body parts can be given to people that need them.

Function Donated body part

Breaks down toxic chemicals liver

Fills with air during breathing lung

Bends light as it enters eye Cornea

Secretes insulin pancreas

b) i) Name the final fluid produced by a normal kidney. (1)

Ans: Urine

ii) Name the blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the normal kidney. (1)
Ans: Renal artery

c) iv) In a normal kidney, which structure acts as the partially permeable membrane. (1)
Ans: Bowman’s capsule

d) Long term treatment for kidney failure is for the person to have a kidney transplant.
i) State three advantages to a person having a transplant rather than continued dialysis
treatment.
Ans: not attached to machine for long periods of time;
Lower risk of infection;
Fewer dietary restrictions;
Able to travel away from hospital;

ii) One disadvantage of a transplant is the need to find a donor with a matching tissue type. Why
is this process important?

Ans: if tissues don’t match;

Rejection occurs;
organ/kidney won’t function;

6. Complete the sentences using words from the list.

Ans: Nerve impulse pass along an axon in the form of an electrochemical impulse. Nerve cells
come very close to the ends of other nerve cells at gaps called a synapse. Nerve impulses are
able to pass across these gaps because of chemical substances. These substances are known
as neurotransmitters, an example of which is acetylcholine. The impulse reaches a pre-synaptic
membrane, which is separated from the post-synaptic membrane, by a small gap called a
synaptic cleft. The acetylcholine is formed at the end of the pre-synaptic axon and is contained
in vesicles. When the acetylcholine is released, it passes from the pre-synaptic membrane by
diffusion where it stimulates another impulse.

b) Suggest why the release of acetylcholine requires large numbers of mitochondria to be

present in the pre-synaptic axon.

Ans: Active process; ATP required; released by aerobic respiration;

7. ii) What is meant by the term vector in this context? (2)

Ans: A vector is an organism which carries the pathogen from one host to another;
Without itself becoming harmed by pathogens/ parasite;

iv) Give two stages of the life cycle where control measures could be used to stop the spread of
malaria. In each case explain how the control measure would be effective.

Ans: Stage 1: Larva

Explanation: Use of insectivorous fish like Tilapia which feeds on the larvae of mosquitoes
Stage 2: Adult
Explanation: Spray insecticides to kill the adult mosquitoes

(b) Suggest two reasons why malaria is a difficult disease to control. (2)
Ans: difficult to remove all breeding areas;
Can lay eggs in small amount of water;
No drugs to destroy Plasmodium;
Mosquito will spread to more areas;
Taking malaria with it;

9. Haemoglobin exists in two forms, normal haemoglobin and sickle-cell haemoglobin.

The allele for normal haemoglobin is Hb and that for sickle-cell haemoglobin is Hbs. The alleles
are codominant where they exist in the genotype.

(a) (i) State what is meant by the term genotype. (1)

Ans: Genes/alleles found on chromosomes

(ii) State what is meant by the term codominant. (1)

Ans: Two alleles; equal dominance; both expressed in the phenotype;

(b) (i) Name the type of cells in which haemoglobin is found. (1)
Ans: Red blood cells

(ii) Describe the function of haemoglobin. (3)

Ans: combines with oxygen;
To form oxyhaemoglobin;
Transports oxygen from lungs;
To respiring cells/ tissues;

10. a) ii) Describe two features of the alveoli which help in gaseous exchange. (4)
Ans: they are greatly folded which provides a large surface area;
Blood around the alveoli is always moving;
So it maintains a concentration gradient.
Thin epithelium;

b) ii) Describe two differences, other than those shown in the table, between inspired and
expired air. (2)
Ans: expired air is warmer than inspired air; expired air is more moist than inspired air;

c) How does the body prevent bacteria passing into lungs? (3)
Ans: Mucus produced by cells lining the trachea; mucus traps bacteria; cilia present on lining
cells; the cilia beats back and fro moving the mucus and the trapped bacteria away from the
lungs towards the mouth;

Paper 2, Sample Assessment Material

 1. c) High energy foods can contain carbohydrates and fats.
Describe how you would test one of these foods for the presence of a simple sugar. (3)

Ans: To test for glucose, the food sample is chopped and dissolved in water. Benedict’s solution
is added and the mixture is heated. Colour changes from blue to orange.

3. b) ii) No cure is known for AIDS but people with a higher standard of living may be able to
delay the onset of AIDS-related infections.

Suggest one way by which a higher standard of living may delay the onset. (1)

Ans: can afford better medical facilities/ has better diet

iii) HIV is spread between people during sexual intercourse. Give two other ways by which HIV
can be spread from one person to another. (2)

Ans: when drug users share an infected needle;

When infected blood is given a transfusion;
By infecting tatooing equipment;
By blood contact with open wounds;

5. a) ii) Name one group of organisms that aids decomposition. (1)

Ans: Bacteria

7. Describe the role of negative feedback in the regulation of blood glucose concentration by
hormones produced in the pancreas. (8 marks)

Ans: An increase or decrease in a factor is detected; this triggers a response that returns the
factors to normal;
Rise in concentration detected by cells in the Islets of langerhans;
Concentration falls; after exercise/ respiration; detected by cells in the islets of Langerhans;

GCE May 2010

Paper 1

1. b) i) In the space below draw and label a ciliated epithelium cell from the lining of the
trachea.
ii) Explain how a ciliated epithelium cell in the trachea helps to protect the body. (3)
c) Blood cell Y and the ciliated epithelium cell both have a nucleus and cytoplasm, which
is surrounded by a cell membrane. State the role of the nucleus and the role of the cell
membrane.

2. a) Many processes in the human body involve hormones and are controlled through
negative feedback mechanisms.
 i) Explain what a hormone is. (2)
ii) Explain what is meant by the term negative feedback mechanism. (2)

b) The table below shows some hormones. Complete the table by filling in the spaces.
Name of the hormone Hormone released by Effect of hormone

ADH Increases water content of

blood

Development of secondary
sexual characteristics of
males

Adrenal glands Increases heart rate and

breathing rate

Insulin Pancreas

FSH Pituitary gland

Oestrogen Increases thickness of

uterine lining

(7)

4. The diagram below shows a side view of some of the structures of the thorax.
a) i) Describe how structures X and Y move to bring about inhalation. (2)
ii) How are the movements of structures X and Y brought about? (1)
iii) Explain how these changes in position of structures X and Y cause air to be
moved into the alveoli of the lungs. (3)

(ii) Enzyme B is found in the duodenum.

State how its optimum pH is achieved in the duodenum. (2)

© Villi are found in the ileum.

i) State the function of these villi. (1)
ii) Describe how the structure of a villus makes it suitable for this function. (3)

d) Explain how food is moved along the alimentary canal. (3)

5. The diagram below shows a fetus in the uterus just before birth.
a) i) Name the parts labelled A, B and C. (3)
ii) Describe the function of part C during pregnancy. (3)

6. The table below shows the mean energy intake per day needed by soldiers stationed in
different regions of the world.
 (a) (i) Plot the daily energy intake at different temperatures as a line graph on the axes
provided. Join the points with straight lines.
(ii) What is the mean daily energy intake for soldiers stationed in a region where the local
mean daytime temperature is 00C? (1)
(iii) A group of soldiers moves from a region where the mean daytime temperature is
+150C to a region where it is +350C.
By how much would the soldiers’ mean daily energy intake change, assuming their
activities are the same in both regions? (1)
(b) (i) Describe the relationship between the mean daytime temperature and the soldiers’ mean
daily energy intake. (1)
(ii) Suggest an explanation for the relationship between the mean daily energy intake and the
mean daytime temperature. (3)
(iii) Part A contains an artery and a vein. State which of these blood vessels contains the
highest oxygen concentration and explain your answer. (2)
(b) Describe the structure of part B and explain how this helps in the transfer of materials from
the mother to the fetus. (4)
© The level of progesterone remains high throughout pregnancy. Explain what would happen if
the supply of this hormone decreases markedly before the end of pregnancy. (3)

7. The graph below shows the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in London during the
period 1942 to 2000.

(a) (i) Which microorganism causes TB? (1)

(ii) When was the incidence of TB in London at its lowest? (1)
(iii) During which 5-year period was the decrease in the number of cases of TB in
London greatest? (1)
(iv) Suggest two measures that might have brought about this decrease in the incidence
of TB. (2)
(b) (i) Describe the trend in the number of cases of TB in London after 1990. (1)
(ii) Suggest two reasons for this trend. (2)

8. (a) The passage below is about the eye. Complete the passage by writing the most suitable
word or words in each space.

The eye sits in a bony cavity in the ----- The wall of the eyeball has three layers, the inner of
which is called the ----- This is made of light-sensitive cells called rods and cones. The cones
are active only in bright light and enable us to see ----- Light rays entering the eye are ----- by
the ----- and the lens. This brings the light rays into focus on the fovea. The shape of the lens is
altered by the ----- muscles. In very bright light, the action of the ----- muscles helps to make the
------ smaller.

(b) Red-green colour blindness is a condition caused by a gene carried on the X-chromosome.
The genetic diagram below shows the family of a boy who has inherited red-green colour
blindness.

(i) From which parent did the colour-blind boy inherit his condition? Give a reason for your
choice. (2)

(ii) The boy has a younger sister and a baby brother. What is the probability that each of these
children will also show colour blindness? (2)

9. The heart is able to adjust the volume of blood it pump out in response to the demands of the
body.

(a) (i) Name the chamber of the heart that pumps blood out to the muscles of the body. (1)
(ii) Name the main blood vessel that carries blood to the organs of the body. (1)

(b) The table below shows the energy required, heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output in
relation to increasing amounts of exercise by the body.
(i) By how much does the cardiac output alter when a person changes from rest to exercise that
uses 5.5kJ per minute? (1)
(ii) By how much does the heart rate alter when a person changes from rest to exercise that
uses 5.5kJ per minute? (1)
(iii) Suggest what is meant by the term stroke volume. (2)
(iv) Explain which process, heart rate or stroke volume, accounts for most of the increase in
cardiac output as the energy demand for exercise increases. Use data from the table to support
your answer. (2)

GCE May 2010

Paper 2

1. (a) Describe the process of mitosis that occurs during cell division. (8)
(b) (i) In which organ does meiosis occur in humans? (2)
(ii) Nuclear division can be either by mitosis or by meiosis. Describe two ways in which
the daughter cells produced by these methods differ. (4)
© Sometimes cell division results in a mutation occurring.
(i) State two factors that may increase the risk of mutation occurring. (2)
(ii) Explain what a mutation is and why some mutations have harmful effects. (4)

2. a) i) Explain what is meant by a reflex action and why reflexes are important to the
body. (4)
ii) Use a large labelled diagram to show the nerve pathway of the withdrawal reflex. (8)

b) i) Explain why damage to the vertebral column in the neck region sometimes results in
a loss of feeling and paralysis of the legs, even though there is no damage to the leg
muscles. (6)
(ii) Suggest why such damage is frequently permanent. (2)

3. a) i) With the help of a large labelled diagram, explain how the forearm is raised at the
elbow joint. (8)
ii) Describe how the range of movement at the shoulder joint is greater than at the elbow
joint. (4)

b) i) During exercise energy is needed by muscle cells. Describe the processes by which
energy is released in a muscle cell. (4)
ii) During vigorous exercise, energy demand over a short time can lead to the formation
of lactic acid. Describe the processes that produces lactic acid and how the lactic acid is
destroyed. (4)

4. a) i) Describe the relationship between blood plasma, tissue fluid and lymph. (4)
ii) Describe the function of each of these fluids. (6)

b) i) During vigorous exercise both the pulse rate and blood pressure usually rise
significantly. Explain why this is important to the muscles of the body. (4)
ii) Suggest possible dangers of permanently raised blood pressure. (3)
iii) Suggest what actions a doctor might advise a patient to take to reduce dangerously
high blood pressure. (3)

5. a) i) Describe the structure of the human urinary system. (5)

ii) Explain how the kidney regulates the composition and concentration of the blood. (6)

b) In each of the following situations, explain why the composition and concentration of
the urine varies.
(i) On a hot day with very little water to drink (5)
(ii) After eating a meal rich in protein (4)

6. a) Explain why, for the health of community, it is important that sewage does not come
in direct contact with the water supply. (3)
b) What are the likely effects if untreated sewage enters a lake or river? (7)
c) Describe the sequence of events that occurs in a modern sewage works. Explain the
purpose of each stage. (10)

7. a) Describe two ways in which fungi differ from bacteria in structure. (2)
b) Describe two ways in which fungi obtain their nutrients. (6)
c) Describe how the transmission of athlete’s foot from person to person can be
prevented and how this condition can be treated. (5)
d) Describe how fungi are of use to humans. (7)

8. a) i) Use a large labelled diagram to show the structure of a virus. (3)

ii) Describe how the reproduction of a virus is brought about. (6)
 iii) Describe three ways in which viruses differ from bacteria. (3)
b) i) Poliomyelitis (polio) can be prevented by the use of a vaccine. Explain how a
vaccine can help the body to develop immunity to a disease, such as polio. (5)
ii) Describe how patient who shows symptoms of polio can be treated. (3)

January 2010 Paper 1

1. The table below shows the masses of different food materials (per 100g sample) and the
energy content of potatoes in different ways.
(a) (i) Describe how boiling affected the vitamin content of the potatoes. (1)
(ii) Suggest two reasons for this effect. (2)

(b) Describe a test that you could do to show that starch is one of the carbohydrates found in
potatoes. (2)

© (i) Explain why a person who is overweight would be advised to eat boiled potatoes rather
than chips. (3)

(ii) If this overweight person still decides to eat chips, suggest why it would be better to eat 100g
of thick-cut chips rather than 100g of thin cut chips. (3)

(d) Describe the process of chemical digestion of the potato chips that takes place in the mouth.
(2)

2. Red blood cells, phagocytes, lymphocytes, platelets and plasma are all components of the
blood.
The table below lists features of the blood that are shown by these different components. In the
table place a tick in the appropriate box if the feature is correct for that component.

Feature Red blood Phagocyte Lymphocyte Platelet Plasma

cell

Contains
haemoglobin

Has a
nucleus

A fluid
consisting
mostly of
water
 Engulfs
pathogens

Produces
antibodies

Involved in
blood clotting

(Total 6 marks)

3. The diagram below shows a part of a kidney tubule. A is a blood vessel that carries blood to
the tubule and B is a blood vessel taking blood from the tubule. The blood is filtered in this part
of the tubule.
(a) Explain the importance of the difference in the diameters of the blood vessels labelled A
and B in the process of filtration. (2)
(b) The table below shows the percentages of water, protein, glucose and urea in the three
different fluids.
(i) Explain why glucose is not present in the urine even though it is present in the filtrate.
(2)
(ii) Explain why protein is not present in the filtrate or in the urine. (3)
© (i) State where urea is formed. (1)
(ii) Explain why the concentration of urea is greater in the urine than in the filtrate. (2)

4. The maximum amount of air that a person can breathe out in one breath is known as the vital
capacity.

The diagram below shows apparatus that can be used to measure the vital capacity. A man has
just breathed out as much as he could into the tube that passes into the apparatus. The man is
a non-smoker.

(a) (i) From the diagram below, determine the vital capacity of this non-smoker. (1)
(ii) Suggest why this value might be lower for a smoker. (1)

(b) The tidal volume is the volume of air breathed in and out during normal breathing at rest. It is
usually about 10% of the vital capacity.
Calculate the tidal volume of this non-smoker. Show your working. (2)

© Explain how an increase in the rate of breathing would benefit a person during vigorous
exercise. (3)

(d) Describe three ways in which the air breathed out by a person would differ from the air
breathed in. (3)

5. The diagram below shows a front view of the male reproductive system.
 (a) Name the structures labelled A, B and C.
(b) (i) Name the organ at point X to which the urethra is joined. (1)
(ii) Describe the functions of this organ. (2)

© The urethra is a tube that is found in both males and females. Give two differences between
the male urethra and female urethra. (2)

d) i) On the diagram, by the means of an arrow labelled T, show where the hormone
testosterone is produced. (1)

ii) Give two functions of the hormone testosterone. (2)

© Explain the importance of structure C during sexual intercourse. (2)

6. A group of 10 students (A to J) carried out an investigation into the use of two of their senses:
taste and smell. Each of the students had 20 pieces of onion or apple placed on their tongue,
one after the other, in a random sequence.

In Experiment 1, the students closed their eyes. In Experiment 2, they closed their eyes and
pinched their nose.

The number of correct identifications of onion or apple for each student is recorded in the table
below.

(a) Which of the senses were being used to identify the foods in the two experiments?
(b) (i) Using the results in the table, explain why it is important to use more than one student
for the investigation. (3)
(ii) State three conclusions that can be drawn from this investigation. (3)
© Name one sense, other than taste or smell, that the pupils could be using to identify the food
during the investigation. (1)

7. A reflex action involves a nerve impulse passing through a reflex arc.

(a) Give three characteristics of a reflex action. (3)
(b) The diagram below shows some of the structures that make up a reflex arc, but it is
incomplete.
(i) On the diagram below, label the grey matter and the white matter. (2)
(ii) On the diagram, draw and label the positions of the sensory, motor and relay neurones to
complete the reflex arc. (4)
© A large number of mitochondria are found in neurones. Explain their role in the transmission
of a nerve impulse. (2)
(d) Describe a reflex action found in the eye. (2)

8. A condition known as albinism arises in humans as a result of mutation. This condition results
in a lack of pigment in both the skin and the eye. The allele for albinism is recessive.
 (a) (i) Explain what is meant by the term mutation. (2)
(ii) Name two factors that could cause this mutation. (2)
b) A man and a woman, neither of whom shows the condition of albinism, produced a child who
was an albino.
What is the chance that their second child will also be an albino? Use a genetic diagram to
show how you reached your answer. Use A as the allele for normal pigmentation and a as the
allele for albinism.

Chance of second child being albino ………..

(5)

© Suggest the harmful effects that may occur as a lack of pigmentation in the skin and in the
eyes. (4)

9. A vaccine is used to protect people against poliomyelitis (polio). The graph below shows the
level of polio antibodies in the blood of a child being given the vaccine. Three doses of the
vaccine were given during the first two years and these were followed by an additional
(‘booster’) dose around the age of five years.

(a) Name the type of organism that causes polio. (1)

(b) (i) With reference to the graph, state when the second dose of the vaccine was given. (1)
(ii) Suggest why it is necessary for the child to be given a ‘booster’ dose. (3)
© When the child became 20 years old, she wanted to travel to a country where polio was
endemic.
(i) Suggest the advice her doctor might give after studying her vaccination record. (2)
(ii) Describe how polio is transmitted. (2)
(d) (i) Suggest two active components that might be present in vaccines. (2)
(ii) State the full name of the type of immunity given as a result of vaccination. (2)

January 2010 Paper 2

1. Homeostasis occurs within the human body.

(a) State what is meant by the term homeostasis and explain why it is important. (5)
(b) Describe how the body deals with increases in each of the following.
(i) The water content of blood (5)
(ii) The carbon dioxide concentration of the blood (5)
(iii) The glucose concentration of the blood (5)

2. Human reproduction begins with fertilisation and ends with the birth of a baby.
(a) Explain why meiosis is necessary for the formation of gametes. (5)
(b) Explain why there is equal chance of a boy or girl produced as a result of fertilisation.
You may use X or Y chromosomes in a genetic diagram to illustrate your answer. (4)
(c) After fertilisation occurs, a fetus and a placenta develops in the uterus.
(i) Describe the functions of the placenta. (5)
 (ii) Describe the process of birth. (6)

3. The skin is the external covering of the body and one of its functions is the regulation of body
temperature.
(a) Describe and explain how the skin responds to a decrease in the internal body
temperature. (8)
(b) Suggest why wearing clothes that consist of several thin layers is more effective in
helping to keep a person warm than one thick layer. (4)
(c) Describe the functions of the skin, other than in temperature regulation. (8)

4. The ribs are a part of the skeleton and are involved in the process of breathing.
(a) Explain how the ribs and diaphragm helps to bring about pressure changes in the lungs
that allow inspiration (breathing in) to occur. (6)
(b) Describe the functions of the skeleton, other than in breathing. (8)
(c) Explain the importance of diet in bone formation. (6)

5. Humans are made up of many different cells but each cell has a similar basic structure.
(a) Describe the functions of each of the following.
(i) Nucleus (4)
(ii) Cell membrane (3)
(iii) Cytoplasm (3)
(b) Cells may form tissue and tissues may group together to form organs. Using muscle as an
example, explain what is meant by the term tissue. (4)

© Describe the formation of new cells by mitosis. (6)

6. In recent years, the composition of the atmosphere appears to have been changing.
(a) Explain how the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the world’s atmosphere is
maintained. (5)
(b) Chemicals known as CFCs have been used in aerosol cans. CFCs are known to
damage the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere.
Suggest and describe how the use of CFCs in aerosol cans has changed the atmosphere and
the effects this may have on humans. (4)
© (i) Describe how a plant produces carbohydrates and the ways plants use these
carbohydrates. (6)
(ii) Describe how plant material helps the movement of food through the human gut. (5)

7. There are various mechanisms for protecting the human body from diseases.
(a) Describe how the process of blood clotting occurs and explain its role in the protection of
the body. (7)
(b) Using a named example, describe the origin of antibiotics and how they help the body in
dealing with pathogens. (3)
(c) Explain how many countries have been able to reduce the number of cases of
tuberculosis. (6)
 (d) Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) can be used to reduce the effects of some diseases.
Describe the conditions under which ORT is used and explain how it works. (4)

8. Pollution of both the atmosphere and water occurs in each of the following sources of
pollution.

Describe the origin and effects of each of the following sources of pollution.
(a) Describe the origin and effects of nitrogen compounds in water. (7)
(b) Describe the origin and effects of sulphur dioxide in the air. (7)
(c) Describe the origin and effects of carbon monoxide in the air. (6)

9. Malaria is an endemic disease in many parts of the world and the Anopheles mosquito acts
as a vector for this disease.
(a) Explain what is meant by each of the following terms:
(i) endemic (2)
(ii) Vector (3)
(b) With the help of a labelled diagram, describe the life cycle of the mosquito. (8)
© An epidemic of cholera often occurs after a natural disaster.
(i) Explain the term epidemic (2)
(ii) Describe and explain the measures that a person could take to avoid developing cholera. (5)

May 2009 Paper 1

1. The diagram below shows a section through the brain.

(a) Name the regions labelled C, E and F. (3)
(b) Complete the table below to show which of the regions, A to F, is responsible for
each function.

Function Region

Balance and muscle coordination

Stimulating the action of involuntary

muscles

Production of sex hormones

Intelligence and reasoning

© Explain why death occurs if part E is destroyed in an accident. (2)

2. An investigation was carried out on the loss of heat by a man who entered a hot room at 450C
and then lay down.
The temperature of the man’s skin and his core temperature (internal) were recorded at
intervals. After 25 minutes from the start of the investigation the man drank a small quantity of
iced water.

(a) Explain why the core temperature is usually higher than skin temperature. (2)
(b) (i) The results for skin temperature have been plotted as a line graph.
Plot the results for core temperature as a line graph on the same axes. Label your graph
curves.
(ii) During which time period was the core temperature lower than skin temperature?
From …… to ………
(iii) Suggest why core temperature dropped during this period. (2)
(iv) Where is temperature regulation controlled in the body? (1)
© Explain why it is important that the core temperature remains within narrow limits. (2)

3. The table below lists information about some diseases.

Complete the table to show the causative agent and method of transmission of each of the
following diseases. Some answers have been completed for you.

Disease Causative agent Method of transmission

Diptheria Droplet infection

Typhus ricksettia

Malaria

Athlete’s foot Contact with infected

clothing, towels or floor

Poliomyelitis virus

Gonorrhoea bacterium

4. The diagram below shows the bones and muscles of the arm when it is extended
(straightened out).

(a) (i) In the space below, draw these structures to show their shape and position when the
arm is bent at the elbow. (6)
(ii) Describe the function of X when the arm is bent at the elbow. (2)
(b) (i) Name the types of joints found at Y and Z (2)
(ii) How does movement at Y differ from that at Z? (2)

© Both joints are involved in movement. To reduce friction at a joint, the ends of the
bones are covered in cartilage.
(i) Describe one way in which friction at the joint is reduced. (1)
 (ii) In one form or arthritis, the cartilage covering the ends of the bones is worn away.
Suggest how this damage might affect movement at a joint. (2)

5. The diagram below shows a kidney tubule.

(a) (i) Name the structures labelled A and B. (2)
(ii) Explain how fluid passes into A. (3)
(iii) Name two components that do not pass into A. (2)
(iv) On the diagram, label with a letter G the region where glucose is reabsorbed.
(1)
(b) The amount of water reabsorbed from the tubule varies from day to day.
(i) Give reasons why this variation occurs. (3)
(ii) Describe the process by which the reabsorption of water from the tubule is controlled. (4)

6. The diagram below shows the variation in the curvature (roundness) of the lens of a man’s
eye as he watches a bird. He keeps the bird in focus as it moves around.
(a) (i) At which point was the bird furthest from the man? (1)
(ii) Between which two points is the bird feeding on the ground near to him? (1)
(iii) During which period was the bird flying slowly towards the man? (1)

(b) Explain how the curvature of the lens of the eye is decreased to view a distance object. (4)

7. (a) The diagram below shows a capillary network around some muscle cells.
(i) Name the fluid at R. (1)
(ii) Describe two ways in which the fluid at R differs from blood plasma. (2)
(b) The diagram below shows the pressure at two positions (S and T) in the capillary network
and in the surrounding fluid at R. Pressure is measured in kilopascals. (kPa)

The arrows indicate the direction in which each pressure is having its effect.

(i) What is the difference in pressure between the fluid at R and the blood plasma at S? (1)
(ii) In which direction there is likely to be a net movement of fluid at S? (1)
(iii) The muscle cells are surrounded by a fluid at R. What is the importance of this to the muscle
cells? (3)

© (i) At T the pressure in the capillary is much lower than at S. Suggest a reason for this. (1)
(ii) The inward pressure at T is greater than the outward pressure. What effect does this have
on the movement of materials? (2)
(d) Less fluid returns to the venule at T than arrived in the arteriole at S. The remaining fluid
drains into the vessel labelled P.
(i) Name the fluid in the vessel P. (1)
(ii) What happens to this fluid? (2)

8. Four blood groups occur in humans: group A, group AB, group B and group O. These are the
result of inheriting two out of three possible blood group alleles: IA, IB or Io.
IO is recessive to both IA and IB.

(a) (i) State the two possible genotypes of a person who has blood group A. (2)
(ii) State the genotype of a person with blood group AB. (1)

(b) A woman who is heterozygous for blood group B has a child whose father has blood group
AB.
(i) In the space below draw a genetic diagram to show the possible genotypes and phenotypes
of this child. (4)
(ii) What is the chance that the child has blood group B and is a girl? (1)
© Haemophilia is a disorder in which the blood does not clot. The blood clotting gene is carried
on the X chromosome. Haemophilia is caused by the recessive allele of this gene. Explain why
haemophilia is much more likely to affect males rather than females. (4)

9. a) Sugar in the diet is likely to increase tooth decay.

i) Explain how sugar can bring about tooth decay. (3)
ii) Describe two ways in which a person who eats sweets can reduce the chances of having
tooth decay. (2)

b) Explain the risks to the health of a child with each of the following diets.
i) A diet deficient in protein (2)
ii) A diet containing too much fat or carbohydrate (2)

May 2009 Paper 2

1. Fats are an essential part of the human diet.

a) Describe how you would test a sample of food to find out if it contained fat. (4)
b) i) Explain how fat is digested in the duodenum. (5)
ii) Where and how do the products of fat digestion enter the blood stream? (3)

© People trying to lose weight often include very little fat in their diet.

Suggest why, if they continue with a very low fat diet for a long time, they may find it becomes
difficult to control their body temperature in a cold environment. (4)

(d) Describe and explain two ways, other than temperature control, in which fat is used in the
body. (4)

2. The heart is used to circulate the blood in the human body.

(a) (i) A deoxygenated red blood cell that enters one side of the heart eventually leaves the
other side of the heart as an oxygenated red blood cell.

Describe the structure of the heart and explain how it functions to bring this about. (7)
(ii) Explain how a one-way flow of blood through each side of the heart is maintained. (3)
(iii) Sometimes a baby is born with a small hole in the heart wall between the right and left atria.
This allows blood to pass from one side of the heart to the other.

Suggest and explain how the child may be affected later in life if this hole does not close up. (4)

(b) The heart is made of cardiac muscle. Describe three ways in which this differs from skeletal
muscle. (3)

© Describe how a person’s diet can help maintain a healthy heart. (3)

3. Proteins are a major component of all living cells. As a cell grows, more proteins have to be
formed.

(a) (i) Describe the process of protein synthesis, including the roles of the nucleus, the
ribosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum. (8)
(ii) Explain how some proteins control the metabolic activity of the cell. (2)

(b) As growth continues, cells may divide by mitosis.

(i) Explain why mitochondria are important for protein formation and for mitosis to occur. (3)
(ii) Describe in outline the main stages in mitosis. (7)

4. The female reproductive system ensures the production of the ova and the correct conditions
for the development of an embryo.

(a) Draw a large, fully labelled diagram to show the structure of the female reproductive
system. (6)
(b) Explain how the functioning of the female reproductive system is controlled by hormones
at each of the following stages:

(i) During the menstrual (oestrous) cycle.

Ans: FSH from pituitary gland stimulates maturation;

If pyum in a follicle
FSH also stimulates follicle to secrete oestrogen;
Oestrogen concentration in blood rises;
& regrowth of uterus lining;
Increased oestrogen inhibits FSH
& stimulates pituitary gland to release LH
LH causes ovulation & cause old follicle cells to release progesterone
Progesterone maintains uterus lining
If no fertilisation, progesterone level decrease
Because of low level of oestrogen and progesterone
It leads to menstruation & stimulates release of FSH

(ii) During pregnancy

Progesterone maintains thickness of uterine wall

© Explain the importance of breast feeding to a young baby. (4)

As: contains all food substance needed for growth

5. Gaseous exchange in the lungs is a necessary stage to allow the release of energy needed
by humans.

(a) Describe the structure of the thorax and explain how air is made to pass into the lungs.
(8)
(b) The rate of breathing may increase during exercise.
(i) How is this change in the rate of breathing about? (4)
(ii) Explain why this change in rate is important. (4)

© Sometimes the rate of breathing does not increase enough to meet energy demand of
the body. Tissues may begin to respire anaerobically.

Explain the effect that anaerobic respiration has on the body. (4)

6. Many bacteria are pathogenic to humans.

(a) i) Draw a large, labelled diagram to show the structure of a typical bacterium. (5)
ii) Describe how bacteria obtain the nutrients that they need. (3)

b) Tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacterium. This disease spreads easily

in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions.
i) Describe how tuberculosis is normally transmitted from person to person. (2)
ii) Describe how a person found to have contracted tuberculosis should be
treated and explain why early detection of the disease is important for the patient.
(4)

© The incidence of tuberculosis has fallen rapidly since the 1930s.

Suggest some reasons for this fall. (4)

d) In some countries there has been a rise in the number of new cases of tuberculosis. Suggest
reasons for this rise. (2)
7. The skin forms a barrier between the living cells of the body and the surrounding
environment.
(a) (i) With the help of a labelled diagram, describe the function of each of the structures
forming the skin of a human. (8)
(ii) Explain how the skin protects living cells from damage by pathogens and by harmful
chemicals. (4)

(b) (i) Explain how the lining of the trachea and of the bronchi provides defence against
the entry of pathogens.

(ii) Describe how the lining of the trachea and of the bronchi is damaged by cigarette
smoke. (3)

8. Many microorganisms have an important role in the human environment.

(a) (i) Describe the role of microorganisms in the decomposition of organic matter. (4)
(ii) Describe and explain the conditions in which decomposition occurs most readily. (4)

(iii) Explain why decomposition is an essential process for the environment. (3)

(b) Food is composed of organic matter. If food is to be stored for some months decomposition
must be delayed or prevented.

Describe three methods, based on different principles, by which food can be stored. (9)

9. Atmospheric air is a mixture of gases and usually contains about 0.035% carbon dioxide.
(a) (i) Explain why carbon dioxide is vital for the nutrition and survival of all plants and
animals. (8)
(ii) Explain why the percentage concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has remained
almost constant for thousands of years. (4)

(b) (i) Recent figures show that carbon dioxide levels in the air have risen over the last 50 years.

Suggest reasons for this rise. (4)

(ii) Polluted air sometimes contains carbon monoxide. Describe and explain how humans are
affected by this gas if it is inhaled. (4)

January 2009 Paper 1

1. (a) The list below includes some parts of the eye and some parts of the ear.

Auditory nerve ciliary body cochlea iris lens optic nerve

Ossicles retina semi-circular canals tympanum (ear drum)
Complete the table using the correct term from the list to match each of the descriptions.

Description Part of eye or ear

A light sensitive layer

Contains muscles which change the

shape of the lens

Sound waves make it vibrate

Turns vibrations into nerve impulses

Carries nerve impulses from the retina to

the brain

Carry vibrations across middle ear

Helps with balance

Controls the amount of light entering the

eye

(b) Explain why a person who is blind in one eye would find it harder to catch a ball than
a person who has normal vision. (3)

2. (a) The paragraph below describes the way in which plants make their food. Complete
the paragraph by filling in the blanks with the correct word or words.

Plants make their food by a process called …………………. The energy for this process
is obtained from…………. The energy is absorbed by leaves using the green pigment
……………. As a way of increasing the amount of energy that can be absorbed, leaves
usually have a large ……………. The gas ……………. , which is needed for this process,
is absorbed by the leaves from the atmosphere. This gas combines with ……………..
Absorbed by roots from the soil. In this process ……………….. Is made. This can be
stored in the form of …………… in the plant.

(b) Leaves are very thin. Suggest why this is an advantage to the plant in carrying out
the process described in (a). (2)

3. The diagram below shows the female reproductive system.

(a) Name the parts labelled A, B , C and D.
(b) Put a cross in the box to show where each of the following takes place.
Sperms are deposited during sexual intercourse
Ova (eggs) are produced
 Where fertilisation normally occurs
Where the fetus will develop

© (i) Suggest the advantage of the male releasing a large number of sperm at one time. (2)
(ii) Describe two structural differences between a sperm and an ovum and for each difference
explain how it helps in the process of reproduction. (4)

4. The diagram below shows a section through the human skin on a cold day.
(a) Describe two ways in which the structure of the skin would be different on a hot day. (2)
(b) Describe three ways in which the skin protects the body. (3)
(c) Suggest why the temperature of the body must be kept at a constant level. (1)

5. The diagram below shows the human skeleton viewed from the front.
The biceps muscle is shown on the upper right arm.
(a) (i) Name the structures labelled Y. (1)
(ii) Describe two functions of these structures. (2)

(b) (i) On the diagram, draw a line to show where one ball and socket joint is to be found
and label it BS. (1)
(ii) On the diagram, draw a line to show where one hinge joint is to be found and label it
H. (1)
(iii) Explain why a ball and socket joint is found at the place you have shown rather than
a hinge joint. (2)
© Describe the function of structure Z. (2)
(d) Describe how the biceps muscle raises the forearm. (2)

6. (a) The diagram below shows the transverse sections (TS) of three human blood
vessels- the aorta, another artery and a vein. The diagrams have been drawn to
approximately the same scale.

(i) In each case put a cross in one box to identify which of the blood vessels shown in
the diagram is:

A vein
An artery
The aorta

(ii) Describe three differences, not shown in the diagrams, between the arteries and
veins.

(b) (i) Name the type of blood vessel found between arteries and veins. (1)
(ii) In the space below, draw a transverse section (TS) of this type of blood vessel. (2)
© (i) Name the chamber of the heart from which blood leaves to pass to the lungs. (1)
(ii) Name the blood vessel in which blood returns to the heart from the lungs. (1)
 7. The control of blood glucose level is an example of homeostasis.
The diagram below shows how the control processes work.
(a) Explain what is meant by the term homeostasis. (2)
(b) (i) Name hormone A and hormone B shown on the diagram. (2)
(ii) Give one reason why A and B are described by hormones. (1)

© Suggest a reason for the increase in blood glucose level shown at point 1 on the
diagram. (2)

(d) (i) Name the insoluble carbohydrate X shown on the diagram. (1)
(ii) Name two places where this carbohydrate may be stored. (2)

(e) Name a chemical process which may ‘use’ the blood glucose at point 2 on the
diagram. (1)

(f) Glucose enters the blood at point 3 on the diagram. Suggest how this glucose may
have been produced. (1)

(g) If the blood glucose level is allowed to rise much above normal, suggest and explain
the effects this would have on red blood cells. (3)

8. The table below shows the daily energy requirement of some different people.

(a) The energy requirements for the females have been drawn in the bar chart
below.
Complete the bar chart by drawing in the values for the energy requirements for the
males. (2)

(b) (i) State which person requires the highest amount of energy each day. (1)
(ii) State which person requires the lowest amount of energy each day. (1)
(iii) Suggest and explain why there is a difference between the energy requirements for the two
people in (b)(i) and (b)(ii). (3)

© Using examples from the table, describe how the energy requirements for males differ from
that for females. (2)

(d) (i) When a woman becomes pregnant she is sometimes told that she is now ‘eating for two’.
Suggest why this may not be good advice. (2)
(ii) Suggest one piece of good dietary advice that could be given to a pregnant woman. (1)

9. An experiment was carried out as part of an investigation on the effects of exercise. FIve
students took a piece of filter paper, which measured 4 cm by 4 cm. Each piece of paper was
weighed and then placed against the forehead of a student using a piece of polythene to hold it.
The paper was left for five minutes, while the student was sitting still, and then reweighed.

The filter paper was then replaced on the forehead but during the next five minute period the
student ran on the spot. At the end of the second five minutes the paper was reweighed again.
The results are shown in the table below.

(a) (i) Complete the table by calculating the mean value for the mass of paper at the start.
Show your working. (2)
(ii) Explain why the mass of paper increased as a result of the paper being held on the
forehead. (2)
(iii) Use the data to explain the effect of exercise on the change in mass of the paper. (4)

(b) Suggest why five students were used to perform the experiment rather than taking the
results from just one student. (2)

Ans: The experiment is repeated which means the results are reliable.

Jan 2009 Paper 2

1. The condition known as diabetes is identified by the presence of glucose in the urine.
(a) (i) Describe how you would test a sample of urine for the presence of glucose. (3)
(ii) Suggest why a person with diabetes may have glucose in their urine. (3)
(b) Describe and explain two ways in which water is used in the body other than
in the formation of urine. (4)

© Describe and explain how the water level of blood is kept constant. (10)

2. A potato consists largely of water and approximately 20% starch.

(a)(i) Describe how you would test for the presence of starch in a potato. (3)
(ii) Describe how the starch in the potato is digested from the time it enters the
mouth. (8)

(iii) Describe how the cells of the body use the products of starch digestion. (4)
(b) Suggest and explain why a person who only eats potatoes for their diet would
soon become unwell. (5)

3. Epithelial cells form a lining to structures in the body and there are several
types of epithelial cell.
(a) (i) Draw a large labelled diagram to show the structure of an epithelial cell
from the lining inside your cheek. (4)
(ii) Describe and explain differences in the structure and functions of
epithelial cells from the lining of the cheek and the lining of the trachea.
(6)
 (b) All cells contain enzymes.
(i) Describe the structure of an enzyme. (4)
(ii) Explain why temperatures higher than 700C may lead to a change in
the functions of an enzyme. (6)

4. Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of a cell and are involved in the inheritance of a
person’s characteristic.

(a) (i) Describe the structure of a chromosome. (3)

(ii) Explain how a person’s chromosome determine their characteristics. (4)

(b) A man who is normal for blood clotting and a woman who is a carrier for the haemophilia
allele have a male child.
(i) What is the chance that this male child will have haemophilia? In your answer, draw a genetic
diagram and use the symbol XH to represent the allele for normal blood clotting and the symbol
Xh to represent the allele for haemophilia. (5)
(ii) Suggest why it is unlikely that females have the condition of haemophilia. (4)

© The blood group of a human is determined by the presence of two of the alleles, IA, IB or IO,
inherited from their parents.

Explain how two parents who are both blood group B can produce a child who is blood group O.
(4)

5. Urea is a waste product. It is produced in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
(a) (i) Explain why urea is made. (4)
(ii) Describe the route taken by the urea in passing from the liver to the kidneys. Do not
include details of its passage through the heart. (7)

(b) Describe how urea is removed from the blood in the kidney and then excreted. (6)
© Explain why the amount of urea produced in the liver may vary. (3)

6. a) Describe how each of the following helps protect the body against disease.
i) Phagocytosis (4)
ii) Antibodies (4)
iii) Blood clotting (4)

b) Describe how a person can gain artificial immunity to a disease. (8)

7. Pollution of ponds and rivers by sewage can be harmful to both humans and fish.
a) Explain how raw sewage in a river can be harmful to human health. (4)
b) Explain how water polluted by sewage can be harmful to fish and other organisms living
in a river. (8)
 c) Describe one method by which river water can be treated to provide a supply of safe
drinking water for a town. (8)
8. (a) The spread of some diseases involves insects.
(i) Describe how houseflies may help to spread typhoid. (6)
(ii) Explain why it may take several days for a person to show the symptoms of typhoid bacillus
after the typhoid bacillus has entered that person. (4)
(iii) Describe ways in which good food hygiene can help in reducing the spread of typhoid. (6)

(b) Describe some ways in which bacteria are useful to humans. (4)

9. Pit latrines are used in some places for the disposal of faeces and urine.
The pit latrines are situated in small villages or near isolated houses. It is important that the soil
is permeable and they are at least 30 metres from wells.

(a) Describe the structure of a pit latrine. Draw a large labelled diagram to illustrate your
answer. (8)
(b) (i) Explain why it is best to build pit latrines in permeable soil. (3)
(ii) Explain why it is best to build pit latrines at least 30 metres from well. (3)
© Suggest why disinfectant should not be poured into a pit latrine. (3)

(d) Suggest why pit latrines may be unsuitable for use in large towns. (3)

May 2008 Paper 1

1. The diagram below shows a section through the femur.

(a) Name the bones that are joined to the femur at X and Y. (2)
(b) The cavity of the femur contains the bone marrow.
(i) What is formed in the bone marrow. (1)
(ii) Suggest and explain an advantage, apart from containing marrow, of a bone
(such as the femur) being hollow rather than solid. (2)
© The outer surface of the bone at X and Y is covered by cartilage.
(i) State the function of this cartilage. (1)
(ii) Complete the table below to show three differences between bone and
cartilage.

Difference Bone Cartilage

3
(iii) In the bones of children, areas of cartilage are found at P and Q within the bone. Suggest a
function for this cartilage. (1)

(iv) Name two places in the body of adults where cartilage is found other than at the ends of the
bone. (2)

2. A study was made of deaths from cancer of the bowel (colon). Data were collected and
analysed.

The graph shows the number of deaths from bowel cancer and the average amount of fibre in
their diet in each of the five regions (A to E) of the UK.

(a) (i) Describe the relationship between deaths from bowel cancer and the amount of fibre
in the diet. (1)
(ii) Use the information shown in the graph to predict the annual death rate from bowel
cancer in a region in which people consume 2.35g of fibre per day.
(iii) If a region has an annual death rate from bowel cancer of 80 per 100000 people,
what would be the average daily fibre consumption? (1)
(iv) The average concentration of fibre in the diet of people in region B increased from
2.22g per day to 2.50g per day.
How much might the annual death rate from bowel cancer change? Show your working.

(b) (i) Name two foods likely to have a high fibre content. (2)
(ii) Explain the value of a high fibre content in the diet to the functioning of the digestive system.
(2)

3. The table below shows some of the processes that take place during cell division.

Complete the table by marking the box to show if each process takes place during mitosis or
meiosis, mark both boxes.

Process Mitosis Meiosis

Results in the formation of haploid cells

Nuclear membrane disappears during cell

division

Homologous chromosomes line up in pairs

Only two daughter cells are produced

Genetic material exchanged between

chromosomes of a homologous pair
 Daughter cells identical to parent

Nuclear spindle forms during division

DNA content doubled before next division

Occurs only during gamete formation

(Total 9 Marks)
4. (a) The diagram below shows organs in the thorax.
(i) State which letter on the diagram indicates each of the following:
The trachea……….
A bronchus………..
The diaphragm………….

(ii) Name structure X. (1)

(iii) Explain the difference between breathing and respiration. (2)

(b) Air is forced into the lungs when the pressure in the thoracic cavity falls below the pressure
of the air outside the body.

How is this fall in pressure brought about? (4)

© Describe and explain the changes that occur to the air as it passes along the trachea. (4)

5. (a) The diagram below shows a section through a kidney.

(i) Name the tube labelled X. (1)
(ii) Name the liquid found in the pelvis of the kidney. (1)
(iii) State the main processes occurring in the cortex and medulla of the kidney. (2)

(b) Suggest why the glucose content of the blood in the renal vein is lower than that in the blood
in the renal artery. (1)

© The table below shows the average percentage concentration of some substances present in
the blood of the renal artery and in the urine of a healthy person.

(i) Explain the difference in the concentration of urea in the blood and in the urine. (2)
(ii) Why is glucose present in the blood but not in the urine? (2)

(d) On a hot day, the volume of urine is likely to decrease.

(i) Explain the mechanism that brings about this change. (3)
(ii) What effect is this change likely to have on the concentration of urea in the urine? (1)

6. Haemophilia is a rare sex-linked condition carried on the X chromosome. The normal allele is
represented by XH and the haemophiliac allele by Xh.
 (a) (i) Which sex is most likely to show this sex linked condition in their phenotype? Explain
your answer. (4)
(ii) Write down the genotype for a male haemophiliac. (1)
(b) The diagram below shows four generations of a family in which haemophilia occurred.
(i) Explain how Ian could have inherited haemophilia from George, his great grandfather.
(3)
(ii) Colin’s wife is expecting her first child. If the child is a girl explain why it is unlikely
that she will have haemophilia. (2)

7. Describe and explain why damage may result from each of the following actions.
(a) A mother smoking heavily throughout the whole of her pregnancy (3)
(b) People being overexposed to ultraviolet light from the sun (4)
(c) A person working for many hours near every day in a noisy environment, such as near a
runway of a busy airport. (3)

8. The diagram below shows part of the central nervous system.

(a) State one function of the cerebral hemisphere and one function of the cerebellum.
(b) If part C is destroyed during an accident, what is the likely result? Give a reason for your
answer. (2)
(c) Name structure D and explain what will occur if it is cut at the position shown by X-X
during an accident. (3)

9. (a) The flow chart below shows events leading to the formation of a blood clot.
Complete the flow chart by filling in the four blanks. (4)

(b) (i) State two ways in which the formation of a clot is important to a person when the skin is
broken. (2)
(ii) Why is it important that clotting occurs only when a blood vessel is cut or damaged. (1)

10. The diagram below shows the teeth in the upper jaw of an adult human.
(a) (i) What is the main function of the teeth labelled A? (1)
(ii) Young children have a set of milk (deciduous) teeth. These are replaced in late
childhood by a set of permanent teeth. Which type of tooth is not present in the milk
(deciduous) teeth? (1)
(iii) Why is it important to brush around the base of the teeth and to clean between them,
rather than just cleaning the outer surface of the teeth? (1)

(b) Write on each dotted line below the most suitable word or words to complete the paragraph.

Teeth are covered in a layer of ………….., the hardest material in the skeleton. The main part of
the tooth is a tissue called ……….., which is formed primarily from …………...phosphate. Tooth
decay begins when ……………. In the mouth use sugars and release ………… that ………..
The outer layer of the tooth. This allows the inner softer tissues of the tooth to become infected,
eventually causing a pain.
May 2008 Paper 2

1. a) i) Describe how blood leaving the vena cava reaches the left atrium of the heart. (7)
ii) Describe and explain the changes that occur in the blood as it passes from the vena
cava to the left atrium. (9)
b) The heart is made of cardiac muscle. Describe two ways in which cardiac muscle
differs from skeletal muscle. (4)

2. (a) Describe the function of receptor organ and illustrate your answer with reference to one
named receptor organ. (3)
(b) Rays of light from a tree in the distance form an image on the retina of the eye. Explain how
this is brought about. (7)
© Explain how vision may be affected in older people if the following changes occur in the lens
of the eye.

The lens become harder and less flexible

The lens becomes cloudy

d) Some people consider that the reflex response of the iris of the eye is a type of homeostatic
mechanism.
(i) Explain what is meant by the term homeostatic mechanism. (2)

(ii) Explain how the iris mechanism works and its value to a person. (4)

3. All living cells require a supply of energy.

(a) (i) Name the chemical substance in food that supplies the energy and describe where
and how this energy is released in a cell. (6)
(ii) Describe the role of ATP in energy transfer. (3)
(b) (i) When a muscle becomes very active it needs more energy and may begin anaerobic
respiration, in addition to aerobic respiration.
(i) Describe three differences between these two types of respiration and explain why anaerobic
respiration cannot continue for very long. (7)

4. a) The small intestine (duodenum and ileum) has two main functions- digestion and
absorption.
i) Describe how the structure of the small intestine is suited to the function of digestion. (4)
ii) Describe what happens to the food materials present in the small intestine so that they can be
absorbed. (8)
iii) Describe how the absorption of the products of digestion occurs in the small intestine. (3)
(b) Blood containing absorbed materials passes directly to the liver. Describe the role of the liver
in processing these materials. (5)
5. The placenta is a structure that is found only in mammals.
a) Describe the events that occur between the fertilisation of an ovum and the formation of
a functioning plasma. (5)
b) The placenta has been described as ‘the small intestine, the lungs and the kidneys of
the fetus’.
i) Describe how the structure of the placenta allows it to carry out absorption. (5)
ii) Explain how the placenta carries out some of the functions of each of these organs.
(6)
© The placenta produces a hormone during most of a pregnancy. Name this hormone
and explain why this hormone is needed to maintain a pregnancy. (4)

6. Many disease organisms cannot enter their host unless they make use of a vector.
(a) What is meant by the term vector? (2)
(b) Describe the role of a named vector in the transmission of each of the following
diseases.
(i) Typhus
(ii) Malaria
© Describe the role of the snail in the transmission of Schistosoma from person to person. (5)

(d) The HIV virus cannot penetrate unbroken human skin. Describe ways by which this virus can
gain entry to the body and be transmitted from person to person. (5)

7. (a)(i) Describe the structure of a typical bacterium. (4)

(ii) Describe and explain the main methods by which bacteria obtain their food supply. (5)
(b) Many bacteria are considered to be pathogens.
(i) Name one disease caused by bacteria and describe the methods of treatment and measures
used to control the spread of this disease. (5)
(ii) Describe, with examples, three processes in which bacteria are of use to humans. (6)

8. (a) What is a vaccine? (2)

(b) (i) Describe how a vaccine can bring about long-term immunity to a disease. (6)
(ii) Explain why a vaccine is of little value after a person has been infected. (2)

(iii) Suggest why a baby often has immunity to some diseases at birth but this immunity
disappears after about 3 months. (5)
© On rare occasions a baby is born who lacks the ability to form active white blood cells.
How might this affect the development of the child? Suggest why the condition can sometimes
be treated by a carefully matched bone marrow transplant. (5)

9. a) i) Describe how energy is incorporated into a plant at the beginning of a food chain. (6)
ii) Using an example of a food chain of at least three organisms, explain how energy
incorporated in grass plants becomes part of the human body. What happens to the energy as it
passes along the food chain? (4)
(b) For healthy growth, plants need a good supply of nitrates.
(i) Explain why these are needed and suggest two ways in which farmers can increase the
supply of nitrates in their fields. (4)
(ii) Describe the problems that can arise if too much nitrate is applied to fields. (6)

Jan 2008 Paper 1

1. The diagram below shows two bones forming the elbow joint of a person.
(a) (i) Name the parts labelled A,B,C and D. (4)
(ii) Name the type of joint shown in the diagram. (1)
(iii) Describe the function of the fluid labelled X. (2)

© (i) Presence of glucose in the urine is one of the symptoms of diabetes. Glucose is a reducing
sugar.
Describe how you could test a sample of urine for the presence of glucose. (3)

(ii) Name the hormone that is deficient in someone suffering from diabetes. (1)
(d) Suggest one other condition for which there is an increased risk in obese people. (1)

8. Haemoglobin exists in two forms, normal haemoglobin and sickle cell haemoglobin.

The allele for normal haemoglobin is Hb and that for sickle cell haemoglobin is HbS. The alleles
are codominant.

(a) (i) State what is meant by the term genotype. (1)

(ii) State what is meant by the term codominant. (2)

(b) (i) A person with the allele HbS is resistant to malaria.

Complete the table below, to show the possible genotypes of children born to two sets of
parents in different families with genotypes given. For each child, state whether this genotype
would be resistant to malaria or not. Part of the table has been completed for you.
(ii) People who have particular genotypes can produce children who all have resistance to
malaria, but none of the children suffers from sickle cell anaemia.

State the genotypes of such parents.

Parent 1
Parent 2

9. The diagram below shows a section through the heart with certain parts labelled.

(a) Name the parts A,B,C and D and give the function of each part.
 Part Name of part Function

(b) Explain why gametes (sperm and ova) are produced by meiosis rather than by mitosis. (4)
© Give an outline of the changes that occur in the growth and development in a boy between
the ages of 12 and 16 years. (6)

6. a) In many parts of the world, the number of cars is increasing and many people continue to
smoke. Describe how exhaust gases from cars and the smoking of cigarettes affect the quality
of the air that people breathe and their health. (10)

b) i) X and Y are different types of valve. Give the function of valves. (1)
ii) Where in the circulatory system, other than in the heart, are valves found? (1)

c) i) Which side of the heart contains oxygenated blood? (1)

ii) The walls of the left ventricle are thicker than the walls of the right ventricle. Explain the
importance of this difference. (3)

Jan 2008 Paper 2

1. (a) Changes in volume and pressure occur in the lungs during breathing. Describe how
these changes are brought about. (8)
(b) The amount of activity carried out by a person varies. There can be an increase in
activity such as vigorous exercise or a decrease such as sleeping. Explain why the rate
of breathing changes when there is a change in activity. (8)
© Describe how oxygen and carbon dioxide are carried in the blood. (4)

2. Digestion of food begins in the mouth.

(a) Describe how the structures of incisors, canines and molars are each suited to their
functions. (6)
(b) (i) Explain how tooth decay is caused and how thorough brushing of your teeth is likely
to reduce tooth decay. (4)
(ii) Describe the importance of a suitable diet in the development of healthy teeth and
gums. (6)
© Apart from chewing, what other processes occur in the mouth to help digest a piece of
bread? (4)
3. (a) What is meant by the term tissue? Explain your answer with reference to two
named examples. (5)
 (b) Describe the function of each of the following cell organelles:
● Nucleus
● Mitochondria
● cytoplasm

© What is an enzyme? Explain why enzymes are important in living organisms. (6)

4. Reflex actions occur in many parts of the body.

(a) What is meant by the term reflex action? (4)
(b) Draw a diagram to show a reflex arc for a withdrawal reflex that would allow a person to
remove their finger from a hot plate. On the diagram, label the structures that make up
the reflex arc. (8)
(c) The functioning of the eye involves a number of reflex actions. Explain the value to the
eye of the iris reflex and the blink reflex. (8)

5. Various methods of birth control are available. Each is based on a biological priniciple.
Explain the biological principle on which each of the following is based: contaceptive pill,
condom and sterilisation.

In your answer describe the advantages and disadvantages of each method. (10)

(b) Describe how the body responds to bacterial diseases. (6)

© Explain why a person is able to become immune to a bacterial disease, such as tuberculosis,
but cannot develop immunity to diseases that result from smoking. (4)

7. a) Draw a large, labelled diagram to illustrate the structure of a bacterium. (6)

b) Some bacteria are pathogens. Explain, giving two bacterial examples, what is meant by the
term pathogen. (3)

c) Describe ways in which bacteria and fungi are useful to us. (8)
d) Give three ways in which the structure of a fungus differs from that of a bacterium. (3)

8. a) To stop the spread of Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), it is necessary to disrupt the life cycle of
the fluke Schistosoma.

Describe measures that could be used to control Schistosomiasis and explain how each is likely
to work. (10)

b) i) Explain how epidemic diseases differ from endemic diseases. (4)

ii) Explain why tuberculosis could become an epidemic but Schistosomiasis is unlikely to
become an epidemic. (6)
9. a) Explain how humans depend on plants for their survival. (6)
b) A food chain shows how energy is passed from producers to different consumers. Suggest
why food chains do not usually contain more than four consumers. (4)
c) Irradiation can be used to preserve food. Describe four methods of food preservation and, in
each case, explain why it is successful. (10)

May 2007 Paper 1

1. The diagram below shows a section through the skin.

(a) State one function of each of the layers labelled A,B and C. (3)
(b) If the skin is exposed to a lower temperature, changes occur in regions X, Y and
Z. For each region, describe the change that would occur and explain how it
helps to maintain a constant body temperature. (6)

2. The diagram below shows the female reproductive system with parts labelled A to F.

(a)(i) Complete the table by choosing the correct letter from the diagram.

Statement Letter

Oestrogen is produced here

It is shed each month during menstruation

Sperms are deposited here

It sometimes become blocked as a result of

gonorrhoea

These muscles contract and push the baby

out during birth

(ii) On the diagram, mark with a label line and the letter X a place where successful implantation
might occur. (1)

(b) It is important to maintain a high progesterone level throughout pregnancy.

(i) Explain the reason for this. (2)
(ii) Which structure produces progesterone during the first three months of pregnancy, and
which during the last six months? (2)

© The diagram below shows the menstrual cycle.

On the diagram use arrows and the letters J and K to show two occasions when sudden large
hormone change may occur. (2)
3. Two students A and B, ran around their school field for two minutes.

The table below shows their breathing rates just before the exercise started, as soon as the
exercise stopped and then at two minute intervals for 10 minutes after the exercise had
stopped.
 (a) (i) For student A, calculate the maximum change in breathing rate caused by the
exercise. (1)
(ii) For student B, how long did it take for the breathing rate after exercise to return to the
rate just before the exercise started? (1)
(iii) Suggest which student is more likely to be a regular athlete. Give a reason for your
answer. (3)

(b) Explain why the breathing rate does not return to normal as soon as the exercise stops. (3)

4. A student set up an investigation to find the pH at which amylase digests starch most rapidly.
This is shown in the diagram below.

One method of testing for the presence of starch is to add one or two drops of very dilute iodine
solution to the starch mixture and time how long it takes for the starch to disappear.

(a) (i) What colour would the student see in the starch mixture when the iodine solution was
added? (1)
(ii) As the starch is broken down, what colour change would the student see? (1)
(iii) State two precautions the student would take if a fair comparison is to be made of
the rate of digestion at different pH values. (2)

(b) The graph below shows the results of the effect of different temperatures on another
enzyme-controlled reaction. As the reaction progresses, the colour of the reagent disappears.

(i) What is the optimum temperature of this enzyme? (1)

(ii) Explain how the enzyme was affected when the temperature changed from 400C to 60oC. (2)
(iii) On the graph grid below, sketch a line to represent the rate of the reaction for this enzyme
over the same range of temperature, as shown on the graph above. (1)

© Enzymes control reactions that occur in the body. Complete the table below by selecting from
the list the site where each of the following reactions, controlled by enzymes, occurs:

Duodenum liver
Mitochondrion pancreas
Red blood cell synapse
White blood cell

Reaction Site of reaction

Amino acids are converted to urea

Energy is released from glucose in a cell

 Antibodies are made from amino acids

Fats are broken down into fatty acids and

glycerol
(4)

(d) Enzymes are proteins. Describe how enzymes are made in cells. (3)

5. Read the following paragraph about digestion. Write on the dotted lines the most suitable
word or words to complete the account.

A diet that contains all the nutrients required in the right quantities for a individual is described
as a …….. Diet. This diet includes fats, carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, water, vitamins and
……….. Most of the carbohydrates is likely to be eaten in the form of ……….. Together with
small amounts of sugar. Carbohydrate is an important source of …………… The fibre in the diet
cannot be …………….. But it is important because it helps to move food along the gut by
………….Only very small quantities of vitamins are needed to prevent ………… For example,
vitamin ………….. Is used to prevent rickets. (Total 8 marks)

6. In an investigation, the blood glucose concentration of two students, A and B, was measured.
Then each student drank a similar can of fruit juice. The concentration of their blood glucose
was measured again at 15-minute intervals over a two-hour period. The results are shown in the
table below.

(a) (i) The results for student A are shown on the graph below.
On the same grid plot the results for student B. (3)
(ii) In student A, how long after drinking the fruit juice does it take for the blood glucose
concentration to begin to fall? (1)
(iii) In student A, what occurs in the pancreas to stimulate this fall? (1)

(iv) In student A, how does the activity in the liver help to bring about this fall? (2)
(b) Student B has a disorder that means his pancreas is unable to act in the same way as
student A.
(i) In student B, how long after the meal does it take for the blood glucose concentration to
reach its maximum? (1)
(ii) Compare the maximum blood glucose concentrations of students A and B. (1)

(iii) The blood glucose concentration of student B does eventually fall back to the resting level.
Describe two ways in which the excess glucose in the blood is used or removed. (4)

7. The diagram below shows a section through the heart.

(a) (i) Name the parts labelled A, B and C. (3)
(ii) State two ways in which the concentration of the blood in vessel A differs from that of
the blood in vessel B. (2)
 (b) (i) The heart is made of cardiac muscle. State two ways in which cardiac muscle
differs from skeletal muscle. (2)
(ii) The muscle in the walls of chamber C is much thicker than that in the walls of
chamber D. Explain why this increase in thickness is of value to the heart. (2)

© Excess fluid from the tissues drains into the lymphatic system. This fluid returns to the
blood through a vein, which lead to the right atrium.
(i) Name two substances that are likely to be present in greater quantities in the lymph
than in the blood plasma. In each case state a reason for the greater quantity. (4)
(ii) Suggest why the return of lymph to the blood circulation might present a problem if a
person had a diet that is too high in fat. (1)

8. The table below gives the details of the incidence of HIV in six major continents.
It also gives information about life expectancy, access to safe water supply, infant
mortality and level of income. Each of these gives indication about social conditions in
the same continents.
(a) (i) In which continent is the incidence of HIV infection lowest? (1)
(ii) Compare the patterns of HIV infection and life expectancy. Use data from the
table to support your answer. (3)
(iii) Suggest which continent appears to have the poorest social conditions. Use
data from the table to support your answer. (2)

(b) Some people claim that the incidence of HIV infections is related to social conditions.
The table below gives information about three countries in one of the continents.
(i) Do the data in the table justify this claim? Explain your answer. (2)
(ii) No cure is known for AIDS but people with a higher standard of living may be able to delay
the onset of AIDS-related infections. Suggest one way by which a higher standard of living may
help delay this onset. (1)
(iii) Give two ways by which the spread of HIV from one person to another is prevented. (2)

9. The flow chart below shows what may happen to a protein molecule in some fish eaten by a
human.
(a) (i) Name the processes A, B and C. (3)
(ii) Process A uses enzymes. From where are these enzymes secreted? (1)
(iii) Which structures in the small intestine carry out process B? (1)
(iv) Which part of the cell brings about process C? (1)

(b) Many substances are produced as a result of process C. Name four possible substances to
match the descriptions given on the flow chart. (4)

May 2007 Paper 2

 1. a) When a person’s finger touches a very hot plate, a reflex action results in the person
pulling the finger away immediately.
(i) State three features of reflex actions. (3)
(ii) Draw diagram of a spinal arc reflex. On your diagram, label the regions of the spinal
cord and the nerve pathway. (8)
(b) Several reflexes help the eye to keep the car in focus as it moves towards a person.
Describe how the eye focuses on a car in the distance and the changes that occur in the
eye as the car moves nearer. In your account, include details of the nerve pathway
involved. (9)

2. (a) (i) Explain why the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood change as a result of
a high demand for energy in the body. (4)
(ii) How does oxygen in the blood reach the interior of the muscle cells? (6)
(b) Describe how the carbon dioxide content of the blood is kept within narrow limits. (6)
© Name the hormone that affects the rate of breathing and describe other effects of this
hormone that help prepare the body for vigorous activity. (4)

(b) Describe how the carbon dioxide content of the blood is kept within narrow limits. (6)
© Name the hormone that affects the rate of breathing and describe other effects of this
hormone that help prepare the body for vigorous activity. (4)

3. Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited condition that can be lethal in the homozygous state. In the
heterozygous state, the red blood cells become sickle shaped in low oxygen concentrations.
This change in the shape of red blood cells reduces their ability to carry oxygen and they may
now block some capillaries.

(a)(i) What is meant by the term heterozygous? (2)

(ii) The allele that causes sickle cell anaemia is said to be codominant with the normal allele.
What is meant by the term codominant? (3)

(b) A boy first showed the symptoms of sickle cell anaemia during a football game. His elder
brother had died from the condition as a baby. What are the chances that his younger sister
may also show the symptoms? You may draw a genetic diagram to help to explain your answer.
(5)

© (i) Explain why a person heterozygous for sickle cell anaemia is most likely to develop sickle-
shaped cells when performing vigorous exercise. (2)
(ii) Suggest why, in some cases, the symptoms of the disease may be reduced by a suitable
blood transfusion. (2)
(iii) Suggest why a severe attack of the condition, if untreated, may result in permanent damage
to body organs or even death. (2)

(d) Inherited disorder can arise as the result of a mutation.

(i) What is a mutation? (1)
(ii) Name two possible causes of mutation and state where a mutation is to occur if it is to affect
the children of the next generation. (3)

4. a) i) Draw a large, fully labelled diagram of the renal system. (5)

ii) Describe and explain how unwanted materials in the blood become urine in the pelvis of the
kidney. (8)
iii) Describe how urine is removed from the kidney to the outside of the body. (2)

(b) (i) In the body, the water content of the blood remained within narrow limits. Why is this
important? (3)
(ii) In cases of severe diarrhoea, too much water is lost. This can be replaced by Oral
Rehydration Therapy (ORT). Explain why ORT is both cheap and effective. (2)

5. Describe the structure of the following parts of the skeleton. For each structure, explain how it
is adapted for the special functions it carries out.
(a) The skull
(b) The ribcage
(c) The pelvis and leg

6. The parasite that causes malaria is endemic in most parts of the world where the climate is
suitable for the survival of its vector, the Anopheles mosquito.
(a) (i) Explain the meaning of each of the terms endemic and vector. (4)
(ii) Describe, with reasons, the conditions that are necessary for the vector of the
malarial parasite to complete its life cycle.
(iii) Suggest, with reasons, three measures that the authorities could take to break the
life cycle of the mosquito. (6)

(b) Many people visit regions where malaria occurs. Explain three measures that people visiting
a region where malaria occurs could take before or during their visit to reduce the risk of
contracting malaria. (6)

2. Complete the table below to show how each of the cells or tissues is suited to its function.

Cell or tissue Function Structural feature One location in the

body

Unstriated Fibres contract along

(involuntary) muscle length of cell

Relay neurone Grey matter of the

spinal cord

Ciliated epithelium Cilia on free edge of

cell
3. The diagram below shows a section through a human ear.
a) i) Name the structures labelled X and Y. (2)
ii) Describe the route by which vibrations pass from the ear drum to the oval window. (1)
(b) Explain why hearing becomes difficult in each of the following situations.
(i) The Eustachian canal is blocked by mucus during a throat infection. (2)
(ii) The ear drum is burst by pressure from a very loud noise. (1)
(iii) The cochlea is destroyed by an infection. (1)

© (i) The auditory nerve transmits impulses to the brain.

Which region of the brain interprets these impulses into sounds? (1)
(ii) The ear plays a major role in the body’s balance mechanism.
Name one structure in the ear responsible for this. (1)
(iii) Which region of the brain deals with the sense of balance? (1)

7. A man cuts his foot on a rusty nail while digging in the garden and it begins to bleed.
a) i) Suggest reasons why the wound caused by the nail should be rinsed with cold running
water for several minutes. (2)
ii) Why should the wound then be covered? (2)
b) i) Describe the events in the body that prevent further blood loss from the wound. (7)
ii) Describe how the body would deal with any pathogen that had entered the wound. (6)
c) If the wound is seen by a doctor, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. What is an
antibiotic and why it might be prescribed? (3)

8. a) i) Why should human urine and faeces never be left on the surface of the ground or got rid
of the waterways? (4)
ii) Some houses use latrines for the safe disposal of urine and faeces. Describe how you would
choose a site for a pit latrine and explain the reason for each stage in its construction. (10)
(b) Some houses rely on the use of a septic tank to make sewage safe. A septic tank usually
consists of two chambers containing different types of microorganisms.

Explain the role of these microorganisms in the breakdown of excretory material in the septic
tank. (6)
9. Many people think that some of the activities of humans damage the environment for all living
things.
Suggest some harmful effects of each of the following.
(a) Pollution resulting from the increased burning of fossil fuels for energy. (7)
(b) Attempts to increase crop yields from agricultural land, including the use of fertilisers. (7)
(c) The rapid rise in human populations in some regions. (6)

January 2007 Paper 1

1. The diagram below shows a white blood cell.

(a) Label the diagram to show two parts of the cell. (2)
 (b) This type of white blood cell produces substances that destroy bacteria.
(i) What are these substances called? (1)
(ii) Describe one way in which these substances destroy bacteria. (1)
© White blood cells require energy to make these substances.
(i) Name the process that releases energy from glucose in cells. (1)
(ii) Name the organelle in the cell where this energy is released from glucose. (1)

2. The passage below is about digestion. Complete the passage by writing the most appropriate
word or words in each space.

When someone bites into a chicken sandwich, the ……………. Teeth cut off a piece of food.
The …………. Teeth grind the food into small pieces. A liquid called …………….. Is produced
and this contains the enzyme ……………. The enzyme breaks down the ………. In the bread
into maltose. The food pieces are rolled into a ball and swallowed. It is then pushed down to the
stomach by a wave of muscular contraction called ……………. In the stomach, the …………. In
the chicken is digested by a protease enzyme. This enzyme works best in ……………
conditions. The partly digested food is then passed into the ………….. Where digestion
continues.

3. The pie chart below shows the percentage of carbohydrates, protein, fat and water present in
four different foods.
(a) Which food has the highest protein content? (1)
(b) The carbohydrate in bread is mainly starch. How would test a piece of bread to show
that it contained starch? (2)
(c) Bread contains very little fat. Suggest two reasons why some fat is required in the body.
(2)
(d) Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit are examples of citrus fruits.
Oranges are often recommended as part of a balanced diet.
(i) Which vitamin do oranges contain? (1)
(ii) Name one other natural source of this vitamin. (1)
(e) Name two food groups, other than carbohydrates, proteins, fat, water and vitamins, that
make up a balanced diet. (2)
4. The diagram below shows the front and back view of the human skeleton.
(a) (i) Which type of joint is found at the hip and at the shoulder? (1)
(ii) How does movement at the shoulder joint differ from movement at the elbow joint?
(2)
(b) Suggest how pectoral girdle is attached to the vertebral column. (1)
© Describe how friction is reduced at joints and explain why this is important. (4)

5. The diagram below shows an outline of the eye, but some parts are missing.
(a) (i) On the diagram, draw and label the following structures.
The lens
The iris
The suspensory ligaments (3)
(ii) On the diagram, label the position of the pupil. (1)
(b) Describe the changes that take place in the eye when a person walks from bright sunlight
into a dark room. (3)
© Describe the changes that take place in the eye when a person focuses on a distant object
after reading a book. (3)

6. The diagram below shows a section through the heart with parts labelled A to J.
(a) Use the letter, A-J, on the diagram to complete the descriptions in the table below.
A letter may be used once, more than once, or not at all.

Description Letter

Receives oxygenated blood from the

lungs

Has the thickest muscular walls

Contains semilunar valves

Pumps blood to the lungs

Stops the backflow of blood into the heart

(5)

(b) When an athlete trains over a long period of time, the size of their heart is likely to increase.
Suggest how a larger heart may help the athlete when taking part in a race. (2)
© Suggest why low-fat diets are often recommended to maintain a healthy heart. (3)

7. The diagram below shows the male reproductive organs.

(a) Name the parts labelled A, B, C, D and E. (5)
(b) Name two fluids that pass through tube P. (2)
(c) In which structure does meiosis occur? (1)
(d) A vasectomy is a surgical operation that cuts and seals tube B.
Explain how a vasectomy is a form of contraception. (2)

8. (a) The table below shows the approximate percentages of the gases in inhaled air. Complete
the table using the words more, less or no change to show the composition of exhaled air.

Gas Inhaled air Exhaled air

Carbon dioxide 0.04%

Nitrogen 79%
 Oxygen 21%

(b) Name the two sets of muscles that contract to cause air to be inhaled. (2)
© When air enters the lungs it passes down the trachea.
(i) How does the body prevent food particles passing down the trachea and into the lungs? (1)
(ii) How does the body prevent bacteria passing into the lungs? (3)

9. (a) In the space below, draw and label a motor neurone to show the special features of the
nerve cell. (4)
(b) An impulse travelled along a neurone from the nose to the brain.
(i) Name the type of neurone that carries impulses to the brain. (1)
Ans: Sensory neurone
(ii) Inside the brain, the impulse may be directed to a number of different areas. Name the type
of neurone within the brain that links up these different areas. (1)
Ans: Relay neurone
© (i) When an impulse passes from one neurone to another it passes across a gap. Name the
gap between two neurones.
Ans: Synapse
(ii) The impulse is transmitted across this gap by a chemical substance that is released from the
cell membrane of the first neurone. Name the process by which this chemical substance
reaches another neurone. (1)
Ans: Diffusion

10. The diagram below shows the set of chromosomes from the body cell of a woman.
(a) How many chromosomes are there in a body cell of a woman? (1)
(b) (i) Explain how the set of chromosomes from the body cell of a man differs from that in a
body cell of a woman. (1)
(ii) How does the set of chromosomes from an egg cell (ovum) differ from that in a body
cell of a woman? (1)
(iii) Name the process that occurs for an egg cell (ovum) to become a zygote. (1)

© A woman has a baby. With the help of a genetic diagram, explain why there is an
equal chance of a baby being a boy or a girl. (3)

11. The table below shows the number of deaths per year in a small island population for
three different diseases. The diseases are poliomyelitis, heart disease and AIDS. The
data were collected over a period of 50 years at intervals of 10 years.

(a) On the grid below, plot two line graphs, using the same axes, to show the data
for poliomyelitis and the data for heart disease. Label each line. (4)
(b) Suggest why the data for the number of deaths are given as number per
thousand people rather than the actual number of deaths. (2)
 (c) How many times greater is the number of deaths from AIDS in 2000 compared
with that in 1970? Show your working. (2)
(d) For poliomyelitis and heart disease, describe the trends shown by the graphs
over the 50-year period. Suggest reasons for any changes in the number of
deaths from each disease.
(i) Poliomyelitis (3)
(ii) Heart disease (3)

January 2007 Paper 2

1. All enzymes are proteins.

(a) Describe the general structure of enzymes and how this allows them to carry out
their function. (4)
(b) Describe how proteins are made in the cell. (9)
(c) Describe the action of one named digestive enzyme, apart from amylase, and
describe the conditions in which it works best. (4)
(d) Most enzymes fail to work at high temperatures. Explain why this happens. (3)

2. The human skeleton allows movement of the body.

(a) Describe how the lower arm bones can be raised. You may use a diagram to help in
your answer. (8)
(b) Name two functions of the skeleton, other than movement. For each function, give an
example of the part or parts of the skeleton that perform this function. (4)
(c) Describe how good diets and poor diets can affect the growth of the human skeleton. (8)

3. (a) What is meant by the term endocrine gland? (2)

(b) For each of the following endocrine glands, describe its position and the effects that its
secretions have on the body.
(i) The adrenal gland (6)
(ii) The pancreas (8)

© Explain how negative feedback brings about control within the endocrine system. (4)

4. (a) Describe the role of the liver in each of the following.

(i) The production of urea (6)
(ii) The formation of bile pigments (3)
(iii) Detoxification (2)
(b) (i) Describe the pathway of urea from the liver to the kidney (5)
(ii) Describe how urea is removed from the blood in the kidney (4)

5. a) Describe how the structure of the placenta is well suited to its function. (4)
b) Describe how the placenta provides the fetus with food and oxygen. (6)
c) Describe how the fetus is protected during pregnancy. (4)
d) If a baby’s mother is blood group O and the father is blood group AB, explain what the
chance is that the baby will have the following blood groups. You may use a genetic diagram to
help you in your answer.
(i) B (4)
(ii) AB (2)

6. a) Describe the structure of a virus and explain why it is difficult to classify virus as living
organisms. (6)
b) Name one disease caused by a virus and describe how it is transmitted. (3)
c) With reference to appropriate examples, explain how diseases caused by viruses can be
prevented by the following.
(i) Vaccination (7)
(ii) Other preventive measures (4)

7. a) Describe what happens during the following stages in water purification.

(i) Filtration (5)
(ii) Addition of chemicals (3)
(iii) Storage and distribution (3)
(b) An effective way to reduce the incidence of malaria is to break the life cycle of the vector.
Explain the measures that people living near a large pond might take to reduce the incidence of
malaria. (9)

8. Explain the part played by the body in each of the following.

(a) Preventing excessive bleeding after a cut to the skin (6)
(b) Dealing with bacteria that enter a cut (6)
(c) Dealing with dust particles blown towards the eye (6)
(d) Reducing the chance of damage to skin cells from solar radiation (2)

9. a) i) Describe how plants make starch. (6)

ii) Explain why green plants are called producers. (3)
iii) Give a food chain of at least three organisms that include humans. (3)
b) i) Describe how you would prepare chicken hygienically for a meal and store it until it is
eaten. (4)
ii) What problems could arise if the chicken was not stored hygienically? (4)

May 2006 Paper 1

1. The diagram below shows the human digestive system with parts labelled A to G.
(a) Complete the table by choosing the correct letter and writing it in the appropriate
box. Each letter can be used once, more than once or not at all.

Description Label letter

 When an acid is released C

Where an alkaline liquid is added to D

the food

Where amylase is first added to the B

food

Where absorption of amino acid E

occurs

Where most water is absorbed F

(b) Describe how food is moved along the small intestine. (2)
Ans: Food is moved by peristalsis. Circular muscles just behind the food bolus contracts. Food
is squeezed and pushed forward. In front of the food bolus, circular muscles relax

2. Contract to bring about movement

Guti oesophagus
Transmits impulse from sensory neurone to motor neurone;
Cytoplasmic extensions on both sides of the cell body;
Trachea
Move mucus in 1 direction

3. b) i) Air pressure builds up; ear drums stretch and distorted; unable to vibrate sound;
ii) ear drum bursts; noise vibration passed to ossicles; nothing heard
iii) cochlea destroyed by infection; sensory hairs in organ of corti not stimulated;
Hearing centre/ sensory area of cerebrum;
Semi-circular canal
Cerebellum

4. The diagram below shows a series of links between carbon compounds in the environment.
This is known as the carbon cycle.
(a) (i) Name the processes indicated by numbered arrows.
Answer: 1. Photosynthesis
2. Feeding
3. Respiration
4. Combustion

(ii) Name one group of organisms that brings about decomposition. (1)
Answer: Fungi

(iii) Name two fossil fuels. (2)

Answer: 1. Coal
2. Oil
(b) Many people are concerned that the carbon dioxide concentration in the air appears to be
increasing.

(i) Use the diagram to explain why this may be happening. (3)
(ii) A rise in carbon dioxide concentration could cause global warming.
Suggest one likely harmful consequence of global warming. (2)

5. The maximum volume of air in the lungs is approximately 5.5 dm3 (litres).

The graph below shows how the volume of air in the lungs changed when a person breathed in
and out at rest during exercise.

(a) (i) How much air remains in the lungs after breathing out at rest? (1)
(ii) How much air does this person take in during one breath at rest? (1)
(iii) How many breaths would this person take during one minute at rest? (1)

(iv) What changes occurred in the pattern of breathing during exercise compared with that at
rest. (2)

(v) Explain why these changes occurred in the pattern of breathing.

Ans: More oxygen taken into the lungs to obtain more energy for cellular respiration.

(b) The table below shows the composition of air breathed in and breathed out of the lungs at
rest.

Use this table, the graph and your answers in part (a) to calculate the amount of oxygen taken
into the blood in one minute at rest. Show your working. (3)

Answer: Volume of air taken in = 0.5 * 12 = 6 dm3

Oxygen = (21-17)/100*6 = 0.24 dm3

6. Some people are unable to distinguish between the colours red and green. This is called red-
green colour blindness and is a sex-linked condition.

Normal colour vision is produced by a dominant allele (B) while red-green colour blindness is
produced by a recessive allele (b). The gene for colour vision is carried on the X chromosome.
The Y chromosome carries no colour vision gene.

(a) (i) Paul is colour blind. From which parent has he inherited the colour-blind allele? (1)
Answer: mother

(ii) Explain your answer. (2)

Answer: Gene for colour vision is carried on X-chromosome.
Males inherit X-chromosome from mother.

(iii) What are the chances that Paul’s baby sister, Anna, is a carrier for colour blindness? Use
symbols XB and Xb for the colour vision alleles and use a genetic diagram to explain your
answer. (5)

David Carol

Parent genotype XB Y XB Xb

Gametes XB Y XB Xb

Offspring genotype XBXB XBXb XBY XbY

Offspring phenotype Normal carrier Normal colourblind

Probability 50%

(b) James did not inherit colour blindness.

(i) What is his genotype? (1)
Answer: XBY

(ii) James asked a doctor if his children might inherit colour blindness.
Suggest what the doctor might tell him. (2)

Answer: If his wife is a carrier, then his children might inherit colour blindness. If his wife is
homozygous dominant, then his children will not inherit the disease.

7. The diagram below shows the muscles and the bones of the right leg of an athlete leaving the
starting blocks in a race.
(a) Labels F and G show bones. Labels P, Q, R and S show muscles. Labels X and Y show
joints.
(i) Name the bones labelled F and G. (2)
Answer: F = Pelvis
G = Femur

(ii) Name the type of joint found at X and the type of joint found at Y. (1)
Answer:
X= Ball and socket joint
Y = Hinge joint

(iii) Write the letters of the two muscles on the diagram that contract when the leg
straightens as the athlete pushes off from the block. (2)
Answer: 1. P
 2. Q

(iv) Sometimes the Achilles tendon is damaged. Explain how this would affect the action
of pushing off from the block.
Answer: When muscle contracts; pull won’t be transmitted to P; when X contracts;
nothing will move;

(b) The diagram below shows part of a section through joint Y.

Complete the diagram by adding and labelling the structures that
1. Help reduce friction at a joint
2. Hold the joint together

Label the structures that you draw.

8. Mycoprotein is obtained from a certain fungi. It can be flavoured to taste like meat.

The table below shows the nutrients present in a sausage made from mycoprotein.

The bar chart below shows the amount of same nutrients present in a sausage made from
meat.

(a) On the same bar chart draw bars to show the amount of each nutrient in a mycoprotein
sausage. One bar has been drawn for you. (2)
(b) (i) Which nutrient is present in the same amount in each type of sausage? (1)
(ii) Which two nutrients are present in greater amounts in the mycoprotein sausage? (1)

(iii) Suggest two reasons why a person trying to eat a diet that will reduce obesity (excessive
body mass) might choose the mycoprotein sausage. (2)

9. The diagram below represents the regions of the digestive system where three food groups
(carbohydrates, fats and proteins) are broken down. Shaded areas show the proportion of the
digested nutrient present in that region.

(a) (i) Which food group, 1,2,or 3, represents carbohydrates? Explain your answer. (3)
Answer: Food group 2.
Partial digestion of food occurs in the mouth by salivary amylase. Carbohydrate is not
digested in the stomach, so the level remains the same.

(ii) In the table write in the food groups and the end products of digestion for each food
group. One product has been done for you. (4)

(b) Fibre in the diet is not broken down in the digestive system.

What is the importance of fibre in the diet? (1)

Answer: It aids in peristalsis and helps to prevent serious diseases of the intestine such as
colitis and bowel cancer.

10. a) i) What is meant by the term excretion? (2)

Answer: It is the removal of toxic metabolic waste products and cells of the organism.

ii) The passage below is about excretion. Complete the passage by writing the most suitable
word or words in each space.

The nitrogenous waste material urea is produced in the liver by deamination of excess amino
acids. Urea travels in the blood plasma to the kidney where filtration occurs in the glomerulus.
As the filtrate passes along the nephron, many substances such as glucose and sodium ions
are selectively reabsorbed leaving waste materials including urea to be excreted in the
collecting duct.

b) Explain the homeostatic mechanism that keeps the water concentration of the blood within
narrow limits. (4)
Answer: When water concentration of blood rises, ADH is released by pituitary gland. ADH
travels in bloodstream to the kidney and instructs the kidney tubules to become more permeable
to water. So more water is absorbed into the blood. When water concentration of blood falls,
ADH release is stopped. Thus more water passes out in urine.

11. The diagram below shows the human heart. The pulmonary artery is labelled together with
parts X, Y and Z.

(a) (i) Name the chamber labelled X and Y.

Answer: X = coronary artery
Y = aorta
(ii) Name the blood vessel labelled Z. (1)
Ans: Vein

(iii) Use an arrow labelled W to show one vessel that carries blood toward the heart. (1)

(b) A valve is found where the pulmonary artery leaves chamber X.

This valve consists of pocket shaped flaps of tissue. A section through this valve is shown in the
diagram below.
(i) What is the function of this valve? (1)
Answer: Prevents backflow of blood.

(ii) Describe how this valve normally operates in a healthy heart. (2)
Answer: When the pulmonary artery contracts, pressure in blood fills the flaps which shut down.

(iii) Suggest how the work of the heart might be affected if the valve did not function properly. (1)
Answer: Heart unable to pump enough blood to lungs

May 2006 Paper 2

1. a) Draw a large labelled diagram of a typical human cell as it would appear when using
an electron microscope. (8)
b) Describe the structure and composition of the nucleus in a cell and explain how the
nucleus carries out its function. (6)
c) Outline the main stages in the division of a cell nucleus by mitosis to form two nuclei,
identical to that of the parent cell. (6)

2. (a) (i) Describe the mechanisms in the body that help to restrict the loss of heat and to raise
the body temperature as the air temperature falls. (8)
ii) Why is an adequate food supply needed to maintain body temperature? (3)
Answer: Respiration of food generates heat; food e.g. glucose is a rich source of energy; if food
shortage, fat is broken down; reduce insulation; further food shortage, unable to generate heat
to maintain body temperature;

iii) Suggest why waterproof and windproof clothing may be important to help a person to survive
in wet and windy conditions. (4)
Answer: warm air surrounding body not removed; waterproof-keeps body dry; wet-evaporation
of water from skin; absorbs heat from the body;

b) Extreme changes in body temperature can lead to death or serious damage to the body.
i) Why is it very dangerous if a person’s body temperature exceeds 400C for several hours? (3)
Answer: excess sweating leads to dehydration; enzyme gets denatured; metabolism is upset;

ii) Suggest why it is harmful if the body temperature of a person falls well below normal. (2)
Answer: reduced enzyme activity; reduced metabolism; hypothermic; heart rate slows down; if it
continues, metabolism will stop; lead to coma & death;

3. A number of different types of blood vessels are found in the circulatory system.
a) i) Describe how the structures of arteries and veins are suited to their different functions.
(6)
ii) How does the role of capillaries differ from that of the lymphatic vessels? (4)
b) i) Describe how the various components of the blood transport oxygen and glucose to the
cells of the body. (4)
ii) How is the supply of oxygen and glucose increased during exercise? (6)

4. For each of the following glands describe its position in the body and the functions of its
secretions.
a) The mammary glands: front part of chest region; production of antibodies & immunity; all
nutrients in right proportion; right temperature;
 b) The adrenal glands: The adrenal glands in the abdomen; above each kidney; secrete
adrenaline;
c) The pituitary gland: beneath hypothalamus and embedded in skull; secretes hormones;
master gland controls all other endocrine glands; secretes hormones FSH and ADH;
d) The pancreas: in the abdomen beneath the stomach, insulin…, pancreatic juice....

5. a) Describe how different parts of the male reproductive system bring about the formation of
active sperm and their release in the vagina of a female. (8)
b) Gonorrhoea is a disease that can affect both males and females.
i) Describe the signs and symptoms of gonorrhoea in a male and the likely consequences if it is
not treated. (4)
ii) What precautions could be taken to limit the spread of gonorrhoea? (3)
iii) It is recommended that, if a mother is healthy, it is probably best for a baby to be breast fed
for the first few months. Explain the advantages of breast feeding. (5)
Answer: no chance of infection;
Sterilisation not needed;
No need for dilution;
Created bond between mother and children;
All nutrients in correct proportion;
All nutrients balanced;
Can provide immunity;

6. The incidence (number of cases) of the diseases polio (poliomyelitis) and tuberculosis (TB)
has fallen over the last 50 years.
(a) For each of the diseases below, describe how it is transmitted and how a patient should
be treated.
(i) Polio
(ii) Tuberculosis
(b) Describe the Public Health measures that could be taken to reduce the transmission of each
of these diseases.
(i) Polio (3)
(ii) Tuberculosis (6)

© The incidence of tuberculosis has recently begun to increase in some areas and sometimes it
appears to be more difficult to treat than previously. Suggest reasons for these changes. (3)

7. There are several ways in which the body prevents microorganisms gaining entry to the cells.
(a) Describe the role of each of the following in preventing the entry of microorganisms into
the body:
(i) The skin (4)
(ii) The lining of airways (5)

(b) (i) Describe how microorganisms that do succeed in gaining entry to the body are then able
to produce signs and symptoms of the disease. (3)
(ii) How does the immune system respond to an invasion of the body by pathogens? (8)

8. Many microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and algae are useful to humans. Describe,
with examples, the roles of microorganisms in each of the following and, as far as possible,
identify the types of microorganisms involved.
(a) Food and drink production (7)
(b) Decomposition of organic matter (5)
(c) Production of drugs (4)
(d) Making river water safe to drink (4)

9.The air over many cities contains high levels of pollutants.

(a) Describe the sources of each of the following pollutants and suggest how levels could be
reduced. For each, describe the effect it can have on human health.
(i) Sulfur dioxide (6)
(ii) Carbon monoxide (3)
(iii) Oxides of nitrogen (4)
(b) There are concerns that pollution is leading to the destruction of the ozone layer around the
Earth. This layer reduces the amount of ultraviolet light and radiation reaching the Earth. Explain
why the destruction of the ozone layer would be dangerous to human health. (5)

January 2006 Paper 1

1. Urea is a waste product that contains nitrogen. It is made in the liver and excreted by the
kidneys.

The diagram below shows a plan of part of the circulatory system.

(a) Write the name of the correct organ in the box labelled X. (1)
(b) The blood vessels shown by boxes labelled A,B,C,D,E and F give the path taken by a
molecule of urea as it passes from the liver to the kidneys. In the boxes, write the name
of each blood vessel.(6)
(c) (i) Name the process by which the urea is removed from the blood when it reaches the
kidney. (1)
(ii) Name two substances other than urea that are passed out in the urine. (2)

2. The diagram below shows a neurone.

(a) Name the parts labelled A, B, C and D. (4)
(b) Name the type of neurone shown in the diagram. Give one reason for your answer. (2)
(c) On the diagram, draw an arrow to show the direction of the impulse. (1)
(d) Describe how an impulse passes from one neurone to the next. (4)
3. The diagram below shows three cells taken from the lining of the trachea with parts labelled A
to D.
(a) Choose the correct letter from the diagram to fit each of the descriptions in the table
below. Each letter can be used once, more than once or not at all.

Description Label letter

Moves mucus to the top of the trachea

Controls the activities of the cell

Contains genetic material

Where most chemical reactions take

place

(b) The diagram is drawn from a specimen viewed under a light microscope.
Name two other structures that would be seen if the cell had been viewed using an
electron microscope. (2)

© The cells in the diagram show the lining of the trachea of a non-smoker.
In the space below, draw a diagram of these three cells as they might appear if they had
been taken from the trachea of a person who smoked cigarettes.
(Do not label your diagram) (2)

(d) (i) Describe the function of the alveoli. (2)

(ii) The diagrams below show an alveolus from a non-smoker and an alveolus from a
smoker, when breathing out is complete. The diagrams are drawn to the same scale.

Use information from the diagram to describe two ways in which smoking affects the
alveoli. (2)

(iii) Name one other structure, not shown in the diagram, that would be present
around each alveolus. (1)

4. a) The passage below is about teeth. Write on the dotted lines the most suitable
word or words to complete the passage.

When food is placed into the mouth it is chewed by the teeth. There are four types of
teeth. Molars and pre-molars have ridged surfaces for grinding the food. A third type of
tooth is pointed and is called a ……………. The ……………. Teeth are chisel-shaped
and are used for biting. These four types of teeth all have the same basic structure.
There is a hard outer layer called the ………… Immediately underneath this, is a layer
called the ………….. The pulp cavity in the middle contains ……………, which allow pain
to be felt when the tooth goes bad. (5)

b) Explain why brushing teeth reduces the risk of tooth decay. (2)

5. a) i) Insulin is a hormone. What is meant by the ter, hormone? (2)

ii) State where insulin is produced and where it causes an effect. (2)
(b) In type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced but the body is unable to use it properly. In
some cases this type 2 diabetes may be genetically inherited.
The diagram below shows a family tree in which some of the people have inherited type
2 diabetes.
i) Calculate the proportion of this family who suffer from type 2 diabetes in the fourth
generation. (2)
ii) Using the information in the diagram, explain whether the pattern of inheritance shows
that the disorder is caused by a dominant or a recessive allele. Put a circle around part
of the family tree that you use to work out your explanation. (4)
iii) Suggest what might have caused this genetic condition to occur in the family
originally. (1)

6. a) The diagram below shows a section through an eye. Rays of light are drawn from
an object near the eye to the surface of the cornea.
(i) Complete the drawing of the rays to show how they would form an image of the object
on the retina. (3)
ii) The object in the diagram was 20cm from the front of the eye.
How would the shape of the lens be different if the object was at a distance of 20 metres
from the eye? (1)
b) i) The diagram below shows the front of the eye. Complete the diagram to show how
the iris and pupil would appear in a dark room. (2)
ii) Describe the changes that would occur to these structures if a light was turned on in
the room. (2)
c) Explain why a person who is blind in one eye finds it more difficult to judge distances
than a person with normal vision. (3)

7. The diagram below shows the male reproductive organ and part of the urinary system
in side view.
a) Name the structures labelled A, B, C, D and E. (5)
b) Name the fluid stored in structure X. (1)
c) The structures labelled Y and Z are glands. What is the function of these glands?
(2)
d) On the diagram, draw a line to label the structure in which meiosis occurs. Label
this line M. (1)
e) In the space below, draw and label a human sperm. (3)
8. a) An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of changes in temperature on the
breakdown of lipid (fat) using an enzyme.

Five tubes containing equal volumes of olive oil, the enzyme and bile salts were placed in water
baths at five different temperatures. One drop of blue indicator was added to each tube.The
indicator turns yellow when the pH becomes slightly acidic (pH5).

The enzyme used is one that is found in human body.

(i) Name the enzyme that could have been used in this experiment. (1)
(ii) Name one place in the body where this enzyme is secreted. (1)
(iii) Complete the word equation below to describe this reaction. (2)
Lipid => …………… + …………………

(b) The results for this experiment are shown in the table below.
(i) Plot a graph on the grid opposite, to show the effect of temperature on the time it would take
for the indicator to change from blue to yellow. Join the points with straight lines. (4)

(ii) State the temperature at which the reaction was …….

© (i) What is the function of bile salts? (1)

(ii) Draw a second curve on the graph to show what shape the graph would be if the experiment
had been carried out without adding the bile salts. (2)

9. One treatment for tuberculosis is by the use of antibiotics. Tests can be carried out to help
decide which antibiotic is likely to be the most successful.

To carry out these test, tuberculosis bacteria are grown on an agar plate. Discs of filter paper
are soaked in different antibiotics and are placed on the agar plate to see the effect on the
growth of bacteria.

Results of a test using five antibiotics A,B,C,D and E are shown in the diagram below.

(a) (i) Measure the diameter of the clear areas around disc A and disc B. (2)
(ii) Explain how you can use this information to decide which of the five antibiotics is
likely to be most successful in treating tuberculosis. (2)
(b) Give two methods, other than the use of antibiotics, which would reduce the spread of
tuberculosis. (2)

10. The diagram below shows chromosomes in a cell at an early stage of mitosis.
(a) (i) On the diagram label two homologous chromosomes. (1)
(ii) What is the diploid number (2n) of this cell? (1)
(b) (i) The cell in the diagram is not a human cell. How many chromosomes would be shown if
this were a human cell? (1)
(ii) Give two ways cells produced by mitosis differ from cells produced by meiosis. (4)

January 2006 Paper 2

1. (a) Describe the structure of a protein. (3)

(b) How would you test for the presence of a protein in cheese? (4)
© Describe how protein is digested as it passses through the gut. (8)
(d) Describe the problems caused if there is too little protein in the diet of a baby. (5)

2. (a) (i) Draw a large labelled diagram to show a transverse (cross) Section through an artery.
(6)
(ii) Describe how arteries and veins are similar in structure and function. (6)

(b) Describe the ways that plasma differs from tissue fluid. (6)
© Describe how lymph is formed. (2)

3. (a) Explain what is meant by the term excretion and name two excretory substances. (4)
(b) Draw a large labelled diagram to show the structure of a single kidney tubule (nephron) (7)
© Describe how the composition of urine would be affected if a person eats a meal rich in
protein. (3)
(d) When a person has a serious accident in which a lot of blood is lost, the kidneys often stop
working if blood volume is not restored.
Explain why the kidneys may stop working. (6)

4. a) The response of the nervous system is usually faster than that of the hormonal system.
Describe three other ways in which the nervous system differs from the hormonal system. (6)
b) With reference to a named hormone, such as ADH (anti-diuretic hormone), explain what is
meant by the term ‘feedback.’ (6)
c) Describe how the skin stops the body from becoming too hot during exercise. (6)
d) Suggest why vomiting and diarrhoea would prevent the feedback mechanism for
osmoregulation from operating effectively. (2)

5. a) Explain why skeletal muscle is considered to be a tissue. (4)

b) Describe the events involved in bending the arm at the elbow to lift an object and then putting
it down again. (10)
c) How does the action of cardiac muscle differs from the action of muscle used to bend the arm
at the elbow? (6)

6. a) Write down a word equation used to describe the process of photosynthesis. (6)
b) The leaf is a thin flat structure. Explain how this helps it to carry out photosynthesis. (2)
c) To increase crop yields farmers often use chemical fertilisers that contain nitrogenous
compounds (such as nitrates)
(i) Suggest how these nitrogen compounds increase crop yield. (3)
(ii) Describe the possible disadvantages to the environment of using these chemical fertilisers.
(9)

7. a) Describe how the fungus causing athlete’s foot obtains its food. (6)
b) i) Describe how athlete’s foot is passed from one person to another. (4)
ii) Describe measures that could be taken to prevent the spread of athlete’s foot. (4)
c) Describe how the spread of malaria differs from that of athlete’s foot. (6)

8. a) Describe how each of the following helps the body resist attack by microorganisms.
i) The skin (2)
ii) Blood clotting (2)
iii) White blood cells (2)

b) Suggest how smoking increases the risk of lung infection by microorganisms. (4)
c) Describe and explain how a person may become naturally immune to typhoid. (8)

9. a) With the help of a labelled diagram to illustrate your answer, describe the structure of a
virus. (6)
b) List four ways in which a virus differs from a bacterium. (4)
c) Explain why doctors do not prescribe antibiotics for the treatment of common colds. (2)
d) Describe how each of the following diseases is transmitted.
(i) Poliomyelitis (polio) (2)
(ii) Tuberculosis (2)
(iii) Diphtheria (2)
(iv) Gonorrhoea (2)

May 2005 Paper 1

1. The diagram below shows a section through a ball and socket joint such as the hip.
a) Name the tissues labelled X, Y and Z. (3)
b) Describe the function of each of the following.
i) Synovial fluid
ii) Ligaments
(4)
c) Describe how the movement at this joint would be affected by each of the following:
(i) Structure X is cut
(ii) Tissue Y becomes damaged and wears away

2. The diagram below shows part of the central nervous system and the surrounding bones.
(a) (i) Name the structures labelled A and B. (2)
(ii) Which of the structures labelled on the diagram controls each of the following?
Memory ………..
Balance …………. (2)
(iii) Why does serious damage to medulla often lead to rapid death? (1)

(b) Name two hormones produced by pituitary gland and name describe one effect of each. (4)
© (i) What is meant by the term homeostasis? (1)
(ii) Describe how a rise in the level of carbon dioxide in the blood is detected and how a
response to this made. (3)

3. The diagram below shows a section through the heart.

(a) (i) Name the blood vessels labelled X and Y. (2)
(ii) Complete the graph below using suitable words to explain what happens to the
structures on the right side of the heart as blood is pumped to the lungs.

Deoxygenated blood returning from the body enters the right …………of the heart from
the …………. The muscular walls of this chamber then……………….and forces blood
through a valve into the right ventricle. When the muscles of the ventricle wall contract,
pressure in the ventricle ………….and forces the tricuspid valve to …………… The blood
then passes through the ……...valve and travels along the ………...to the lungs.

(b) In which chamber is the greatest pressure likely to be found as blood passes out of
the heart? (1)

© Capillaries are found in the walls of the ventricles. Describe the function of the
capillaries in the ventricle walls. (3)

4. The graph below shows changes in the breathing rate of a student who has just
completed a 1500 m race.
(a) (i) What is the highest breathing rate recorded? (1)
(ii) During which 2 minute period did the student’s breathing rate fall the most?
(1)
(b) (i) At point Y, the student took in 0.5 dm3 of air at each breath. How much air was inhaled in
one minute? (1)
(ii) Air breathed in has an oxygen content of 21%. Air breathed out contains only 16% oxygen.
In the space below calculate the volume of oxygen absorbed into the body in one minute at
point Y. (3)

© (i) At point X, 6 dm3 of oxygen is absorbed into the body in one minute. Calculate the
difference between oxygen absorbed into the body at point X and at point Y. (1)
(ii) Explain the difference in oxygen absorption at X and Y. (1)

5. Choose the most suitable substance from the list in the box to match each description in the
table below.
 Cholesterol colostrum fibrinogen glucagon glycogen haemoglobin
oestrogen thyroxine

Description Substance

Soluble protein in blood plasma involved in

blood clotting

Produced by mammary glands and is rich in

antibodies

Controls the metabolic rate of the body

Causes a rise in blood glucose level

A pigment containing iron, found in red blood

cells

Just before ovulation its level rises in the

blood

(Total 6 marks)

6. (a) The boxes below show some of the stages in the division of the nucleus of a cell by
mitosis. The boxes are not in the correct order

(i) Put the stages A to E in the order in which they occur as the nucleus of a cell divides by
mitosis. The first one has been done for you.

(ii) Explain why it is important that the two new cells, formed by mitosis, receive nuclei identical
to the parent cell. (2)

(b) Meiosis occurs in gamete formation.

Complete the table below to show the difference between meiosis and mitosis in human cells for
each of the two features listed.

Feature Meiosis Mitosis

Number of chromosomes in 23 46
each nucleus produced

Number of nuclei produced 4 2

(4)
7. The bar chart below shows some data about the symptoms of patients visiting a doctor’s
surgery.

All the patients are of a similar age, some are smokers and others are non-smokers.

(a) What is the relationship between smoking and visits to the doctor’s surgery? (1)
(b) (i) What percentage of smokers complained of chest pains? (1)
(ii) Chest pains can be a warning risk of a heart attack. Describe what occurs during a
heart attack. (3)

© (i) If you are a smoker, by how many times does the risk of developing a persistent cough
increase? Show your working. (2)
(ii) Persistent coughing may be a symptom of bronchitis. Explain how smoking may lead to
bronchitis. (3)

8. The table below shows the amount of some food materials in samples of four vegetables, raw
and cooked in boiling water.

Use the data in the table to answer the following questions.

(a)(i) Which vegetable would be best to include in the diet of someone suffering from scurvy? (1)
(ii) Which vegetable would provide the most energy for an active child? (1)
(b) (i) Which food components are unaffected by cooking? (1)
(ii) Compare the effect of cooking on carbohydrates and on proteins for these vegetables. (2)
© Peas contain fat. Describe a test you could carry out to show this. (3)

9. Human blood groups are controlled by three different alleles, IA, IB and IO.
IO is recessive to both IA and IB.
IA and IB is said to be codominant.

(a) (i) What is meant by a recessive allele? (2)

(ii) What is meant by codominance? (2)
(b) The diagram below shows members of a family and some information about their blood
group phenotypes and genotypes.
(i) What is the genotype of John’s blood group? (1)
(ii) What is the phenotype of Beth’s blood group? (1)
(iii) What possible blood group phenotypes could Mary and Amy have?
Use a genetic diagram to help to work out your answer. (4)

© Peter has the genotype IOIO and is the father of a child. The child’s mother has blood group
AB. What are the possible genotypes and phenotypes of the child? (2)

10. a) The table below shows the major sources of sulfur dioxide pollution in the air over a city.
 Source of sulphur dioxide Percentage contribution

Homes 10.0

Industry 17.5

Power station 60.0

Other 12.5

(i) Complete the pie chart below to show this data. Provide a key to your chart. (3)
(ii) Name the source of most of the sulphur dioxide in the air over this city. (1)
(iii) It is often suggested that burning smokeless fuels in homes reduces the amount of sulphur
dioxide in the air. Is this likely to make a large reduction? Give a reason for your answer. (1)

(b) Sulphur dioxide is a major cause of acid rain formation.

(i) Describe how sulphur dioxide in the air forms acid rain. (2)
(ii) Describe one way in which acid rain affects each of the following. (2)

May 2005 Paper 2

1. a) i) Draw a large labelled diagram to show the appearance of an epithelial cell using an
electron microscope. Label your diagram. (7)
ii) Explain how the appearance of a red blood cell would differ from that of an epithelial
cell. (2)
b) i) Describe the role of each of the following in a cell.
Mitochondria
Ribosomes
Cell membrane

ii) How are the reactions in an epithelial cell controlled? (2)

2. a) Draw a diagram to show a section through the eye.

On your diagram label the cornea, retina, lens, pupil, fovea, optic nerve, ciliary muscles and the
suspensory ligaments. (7)
b) You see a bus coming towards you from a distance.
i) Explain how structures in the eye focus the image of the bus and also keep the bus in focus
as it approaches you. (10)
ii) Give the meaning of the term stereoscopic vision and explain why it is useful if you wish to
catch the bus coming towards you. (3)

3. Glands along the alimentary canal secrete digestive juices onto food.
(a) Describe the roles in digestion played by each of the following organs.
(i) The liver (4)
(ii) The pancreas (8)
(b) Describe what can happen to proteins after they have been digested in the small intestine.
(8)

4. About 70% of the mass of a human body is water.

(a) Name two body fluids and state one function for each. (4)
(b) Describe the role played by water in each of the following processes.
(i) Digestion (3)
(ii) Regulation of body temperature (4)
(iii) Uptake of oxygen in the alveoli (3)

© Describe the homeostatic mechanism that keeps the water content of the body within narrow
limits. (6)

5. a) i) Draw a large, labelled diagram to show the female reproductive system during
pregnancy. You can show the developing fetus as a circle.

On your diagram label the uterus, cervix, vagina, amnion, umbilical cord and placenta. (6)

ii) Describe and explain how the products of digestion in the mother’s intestine enter the body of
the fetus. (6)

(b) Explain how each of the following may reduce the chances of a baby being healthy.
(i) The mother smoking during pregnancy (5)
(ii) The failure to produce enough progesterone during pregnancy (3)

6. Vaccinations are used to provide immunity against disease.

a) i) Explain what a vaccine is and how it brings about immunity. (6)
ii) Explain the difference between active and passive immunity and describe ways by
which each can be gained by a person. (6)
iii) Explain why a child who has a vaccination sometimes feels unwell a day or two later.
(3)

b) Sometimes children are born with an immune system that does not function properly.
(i) Describe how this would affect the child. (2)
(ii) Explain why a child with a poorly functioning immune system may be helped by a transplant
of bone marrow from a healthy donor. (3)

7. Some diseases are transmitted to humans by vectors. These diseases can be controlled by
destroying the vector.
For each of the following diseases
1. Name the vector and describe its role in transmission of the pathogen
2. Describe environmental measures that can be taken to eliminate each vector
(a) Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) (7)
(b) Typhoid (6)
 (c) Malaria (7)

8. Raw sewage is dangerous to both human health and to the environment.

(a) Describe ways in which raw sewage is dangerous to each of the following.
(i) Human health (4)
(ii) The environment (6)

(b) Describe the stages by which raw sewage from a town may be treated to make it harmless.
Explain what happens at each stage. (10)

9. a) Describe the processes by which a molecule of carbon dioxide in the air becomes a part of
a molecule of glycogen in the liver of a sheep.
(Do not include details of circulation in the sheep)

b) Sheep are often used as a source of meat for humans.

i) Explain why meat must be cooked thoroughly and then should be eaten soon after cooking.
(2)
ii) Fresh meat may be preserved so that it can be safely eaten several months later.
Describe and explain the biological principles of the three methods by which fresh sheep meat
could be preserved. (8)

Acknowledgements:
1. Wasit Lovan (for the link to the notes)