Q1.

A student found the number of stomata per cm2 on the lower surface of a daffodil leaf.
He removed a small, thin piece of lower epidermis and mounted it on a microscope slide.

He examined the slide using an optical microscope.

(a) Explain why it was important that the piece of the epidermis that the student
removed was thin.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) Suggest how the student could have used his slide to find the number of stomata
per cm2.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(c) The stomata on the leaves of pine trees are found in pits below the leaf surface.
Explain how this helps to reduce water loss.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

Q2.
Figure 1 shows a single stoma and surrounding cells from the leaf of a xerophytic plant.

Figure 1

Page 1 of 29
 (i) Explain how the cuticle reduces water loss.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii) Explain how one of the other labelled parts reduces water loss.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 3 marks)

Q3.
The drawing shows part of the lower leaf epidermis of sorghum.

Page 2 of 29
 (a) Calculate the number of stomata per mm2 of the leaf surface. Show your working.

Answer ____________________ stomata per mm2

(2)

(b) Sorghum has few stomata per mm2 of leaf surface area. Explain how this is an
adaptation to the conditions in which sorghum grows.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

Q4.
The diagram shows a section through the heart. The main blood vessels are labelled A,
B, C and D.

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(a) Write a letter, A, B, C or D, in the box to represent the correct blood vessel.

(i) Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood away from the heart?

(1)

(ii) Which blood vessel carries deoxygenated blood to the heart?

(1)

(b) Explain how the highest blood pressure is produced in the left ventricle.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c) Some babies are born with a hole between the right and the left ventricles.

These babies are unable to get enough oxygen to their tissues.

Suggest why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 4 of 29
 ___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

Q5.
(a) Flatworms are small animals that live in water. They have no specialised gas
exchange or circulatory systems.
The drawing shows one type of flatworm.

(i) Name the process by which oxygen reaches the cells inside the body of this
flatworm.

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii) The body of a flatworm is adapted for efficient gas exchange between the
water and the cells inside the body.
Using the diagram, explain how two features of the flatworm’s body allow
efficient gas exchange.

1. ____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) (i) A leaf is an organ. What is an organ?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii) Describe how carbon dioxide in the air outside a leaf reaches mesophyll cells
inside the leaf.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Page 5 of 29
 ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Q6.
(a) Explain how an arteriole can reduce the blood flow into capillaries.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

The image below shows heart valves during one stage of a cardiac cycle.

Ventricles are visible through the open valves.

(b) What can you conclude from the appearance of valves in the image above about
heart muscle activity and blood movement between:

1. ventricles and arteries?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 6 of 29
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

2. atria and ventricles?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) Tick (✓) one box next to the blood vessel carrying blood at the lowest blood
pressure.

Capillary

Pulmonary vein

Renal vein

Vena cava

(1)

(d) A scientist measured the heart rate and the volume of blood pumped in a single
heart beat (stroke volume) of an athlete before exercise and calculated the cardiac
output.

Cardiac output is calculated using this equation.

cardiac output = heart rate × stroke volume

Her results are shown in the table below.

Heart rate / beats Cardiac output / cm3

Stroke volume / cm3
minute−1 minute−1

62 80 4960

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 After exercise, the athlete’s stroke volume increased by 30% and the cardiac output
was 13 832 cm3 minute –1

Calculate the athlete’s heart rate after exercise.

Give the answer to 2 significant figures. Show your working.

Heart rate _______________ beats minute –1

(2)
(Total 9 marks)

Q7.
The figure below represents a capillary surrounded by tissue fluid.
The values of the hydrostatic pressure are shown.

Arteriole Venule
end direction of blood flow end

Hydrostatic pressure = 4.3 kPa Hydrostatic pressure = 1.6 kPa

Tissue fluid
Hydrostatic pressure = 1.1 kPa

(a) Use the information in the figure above to explain how tissue fluid is formed.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) The hydrostatic pressure falls from the arteriole end of the capillary to the venule
end of the capillary. Explain why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

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 (c) High blood pressure leads to an accumulation of tissue fluid. Explain how.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(d) The water potential of the blood plasma is more negative at the venule end of the
capillary than at the arteriole end of the capillary. Explain why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Q8.
The graph shows the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curves for fetal haemoglobin (HbF)
and adult haemoglobin (HbA).

(a) Explain how changes in the shape of haemoglobin result in the S-shaped (sigmoid)
oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve for HbA.

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 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) At birth 98% of the haemoglobin is HbF. By the age of 6 months, the HbF has
usually completely disappeared from the baby’s blood and been replaced by HbA.

Use the graph above to explain why this change is an advantage for the baby.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by production of faulty HbA. This results in a
reduced ability to transport oxygen to tissues. Scientists investigated the use of a
substance called hydroxyurea to treat babies with SCD. Hydroxyurea changes the
concentration of HbF in the blood.

The scientists carried out an investigation with 122 babies who had SCD. Each baby
was given hydroxyurea for 41 months. The scientists then found the mean change in
the concentration of HbF in the babies’ blood.

Their results are shown in the table.

Mean concentration of HbF in the

babies’ blood / arbitrary units

Before treatment After treatment

with hydroxyurea with hydroxyurea
(± 1 standard (± 1 standard
deviation) deviation)

7.6 19.1
(± 4.5) (± 6.5)

The scientists concluded that treatment with hydroxyurea would increase the
concentration of oxygen in the blood of babies with SCD.

Suggest how the graph and table above support this conclusion.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 10 of 29
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Q9.
The graph shows the volume changes in the left ventricle of a human heart during two
cardiac cycles. The numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 represent times when heart valves open or
close.

(a) Use information from the graph to complete the table in part (a). Place the number
1, 2, 3 or 4 in the appropriate box.

Valve opens Valve closes

Semi-lunar valve

Atrioventricular valve
(2)

(b) Use the diagram above to calculate the volume of blood pumped per minute by the
left ventricle.

Answer = ____________________ cm3 min−1

Page 11 of 29
 (2)

(c) Explain the role of the heart in the formation of tissue fluid.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d) Lymphoedema is a swelling in the legs which may be caused by a blockage in the
lymphatic system.

Suggest how a blockage in the lymphatic system could cause lymphoedema.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 7 marks)

Q10.
The diagram outlines the digestion and absorption of lipids.

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(a) Tick (✔) the box by the name of the process by which fatty acids and glycerol enter
the intestinal epithelial cell.

Active transport

Diffusion

Endocytosis

Osmosis

(1)

(b) Explain the advantages of lipid droplet and micelle formation.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 13 of 29
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(c) Name structure Q in the diagram above and suggest how it is involved in the
absorption of lipids.

Name _____________________________________________________________

How it is involved ____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(4)
(Total 8 marks)

Q11.
(a) Figure 1 shows part of the blood circulation in a mammal.

Figure 1

Use Figure 1 to give the letter that represents each of these blood vessels.

Page 14 of 29
 Aorta

Renal vein

Vena cava

(3)

(b) Name the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart muscle.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c) Figure 2 shows a photograph of part of a mitochondrion from a mouse liver cell
taken using a transmission electron microscope at × 62 800 magnification.

Figure 2

Produce a scientific drawing of the mitochondrion in Figure 2 in the box below.

Label the following parts of the mitochondrion on your drawing.

• Matrix
• Crista

Page 15 of 29
 (4)
(Total 8 marks)

Q12.
The diagram below shows pressure and blood flow during the cardiac cycle in a dog.

Page 16 of 29
(a) At P on the diagram above, the pressure in the left ventricle is increasing. At this
time, the rate of blood flow has not yet started to increase in the aorta.

Use evidence from diagram above to explain why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) At Q on the diagram above there is a small increase in pressure and in rate of blood
flow in the aorta.

Explain how this happens and its importance.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 17 of 29
 (2)

(c) A student correctly plotted the right ventricle pressure on the same grid as the left
ventricle pressure in diagram above.

Describe one way in which the student’s curve would be similar to and one way it
would be different from the curve shown in the diagram above.

Similarity ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Difference __________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(d) Use information from the diagram above to calculate the heart rate of this dog.

Heart rate _______________ beats minute-1

(1)
(Total 7 marks)

Q13.
Figure 1 shows a cell from the lining of the ileum specialised for absorption of products of
digestion.

SGLT1 is a carrier protein found in the cell-surface membrane of this cell, it transports
glucose and sodium ions (Na+) into the cell.

Figure 1

Page 18 of 29
(a) The action of the carrier protein X in Figure 1 is linked to a membrane-bound ATP
hydrolase enzyme.

Explain the function of this ATP hydrolase.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) The movement of Na+ out of the cell allows the absorption of glucose into the cell
lining the ileum.

Explain how.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) Describe and explain two features you would expect to find in a cell specialised for
absorption.

1 _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

2 _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 19 of 29
 ___________________________________________________________________
(2)

Figure 2 is a diagram of one SGLT1 carrier protein.

Figure 2

(d) Draw phospholipids on Figure 2 to show how the carrier protein, SGLT1, would fit
into the cell-surface membrane.

Do not draw more than eight phospholipids.

(2)

(e) Figure 2 shows the SGLT1 polypeptide with NH2 at one end and COOH at the other
end.

Describe how amino acids join to form a polypeptide so there is always NH2 at one
end and COOH at the other end.

You may use a diagram in your answer.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 20 of 29
___________________________________________________________________

Space for diagram:

(2)
(Total 10 marks)

Page 21 of 29
Mark schemes

Q1.
(a) Single layer of cells / few layers of cells;

So that light that can pass through / cells absorb light;

2

(b) Method of determining area of field of view / area seen using microscope;

Count number of stomata in field of view;

Repeats and calculation of mean;

3

(c) Water vapour accumulates / increased humidity / reduced air movement

(around stomata);

Water potential / diffusion gradient reduced;

2
[7]

Q2.
(i) (waxy so) impermeable to water / waterproof / stops water
passing through;
1

(ii) reference to hairs / position of stomata (sunken stomata /

stomata in pits )
LINKED to reduced air movement / trap layer of air /
trap water vapour (reject water) / maintains humidity;

reduces diffusion gradient / concentration gradient of water /

water potential gradient;

OR

stoma can close;

reduces area for evaporation or transpiration;
2
[3]

Q3.
(a) 235–240;;
(one mark for an answer between 200-300
based on 2 - 3 stomata in 0.01mm2
Alternatively, one mark for calculating the area of the
rectangle correctly as 0.016 – 0.017mm2)
2

(b) grows in arid / dry conditions;

less surface area;
(rate of) transpiration / water loss would be reduced;
3

Page 22 of 29
 [5]

Q4.
(a) (i) C;
Ignore name of vessel
1

(ii) A;
Ignore name of vessel
1

(b) Strongest/stronger contractions;

Accept most muscle in wall / thickest/thicker muscular wall
A comparative statement is needed
Answer must be in context of producing force and not
resisting it
1

(c) 1. Blood flows from left ventricle to right ventricle/ mixing

of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood;
2. Lower volume of (oxygenated) blood leaves left ventricle/flows into aorta/C
OR
Lower pressure in blood leaving left ventricle/flowing into aorta/C
OR
Less oxygen in blood leaving left ventricle/aorta/C;
2
[5]

Q5.
(a) (i) Diffusion;
Ignore references to structures, membrane components etc
Allow simple diffusion
Reject facilitated diffusion
1

(ii) 1. (Thin / flat body) so short distance for diffusion / short diffusion
pathway;
Ignore references to membrane, wall, body surface

2. (Thin / flat body so) large surface area to volume ratio;

‘It’ refers to flatworm’s body
2

(b) (i) A group of tissues;

Ignore references to function Group = more than one
1

(ii) 1. (Carbon dioxide enters) via stomata;

Reject stroma

2. (Stomata opened by) guard cells;

3. Diffuses through air spaces;

Allow concentration gradient. Reject along gradient unless

Page 23 of 29
 direction made clear

4. Down diffusion gradient;

3 max
[7]

Q6.
(a) 1. Muscle contracts;

2. Constricts/narrows arteriole/lumen;
Accept decreases for constricts/narrows
Accept vasoconstriction for 1 mark
2

(b) (Ventricles and arteries)

1. Ventricle (muscles) relaxed

OR

Arteries recoiled;
Accept references to ventricle, artery or atrium (singular)
Accept no muscle activity
OR
Diastole
OR
Arteries smoothing blood flow

2. No (blood) backflow (into ventricles)

OR

No blood movement to/in/from arteries;

Accept flow/pumped for movement

(Atria and ventricles)

3. Atria (muscle) contracted;

4. Blood movement from atria (into ventricles);

Accept flow/pumped for movement
4

(c) Vena cava;

1

(d) 2 marks for correct answer = 130 (beats min−1);;

1 mark for correct stroke volume = 104

2
[9]

Q7.
(a) 1. (Overall) outward pressure of 3.2 kPa;

Page 24 of 29
 2. Forces small molecules out of capillary.
2

(b) Loss of water / loss of fluid / friction (against capillary lining).

1

(c) 1. High blood pressure = high hydrostatic pressure;

2. Increases outward pressure from (arterial) end of capillary / reduces
inward pressure at (venule) end of capillary;
3. (So) more tissue fluid formed / less tissue fluid is reabsorbed.
Allow lymph system not able to drain tissues fast enough
3

(d) 1. Water has left the capillary;

2. Proteins (in blood) too large to leave capillary;
3. Increasing / giving higher concentration of blood proteins (and thus wp).
3
[9]

Q8.
(a) First oxygen binds (to Hb) causing change in shape;
(Shape change of Hb) allows more O2 to bind (easily) / greater saturation with
O2
OR
Cooperative binding;
2

(b) 1. (HbA has) lower affinity for O2 at low partial pressures;

OR
(HbA has) lower affinity for oxygen at pp found in tissues;
2. Easier unloading of O2 for (aerobic) respiration;
2

(c) 1. A large/significant increase in HbF;

2. (HbF has) higher affinity for O2 (than faulty HbA);
3. Higher proportion of HbF in blood so more oxygen carried;
OR
More oxygen carried after treatment;
3
[7]

Q9.
(a)
open closed
Semi-lunar valves 2 3
Atrioventricular valves 4 1
One mark for each correct column
General marker
2

(b) (Acceptable range is) 6315.79 to 6400;

Allow one mark for (SV = 120 − 40 =) 80 (cm 3)
OR
(1 cycle = 1.24 − 0.48 =) 0.76 (s)

Page 25 of 29
 OR
79 / 80 (beats minute −1)
2

(c) 1. Contraction of ventricle(s) produces high blood /

hydrostatic pressure;
2. (This) forces water (and some dissolved substances)
out (of blood capillaries);
1. Do not accept contraction / pumping of the heart
1. Reject blood / plasma / tissue fluid forced out
2

(d) Excess tissue fluid cannot be (re)absorbed / builds up;

The idea of excess is important
Accept ‘drained’ for absorbed
1
[7]

Q10.
(a) Diffusion
Automarker
1

(b) 1. Droplets increase surface areas (for lipase / enzyme

action);
2. (So) faster hydrolysis / digestion (of triglycerides /
lipids);
3. Micelles carry fatty acids and glycerol /
monoglycerides to / through membrane / to (intestinal
epithelial) cell;
1. Context is important
1. Reject micelles increase surface area
2. Ignore ‘breakdown’
3. Ignore ‘small enough’
3. Accept description of membrane
3. Reject any movement through membrane proteins
3

(c) 1. Golgi (apparatus);

2. Modifies / processes triglycerides;
3. Combines triglycerides with proteins;
4. Packaged for release / exocytosis
OR
Forms vesicles;
Ignore ‘processes and packages’ unqualified
2. Reject synthesises triglycerides
3. Accept ‘forms / are lipoproteins’
4
[8]

Q11.
(a) D;

Page 26 of 29
 G;
F;
3

(b) Coronary arteries;

Accept coronary artery
Ignore aorta, arteriole and capillary
Reject coronary veins
Do not accept coronary by itself
Accept phonetic spelling
1

(c) 1. No sketched / hanging / crossing lines / shading;

Ignore stippling
2. Must look similar;
3. Matrix and crista correctly labelled;
Ignore any other labels
4. Correct scale stated (x 62 800);
Accept other suitable scale given
4
[8]

Q12.
(a) 1. Aortic/semi-lunar valves is closed;
Accept ‘aorta valve’ or ‘valve to the aorta’ or ‘valve between
the aorta and the ventricle’.
Do not accept S-L/A-V valve.

2. Because pressure in aorta higher than in ventricle;

Accept 9-10kPa in ventricle and 13kPa in aorta.
Ignore incorrect figures.
2

(b) 1. Elastic recoil (of the aorta wall/tissue);

Reject muscle contracting.
Ignore reference to muscle relaxing.

2. Smooths the blood flow

OR

Maintains rate of blood flow

OR

Maintains blood pressure;

Ignore reference to preventing backflow of blood.
2

(c) 1. Peaks/contractions at the same/similar time

OR

Same/similar pattern;

Page 27 of 29
 Mark the answer as a whole.
Accept ‘shape (of curve)’ for ‘pattern’.

2. Lower pressure;
2

(d) 167 (beats minute–1)

OR

164 (beats minute–1)

OR

171 (beats minute–1);

Full answers
166.6 recurring, 164.383562, 171.428571
Accept any number of decimal places as long as rounding
correct.
1
[7]

Q13.
(a) 1. (ATP to ADP + Pi ) Releases energy;
Reject ‘produces/makes/creates energy’.

2. (energy) allows ions to be moved against a concentration gradient

OR

(energy) allows active transport of ions;

For ‘ions’ accept Na+ or K+.
Do not accept if this movement is of glucose not ions.
2

(b) 1. (Maintains/generates) a concentration/diffusion gradient for Na+

(from ileum into cell);
Accept '(Maintains/generates) a lower concentration of Na+
inside the cell compared with outside the cell’.

2. Na+ moving (in) by facilitated diffusion, brings glucose with it

OR

Na+ moving (in) by co-transport, brings glucose with it;

Accept ‘co-transporter’ for ‘co-transport’.
2

(c) 1. Folded membrane/microvilli so large surface area (for absorption);

Reject references to ‘villi’.
Accept ‘brush border’ for ‘microvilli’.

2. Large number of co-transport/carrier/channel proteins so fast rate

(of absorption)

Page 28 of 29
 OR

Large number of co-transport/carrier proteins for active transport

OR

Large number of co-transport/carrier/channel proteins for facilitated diffusion;

3. Large number of mitochondria so make (more) ATP (by respiration)

OR

Large number of mitochondria for aerobic respiration

OR

Large number of mitochondria to release energy for active transport;

4. Membrane-bound (digestive) enzymes so maintains concentration

gradient (for fast absorption);
Accept named examples of digestive enzymes.
2 max

(d) 1. Phospholipids drawn with head and two tails;

2. Correctly positioned as a bilayer on either side of SGLT1;

Some of every ‘head’ must extend into the hydrophilic region
and some of every ‘tail’ must extend into the hydrophobic
region.
Reject phospholipids drawn within the protein.
2

(e) 1. One amine/NH2 group joins to a carboxyl/COOH group to form a peptide bond;
Accept on diagram, for example (at least) two amino acids
joining by a correctly drawn peptide bond (MP1) with NH2 at
one end and COOH at the other (MP2).
Ignore incorrect names of NH2 and COOH groups.

2. (So in chain) there is a free amine/NH2 group at one end and a

free carboxyl/COOH group at the other

OR

Each amino acid is orientated in the same direction in the chain;

Allow ECF for incorrect naming of groups.
2
[10]

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