Edexcel IGCSE Human Biology Answers

Answers
Chapter 1
1
a)
Diagram should show each part of an animal cell and its function: cell membrane (controls entry
and exit of substances), cytoplasm (where metabolism/reactions take place), nucleus (controls
activities of cell) and mitochondria (respiration).
b) A plant cell has a cell wall, a large permanent vacuole and chloroplasts (none of these are
present in an animal cell).
Description, in words or diagrams, should include the following points:
enzymes are biological catalysts

they speed up reactions in cells without being used up
each enzyme catalyses a different reaction
the production of enzymes is controlled by genes
enzymes are made of protein
the substrate attaches to the enzyme at the active site
the substrate fits into the active site like a key in a lock
this allows the products to be formed more easily
intracellular enzymes catalyse reactions inside cells
extracellular enzymes are secreted out of cells (e.g. digestive enzymes)
they are affected by changes in pH and temperature.
a)
About 75 C.
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b) At 60 C the molecules of enzyme and substrate have more kinetic energy and move around
more quickly. There are more frequent collisions between enzyme and substrate molecules, so
more reactions are likely to take place.
c)
The microorganism lives at high temperatures, so it needs heat-resistant enzymes with a high
optimum temperature.
d) It is denatured.
4
Diffusion is the net movement of particles (molecules or ions) from a high to low concentration. It
does not need energy from respiration. Active transport uses energy from respiration to transport
particles against a concentration gradient.
The function of the motor neurone is to send nerve impulses to muscles and glands. It has a long
axon which conducts these impulses. It has a cell body with many extensions called dendrons and
dendrites, which link with other neurones at synapses. At the other end of the neurone, the axon
branches and forms connections with muscle fibres, called nervemuscle junctions.
The function of the red blood cell is to transport oxygen around the body. Its biconcave disc shape
gives it a large surface area to absorb oxygen. It contains the pigment haemoglobin, which combines
with oxygen. The red blood cell has no nucleus, to allow it to carry more haemoglobin.
a)
They carry out most of the reactions of respiration in the cell, providing it with energy.
b) Active transport. This uses the energy from the mitochondria.
Pearson Education Ltd 2010

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c)
d)
a)
b)
c)
d)
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a)
b)
Diffusion. The removal of glucose at A lowers the concentration inside the cell, so that the
concentration at B is higher than inside the cell. Therefore glucose can diffuse down a
concentration gradient.
Increases the surface area for greater absorption.
Tube B / 0.85% salt solution.
Tube A no cells visible (they have burst). Tube B normal red blood cells seen. Tube C
shrunken red blood cells with crinkly edges visible.
In A (water) the cells absorb water by osmosis. They burst, releasing the red haemoglobin into
solution. In B (0.85% salt solution) there is no net water movement in or out of the cells, so they
remain normal in appearance. In C (3% salt solution) water is lost from the cells by osmosis, so
they shrink.
0.85% salt solution is the same concentration as blood plasma, so it will not cause osmotic
damage to the blood cells. Water would cause the blood cells to burst (due to entry of water by
osmosis).
The artery is an organ because it is made of several tissues; the capillary is made up of only one
type of cell.
i)
Breaks down large insoluble molecules into smaller soluble molecules that can be
absorbed.
ii) Three from:
mouth: chews / breaks down food into smaller pieces / produces saliva;
oesophagus (gullet): move food from mouth to stomach;
stomach: produces digestive enzymes;
pancreas: produces digestive enzymes;
liver: makes bile;
ileum (small intestine) produces digestive enzymes / absorbs products of digestion;
colon (large intestine): absorbs excess water;
rectum: stores waste (faeces).
iii) Two from:
Breathing system: trachea, lung, diaphragm;

Circulatory system: artery, vein, heart;
Musculoskeletal system: muscle, joint, (named) bone;
Nervous system: brain, spinal cord;
Reproductive system: testis, ovary, uterus, penis;
Excretory system: kidney, bladder.
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Feature
Active transport
Osmosis
Diffusion
particles must have kinetic energy
requires energy from respiration
particles move down a

concentration gradient
process needs special carriers in

the membrane

2
10 a)
i)
So that each of the two cells produced will have the correct number of chromosomes /
correct amount of DNA after the division.
ii)
The nucleus has divided into two.
b) i)
As the glucose moves out of the cell, the concentration inside the cell decreases and
increases the concentration gradient for diffusion of glucose into the cell.
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ii)
They (further) increase the surface area for absorption.

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Answers
Chapter 2
1
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Action during inhalation
Action during exhalation
External intercostal muscles
(contract)
relax
Internal intercostal muscles
relax
contract
Ribs
move up and out
(move down and in)
Diaphragm
contracts and flattens
relaxes and becomes dome-shaped
Volume of thorax
increases
decreases
Pressure in thorax
decreases
increases
Volume of air in lungs
increases
decreases
When we breathe in, the external intercostal muscles between our ribs contract, pulling the ribs up
and out. The diaphragm muscles contract, flattening the diaphragm. This increases the volume in the
chest cavity, lowering the pressure there, and causing air to enter from outside the body, through the
nose or mouth. This is called ventilation. In the air sacs of the lungs, oxygen enters the blood. The
blood then takes the oxygen around the body, where it is used by the cells. The blood returns to the
lungs, where carbon dioxide leaves the blood and enters the air sacs. When we breathe out, the
external intercostal muscles relax and the ribs move down and in. The diaphragm muscles relax, and
the diaphragm returns to a dome shape. These changes decrease the volume of the chest cavity,
increasing the pressure in the cavity, pushing the air out of the lungs.
a)
When the volume of the chest is increased by the movements of the ribs and diaphragm, the
drop in pressure in the chest cavity draws air into the pleural cavity through the puncture in the
chest wall, instead of through the mouth or nose into the lung.
b) Each lung is isolated from the other by being in a separate pleural cavity, so a pneumothorax on
one side will not affect the opposite lung.
c)
A tube is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural cavity on the side of the injured lung.
This stops ventilation in that lung, while the other lung will be ventilated normally.
a)
The rings support the trachea so that it does not collapse during inhalation. The gap in the C
allows food to pass down the oesophagus, which runs next to the trachea, without catching on
the rings.
b) The short distance allows easy diffusion of oxygen into the blood, and diffusion of carbon
dioxide out of the blood.
c)
The mucus traps bacteria and dirt particles. The cilia beat backwards and forwards to sweep
these towards the mouth, preventing them entering the lungs.
d) Smoke contains carbon monoxide, which displaces oxygen from the haemoglobin of the red
blood cells of the smoker.
4
The addictive drug in tobacco smoke is nicotine. Smokers who are trying to give up can use
patches or gum to provide the nicotine they normally get from cigarettes, reducing the craving to
smoke.
f)
The large surface area is provided by the alveoli. It allows for efficient diffusion of oxygen into
the large blood supply, and efficient removal of the waste product, carbon dioxide.
a)
Gas
Inhaled air
Exhaled air
nitrogen
(78)
(79)
oxygen
21
16
carbon dioxide
0.04
other gases (mainly argon)
(1)
(1)
b) It increases in exhaled air because carbon dioxide is produced in respiration.

c)
Excretion is getting rid of a waste product; carbon dioxide is a waste product.
d) i)
ii)
Short distance allows rapid diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Blood brings carbon dioxide and takes away oxygen maintaining a diffusion gradient.
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e)
iii) Increases the surface over which diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide can occur.
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Bronchitis is an irritation or infection of the bronchial tree. It blocks normal air flow, so the person
suffering from bronchitis has difficulty breathing. Emphysema is a lung disease where the walls of
the alveoli break down and fuse together, forming enlarged air spaces with reduced area for gas
exchange. The patient cannot get enough oxygen into his blood and has difficulty carrying out any
form of exercise.
a)
Some points are:
non-smokers have a low death rate from lung cancer at all ages
For 55 year-olds smoking 10 a day: about 0.5 per 1000 men (or 5 per 10 000 men)
the death rate increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
(Numbers should be used from the graph to illustrate any of these points.)
b) For 55-year-olds smoking 25 a day: about 4.5 per 1000 men (or 45 per 10 000 men). For 55year-olds smoking 10 a day: about 1 per 1000 men.
c)
Probably this investigation. The graph shows a direct relationship between number of cigarettes
smoked and incidence of lung cancer, in one particular type of person (middle-aged male
doctors): in other words, a more controlled group. In Table 2.2 the patients were matched for
age, sex etc. but were from a more varied background. There could be other reasons for the
correlation that had not been considered. However, they both show a strong link.
The leaflet should not be too complicated or have too much information so that it puts the reader off.
It must have a clear message.

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Answers
Chapter 3
1
a)
Starch: take a sample of the water in a spotting tile and add a drop of iodine solution. The colour
changes from yellow-brown to blue-black.
Glucose: take a sample of the water in a test tube and add blue Benedicts solution. Place the
tube in a water bath and heat until it boils. A brick-red precipitate results.
b) The starch molecules are too large to pass through the holes in the Visking tubing. Glucose
molecules are smaller, so they can pass through.
c)
The blood.
d) Large, insoluble food molecules are broken down into small, soluble ones.
2
a)
It is body temperature.
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b) It had been broken down into smaller molecules called peptides (short chains of amino acids)
forming the clear solution.
c)
The enzyme pepsin does not work in alkaline conditions, it is denatured.
d) The experiment is looking at the effects of pepsin on the egg white. The control is carried out
without the enzyme; all other factors are the same. This shows that it is the enzyme that breaks
down the protein. In other words, the egg white does not break down by itself.
e)
The enzyme works more slowly at a lower temperature. There are fewer collisions between
enzyme and substrate molecules, because they have less kinetic energy.
f)
Hydrochloric acid kills bacteria in the food entering the stomach.
g)
By alkaline secretions in the bile and pancreatic juice.
3
Enzyme
Products
(amylase)
starch
maltose
(trypsin)
protein
peptides
lipase
lipids
(fatty acids and glycerol)
Descriptions of any four of the following:
length, which increases time and surface area for absorption

folds in lining, which increase surface area
villi covering lining, which increase surface area
microvilli on lining cells, which increase surface area
capillary networks in villi, where products are absorbed
lacteals in villi, which absorb fats
short distance from gut contents to blood capillaries.

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Food on which it acts
The account should include full descriptions of most of the following points:
digestion of starch to maltose in the mouth, action of saliva in moistening food

mechanical digestion by the teeth
movement through the gut by peristalsis (diagram useful)
digestion of protein by pepsin in the stomach and the role of hydrochloric acid
emulsifying action of bile from the liver on fats
pancreatic enzymes (amylase, trypsin, lipase) and their role in digestion of starch, protein and fats
adaptations of the ileum for the absorption of digested food (see question 4)
role of the colon in absorption of water.
a)
Energy = (20 x 18 x 4.2) = 1512 joules = 1.512 kilojoules = 1.5 KJ (to two significant figures).
b) Energy per gram = 1.512 0.22 = 6.872 kJ/g 6.9 kJ/g (to two significant figures).
There are several errors involved. Some major ones include:
some of the energy from the burning pasta is used to heat the test tube, thermometer, etc.
much energy will be lost when heating up the air near the tube, or when transferring the
pasta
not all the energy in the pasta will be released when it burns
some energy will be lost when evaporating the water from the tube
measurement errors such as measurement of the volume of water and temperatures
(although these are probably small compared with the other reasons).
d) One way is to shield the tube inside (for example) a metal can, to reduce heat losses to the air
(or use a calorimeter).
e)
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c)
Peanuts contain a large proportion of fat, which has a high energy content. Pasta is largely
carbohydrate, which contains less energy per gram.

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Answers
Chapter 4
1
a)
A = pulmonary vein, B = aorta, C = right atrium, D = left ventricle, E = renal vein.
b) X (artery) has narrow lumen / muscular wall, Y (vein) has large lumen / little muscle.
2
c)
Hepatic vein.
a)
A red blood cell has a large surface area compared with its volume; contains haemoglobin; and
has no nucleus, so more space is available for haemoglobin.
b) i)
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ii)
Oxygen dissolves in the liquid lining the alveoli and then diffuses down a concentration
gradient through the walls of the alveoli and capillaries into the plasma and into the red
blood cells.
Oxygen dissolves in the plasma and then diffuses down a concentration gradient through
the walls of the capillaries into the muscle cells.
c)
Dissolved in plasma.
a)
Arteries have thick walls containing much muscle tissue and elastic fibres. These adaptations
allow their walls to stretch and recoil under pressure.
b) Veins have valves, thin walls with little muscle, and a large lumen (arteries have none of these).
c)
Capillaries have walls one cell thick to allow exchange of materials. They have a very small
diameter to fit between cells.
a)
A = left atrium, B = (atrioventricular) valves, C = left ventricle, D = aorta, E = right atrium.
b) To ensure blood keeps flowing in one direction / prevent backflow of blood.

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c)
i)
A;
ii) E
a)
i)
A (red blood cell), identified by its colour (red) and biconcave disc shape.
ii)
B (lymphocyte), identified by its colour (white) and large nucleus (to produce antibodies
quickly).
iii) C (phagocyte), identified by its colour (white), variable shape (shows it is flowing) and
lobed nucleus.
b) Platelets blood clotting.
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a)
C, heart rate is increasing so more blood can be pumped to muscles.
b) E, brief jump in heart rate.

c)
A, lowest rate.
d) B, increases from minimum to steady rate.

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a)
i)
Low rate (75 beats/minute) because body is at rest, need for oxygen is low.
ii)
Rate increases because more blood carrying oxygen for respiration needs to be pumped to
muscles.
iii) Rate decreases as need for oxygen is reduced / lactic acid produced during exercise is
removed (repaying oxygen debt).
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b) The shorter the recovery period, the fitter the person.

Any four from:
a)
helps maintain a healthy body weight / prevents obesity

reduces the levels of lipids / cholesterol in the blood
builds skeletal muscle / increases the mass / tone of muscles
improves the strength of tendons and ligaments
strengthens the diaphragm and intercostals muscles and increases the vital capacity of the
lungs
helps maintain the level of glucose in the blood / reduces the risk of diabetes
reduces the risk of contracting cancers (e.g. colon cancer)
makes a person feel happier.
The squamous epithelium cells of the capillary wall are leaky, so that the blood pressure causes
fluid to leak out of the capillaries, forming the tissue fluid.
b) Tissue fluid forms a pathway for diffusion of substances between the capillaries and the cells.
Some tissue fluid passes into the lymphatic system forming lymph.
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c)

9
Answers
Chapter 5
1
a)
Light from an object is still refracted on to the retina, mainly by the cornea.
b) The changes that take place in the lens to allow focusing on objects at different distances. After
the operation there is no lens.
c)
2
Nearby objects. These need greater refraction of the light, which will only be possible with the
help of glasses.
a)
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Function
b) i)
ii)
Letter
refracts light rays
converts light into nerve impulses
contains pigment to stop internal reflection
contracts to change the shape of the lens
takes nerve impulses to the brain
H
Contraction of circular muscles in the iris reduces the size of the pupil, letting less light
into the eye. Contraction of radial muscles increases the size of the pupil, letting more light
into the eye.
iii) To protect the eye from damage by bright light, and to allow vision in different light
intensities.
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a)
i)
Sensory neurone
ii) Relay neurone
iii) Motor neurone
b) The sensory neurone carries impulses from sensory receptors towards the central nervous
system. The motor neurone carries impulses out from the CNS to effector organs (muscles and
glands). The relay neurone links the other two types of neurone in the CNS.
c)
X: white matter, Y: grey matter, Z: dorsal root ganglion.
d) Electrical impulses.
e)
The gap between one neurone and another is called a synapse. An impulse arrives at the end of
an axon and causes the release of a chemical called a neurotransmitter into the synapse. The
neurotransmitter diffuses across the synapse and attaches to the membrane of the next neurone.
This starts an impulse in the second nerve cell.
f)
This reflex is present from birth. A conditioned reflex is learnt.
a)
i)
Cerebellum

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ii)
Medulla
iii) Cerebrum (motor area)

b) i)
ii)
65
a)
The motor area of the cerebrum controlling the arm muscles.

The sensory area of the cerebrum concerned with smell.
A wide variety of answers are possible, such as:
dust in the eye secretion of tears
smell of food secretion of saliva
touching a pin withdrawal of hand
attack by a predator increased heart rate
object thrown at head ducking.
i)
The receptors consist of touch receptors in the eye. They respond by generating nerve
impulses (which eventually stimulate the tear glands).
ii)
Tear glands are the effectors. They secrete tears, washing the irritant dust out of the eyes.
c)
Dust enters the eye and stimulates a touch receptor in the surface of the eye. The receptor sends
nerve impulses along sensory neurones to the CNS (brain). In the CNS, impulses pass from
sensory neurones to motor neurones via relay neurones. Impulses pass out from the CNS to the
tear glands via motor neurones. These impulses stimulate the tear glands to secrete tears.
a)
A = eardrum, B = malleus / hammer, C = auditory nerve.
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b) Nature and role of receptor and effector correctly explained, e.g. for dust in the eye above:
b) They amplify vibrations from the ear drum and pass the vibrations across the middle ear.
c)
Vibrations of the fluid in the outer canal cause sensory hairs of receptor cells to be stretched.
The receptor cells respond by producing nerve impulses in the receptor neurones.
d) The eustachian tube connects the middle ear with the throat. It allows pressure to be equalised
either side of the eardrum (e.g. when you are going up in an aeroplane and the air pressure falls).
e)
i)
The brain determines the frequency (pitch) of sounds by detecting which hair cells are
being stimulated. Those nearest the oval window are sensitive to high frequency sounds,
while those nearest the round window are sensitive to low frequency sounds.
ii)
The loudness of sounds is determined by amplitude (size) of vibrations of the hair cells.
Loud sounds produce high amplitude vibrations, which results in more nerve impulses per
second in the sensory neurones.

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Answers
Chapter 6
1
a)
Hormones are chemical messenger substances, carried in the blood. Secreted refers to the
process where a cell makes a chemical that passes to the outside of the cell. Glands are organs
that secrete chemicals, and endocrine glands secrete their products into the blood.
b) A = insulin, B = adrenaline, C = testosterone, D = progesterone, E = thyroxine.

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a)
Glucose has been absorbed into the blood following a meal (lunch!).
b) The high concentration of glucose in the blood is detected by the pancreas, which secretes the
hormone insulin into the blood. The insulin stimulates the removal of blood glucose into body
cells and causes the cells of the liver to convert glucose into an insoluble storage carbohydrate
called glycogen.
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c)
i)
Untreated diabetes leads to weakness and loss of weight, and eventually coma and death.
ii) Use of coloured test strips to detect glucose in the urine, and direct measurement of blood
glucose using test strips placed in a sensor.
iii) Controlling the amount of carbohydrate in the diet, and injections of insulin.
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a)
Negative feedback is when a change in a condition in the body is detected, and starts a process
which works to return the condition to normal.
b) If glucose levels fall, this is detected by the pancreas, which secretes the hormone glucagon.
Glucagon travels in the blood to the liver, where it stimulates the liver cells to break down
stored glycogen into glucose, raising the concentration of glucose in the blood.
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a)
The thyroid gland produces the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine stimulates the cells of the body
to respire aerobically / increases the basal metabolic rate. This produces more ATP, which can
be used to produce heat. Mice without thyroid glands produce less heat to maintain their body
temperature.
b) A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland. Thyroxine contains the element iodine. Lack of iodine in
the diet causes the thyroid to swell up.

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Answers
Chapter 7
1
a)
i)
Brain
ii)
Spinal cord
iii) Heart and lungs

b) Cartilage is tough but flexible. It acts as a shock absorber between the vertebrae.
Any three from: bone cells / osteocytes; calcium salts / calcium phosphate; protein fibres; blood
vessels; nerves.
The synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid. The synovial fluid acts as a lubricant in the joint /
reduces friction. Ligaments cross the joint from bone to bone, holding the joint together.
Muscles are usually found in antagonistic pairs, such as the triceps and biceps of the arm. When the
biceps contracts, it flexes the arm, whereas when the triceps contracts, it straightens or extends the
arm. When muscles are exercised, they need an increased supply of energy. This is supplied by the
process of cell respiration, which uses glucose and oxygen and makes carbon dioxide. Exercise also
produces heat.
The essay should contain any of the following points, suitably expanded and with diagrams to
illustrate the points. Regular exercise:
a)
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c)
builds skeletal muscle / increases the mass / tone of muscles / explanation of muscle tone
improves the strength of tendons and ligaments, avoids damage to these organs
strengthens the diaphragm and intercostals muscles and increases the vital capacity of the lungs,
improves efficiency of breathing
helps maintain a healthy body weight / prevents obesity / explanation of what is meant by
obesity
reduces the levels of lipids / cholesterol in the blood / explanation of why this is beneficial to the
heart
helps maintain the level of glucose in the blood / reduces the risk of diabetes.
reduces the risk of contracting cancers (e.g. colon cancer)
makes a person feel happier.
A = biceps (muscle); B = scapula / shoulder blade; C = triceps (muscle); D = tendon; E =
ligaments; F = ulna; G = radius.
b) Antagonistic muscles work in pairs, one contracts while the other relaxes, to move bones at a
joint.
c)
i)
Ligaments cross the joint from bone to bone, holding the joint together.
ii)
Ligaments are strong and tough, to avoid stretching, but they have some elasticity to allow
joints to bend without becoming dislocated.
d) The biceps muscle relaxes while the triceps contracts, pulling the arm down.
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a)
Latent phase = 10 ms; contraction phase = 35 ms; relaxation phase = 50 ms.
b) 35 ms. The muscle is only exerting a force while it is contracting.

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c)
i)
To bend the arm, the biceps contracts and the triceps relaxes. To straighten the arm, the
triceps contracts and the biceps relaxes.
ii)
There are pairs of (rectus) muscles either side of the spine, crossing the joints between the
vertebrae. They are always in a state of partial contraction (muscle tone) to keep the spine
upright.
d) i)
An endurance athlete will have large numbers of type I fibres, fewer type IIa fibres and
fewer type IIb fibres.
ii)
A power athlete will have large numbers of type IIb fibres and fewer type IIa and type I
fibres.
e)
An endurance athlete such as a marathon runner needs to maintain steady exercise over a long
time period. For this, the muscle fibres need to be resistant to fatigue, respire aerobically,
contract relatively slowly and produce a relatively low tension.
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A power athlete needs to produce sudden bursts of muscle contraction. This needs fibres which
contract rapidly and produce a high tension. Since the exercise is brief, the fibres can get their
energy by anaerobic respiration, and it doesnt matter if they fatigue quickly.

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Answers
Chapter 8
1
a)
Maintaining constant conditions in the internal environment of the body.
b) Removal of waste products from cell metabolism.

c)
Filtration of different sized molecules under pressure (as in the Bowmans capsule).
d) Reabsorption of different amounts of different substances by the kidney tubule.
e)
An animal (mammal or bird) that generates internal (metabolic) heat to keep its temperature
constant.
a)
X = glomerulus, Y = Bowmans capsule (or renal capsule), Z = loop of Henl.
b) A = water, urea, protein, glucose, salt.

C = water, urea, salt.
D = water, urea, salt.
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Description should include:
increase in blood concentration
receptors in hypothalamus of brain stimulated
pituitary gland releases more ADH
ADH travels to kidney in the bloodstream
ADH causes collecting ducts of tubules to become more permeable to water
more water reabsorbed into blood
blood becomes more dilute, its concentration returns to normal
definition of negative feedback
explanation of why this is negative feedback.
a)
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B = water, urea, glucose, salt.
Before the water was drunk, the volume of urine collected was about 80 cm3. After drinking the
water, the volume increased, reaching a peak of about 320 cm3 after 60 min. After this, the
volume decreased, until it reached the volume produced before drinking the water at about
180 min.
b) At 60 minutes, the concentration of ADH in the blood was low. This made the collecting ducts
of the kidney tubules less permeable to water, so less water was reabsorbed into the blood and
more was excreted in the urine, forming a large volume of urine. By 120 minutes, the secretion
of ADH had increased, causing the collecting ducts to become more permeable, so that more
water was reabsorbed into the blood and less entered the urine.
c)
The volume would be less. More water would be lost in sweating, so less would be in the blood
for production of urine.
d) 150 cm3 is produced in 30 minutes, which is 150 30 = 5 cm3 per minute.
The filtration rate is 125 cm3 per minute.

Therefore 120 cm3 is reabsorbed per minute.
the percentage reabsorption is: (120/125) 100 = 96%

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Changes
taking place
Hot environment
Cold environment
(sweating)
increased sweat production so that

evaporation of more sweat removes more
heat from the skin
decreased sweat production so that

evaporation of less sweat removes less
heat from the skin
(blood flow
through
capillary loops)
vasodilation increases blood flow through

surface capillaries so that more heat is
radiated from the skin
(vasoconstriction decreases blood flow

through surface capillaries so that less heat
is radiated from the skin)
(hairs in skin)
hairs lie flat due to relaxed muscles,

trapping less air next to the skin
hairs are pulled erect by muscles, trapping

a layer of insulating air next to the skin
(shivering)
no shivering occurs
shivering occurs; respiration in muscles

generates heat
(metabolism)
metabolism slows down, e.g. in organs

such as the liver, reducing heat production
metabolism speeds up, e.g. in organs such

as the liver, generating heat
a)
All chemical reactions taking place in cells can continue at a steady rate / metabolism doesnt
slow down in cold conditions.
b) i)
c)
Arterioles: blood remains in core of body and doesnt lose heat. Sweat: no heat lost in
evaporating the sweat. Shivering: increases heat production by respiration.
ii)
They have a lot of muscle fibres in their walls.
i)
Antidiuretic hormone / ADH.
ii)
More water has been lost as sweat.
iii) As concentration of water in blood decreases ADH is released from the hypothalamus and
causes reabsorption of more water in kidney tubules.

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Answers
Chapter 9
1
a)
A = placenta, B = umbilical cord, C = amnion, D = amniotic fluid, E = uterus (womb).
b) The placenta function is the transfer of oxygen and nutrients from the mothers blood to the
blood of the embryo / fetus, and removal of waste products such as carbon dioxide and urea
from the fetus to the mother.
c)
Just before birth, contractions of the muscle of the uterus (E) causes the amnion to rupture,
allowing the amniotic fluid (D) to escape. This is the breaking of the waters.
d) During birth, the cervix (F) becomes fully dilated, and strong contractions of the muscles of the
uterus (E) pushes the baby out.
a)
i)
b) i)
ii)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Oestrogen
Approximately 2930 days. This can be seen by counting the days from the start of the
first menstruation (day 0) to the start of the next menstruation.
iii) Fertilisation is most likely to have taken place about 15 days after the day when the last
menstruation started. The last menstruation started on about day 57, so fertilisation
probably took place on about day 72. (Note this is very approximate!). After day 72 there
is no menstruation, the uterus lining becomes thicker.
iv)
Human Biology
To prepare for implantation of the fertilised egg.
There is evidence for and against the involvement of pollutants in lowering of the sperm count, and
indeed whether or not the count has become lower at all. A good account of the students findings
should be a balanced one, giving both sides of the argument. It should be illustrated with some
graphs or tables of data.
a)
A = oestrogen, B = progesterone.
b) Corpus luteum
c)
To prepare for the implantation of a fertilised embryo.
d) 13
e)
a)
Progesterone maintains the thickened uterus lining and prevents menstruation, as well as
preventing further ovulation by inhibiting release of FSH and LH.
i)
Progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum.
ii)
Progesterone is secreted by the placenta.
i) B;
ii) C;
iii) B;
iv) D;
v) A.
b) Pregnancy is most likely to result from sexual intercourse around the time of ovulation, i.e. in
the middle of the menstrual cycle / around day 14. If a couple avoid having sexual intercourse at
this time, the woman is less likely to become pregnant.
6
a)
B. Cell division has reduced the chromosome number from 46 to 23 / to the number present in
gametes.

17
b) The fertilised egg / zygote has 46 chromosomes. It divides by mitosis, so that all the cells of the
body also have 46 chromosomes. In the sex organs, gametes are produced by meiosis, which
halves the chromosome number to 23. Fertilisation of an egg by a sperm restores the
chromosome number to 46.
c)
Any three from:
Human Biology
a)
mitosis involves one division, meiosis involves two

mitosis forms two cells, meiosis forms four
mitosis forms cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell / diploid, meiosis
forms cells with half the chromosome number of the parent cell / haploid
mitosis forms body cells, meiosis forms sex cells / gametes
mitosis forms cells that are genetically identical, meiosis forms cells showing genetic
variation.
i)
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped piece of rubber that a woman inserts into her vagina
before intercourse. The cap covers the cervix, preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
(A spermicidal cream is used with the cap, as extra protection against pregnancy).
ii)
The intrauterine device is a small piece of plastic or copper that is inserted through the
cervix into the uterus. The IUD works by preventing a fertilised egg from implanting in the
lining of the uterus. (Some IUDs contain the hormone progesterone, which thickens the
mucus in the cervix, stopping sperms from getting through.)
iii) The combined pill contains a mixture of oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones
prevent the production of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland, which means that the
follicles inside the ovary do not develop and ovulation does not take place. Without an egg
being released, a woman cannot get pregnant.
b) i)
ii)
The advantages of the condom are that it is easy to obtain and use, and gives protection
against sexually transmitted diseases. Its disadvantages are that it may slip off during
intercourse, and has a relatively high failure rate.
The safe period gives some protection against pregnancy. However it has a high failure
rate. The woman needs to have a regular menstrual cycle, and to keep records of the cycle.

18
Answers
Chapter 10
1
a)
i = base / thymine; ii = base / cytosine; iii = deoxyribose / sugar; iv = phosphate; v = nucleotide.
b) Franklin used X-ray diffraction on DNA to find out about its structure. Watson & Crick used
Franklins data and other information to build a model of the structure of DNA.
2
c)
A always pairs with T, and C always pairs with G.
a)
i)
A gene is a length of DNA that codes for a protein.
ii)
Alleles are different forms of a gene.
c)
3
i)
Both have 23 pairs of chromosomes in each cell.
ii)
Womans skin cells contain XX sex chromosomes, mans contain XY.
a) The two strands of the DNA separate; each strand acts as a template for the formation of a new
strand; DNA polymerase assembles nucleotides into two new complementary strands.
b) i)
ii)
Caused by an addition, duplication or deletion of a base, resulting in all triplets of bases

after the mutation being different and so different amino acids are coded for.
Caused by a change in one base in a triplet, by substitution or inversion, so that it codes for
a different amino acid. Triplets after the mutation are not altered, so subsequent amino
acids will not be affected.
Human Biology
b) A chromosome is a structure in the nucleus of a cell, composed of DNA (and proteins).
a) A genetic disorder, caused by a chromosome mutation where three copies of chromosome 21

are present.
b) As the mothers age increases, the number of Downs syndrome babies increases, up to a
maximum at about age 35, after which the number decreases.
c) The percentage of Downs syndrome babies continues to rise after age 35. The actual number
falls only because older mothers have fewer babies.

19
Answers
Chapter 11
1
a)
Both types of division start by each chromosome copying itself. Plus any two of:
mitosis produces two daughter cells, meiosis produces four daughter cells
daughter cells from mitosis are genetically identical to each other and the parent cell;
daughter cells from meiosis are genetically different from each other and the parent cell
mitosis produces daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell /
diploid to diploid; meiosis halves the chromosome number / diploid to haploid.
b) Mitosis, they are formed by division of body cells.

2
c)
Because the number of chromosomes per cell is reduced by half.
a)
Meiosis, because sperm are gametes that are haploid / contain half the number of chromosomes
of body cells.
Human Biology
b) Mitosis, because body cells are dividing to produce more body cells with the normal
chromosome number.
c)
Mitosis, because body cells are dividing to produce more body cells with the normal
chromosome number.
d) Mitosis, because the zygote must divide to produce more body cells with the normal
chromosome number.
3
a)
Genetic eye colour is inherited and not affected by the environment.
b) Genetic 50:50 chance of inheriting an X or a Y chromosome from their father.

c)
Environmental the pH of soil is a feature of the plants environment.
d) Both genes affect the risk level, but environmental factors such as diet, smoking, etc. also have
an effect.
4
a)
Chromosomes align themselves along the equator of the cell, attached to the spindle fibres.
b) Spindle fibres shorten and pull chromatids towards opposite poles of the cell.
5
c)
Chromosomes reach the opposite poles of the cell. Nucleus starts to re-form.
a)
D, C, B, E, F, A.
b) Mitosis, because there are only two cells produced / only one division / no reduction division /
no pairing of homologous chromosomes.
c)
46
d) Any two of:
mitosis produces two daughter cells, meiosis produces four daughter cells
daughter cells from mitosis are genetically identical to each other and the parent cell;
daughter cells from meiosis are genetically different from each other and the parent cell
mitosis produces daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell /
diploid to diploid; meiosis halves the chromosome number / diploid to haploid.

20
a)
From the nucleus of an udder cell of sheep A.
b) Nucleus of an egg is haploid / has half set of chromosomes; nucleus of an embryo is diploid /
has full set of chromosomes.
c)
Sheep A.
d) It does not involve fertilisation of an egg by a sperm; the embryo grows from a body cell
nucleus (udder nucleus) rather than from a zygote.
Cloning (genetically modified) animals to produce human proteins (to treat diseases). Cloning
(genetically modified) animals to supply organs for transplants.
Human Biology
e)

21
Answers
Chapter 12
1
a)
All tall.
b) 1 tall : 1 short (or 2 : 2).

c)
All tall.
d) 3 tall : 1 short.
Human Biology
e)
1 tall : 1 short (or 2 : 2).
f)
All short.
a)
Individual 8 has cystic fibrosis, but neither of his parents does, so they must be heterozygous
and the allele must be recessive. If the allele were dominant, he would have to have inherited at
least one dominant allele from one parent, so that parent would have cystic fibrosis too.
b) 3 and 4 must be heterozygous for the gene, as they do not have the disease, but their son does.
11 must be homozygous for the gene, since she has the disease.
c)
i)
ii)
Probability that the next child is male is 1 in 2, or 0.5:

X
XX
XY
XX
XY
Let A = the normal allele of the gene and a = cystic fibrosis gene. Individual 11s genotype
= aa. Individual 10s genotype could be AA or Aa. So there are two possible outcomes:
AA aa
A
Aa
Aa
Aa
Aa
Aa aa
A
Aa
aa
Aa
aa
Depending on whether 10 is AA or Aa, there could be no chance, or a 1 in 2 chance (0.5

probability) of their next child having cystic fibrosis. It could also be argued that if the
genotype of 10 is unknown, the probability of the child having cystic fibrosis is 1 in 4, or
0.25.
22
a)
Both 1 and 2 are tasters. If the gene was recessive, all their children would also be tasters, but 4
is a non-taster.
b) 3 is Tt, because if TT, she couldnt supply a t allele to have daughters who are non-tasters.
Individual 7 is tt, because this is the only genotype that produces a taster.
c)
Individual 5 could be either TT or Tt, since her husband 6 is a non-taster, and so she could
donate a T allele from either genotype to produce a son who is Tt.
a)
Tt
tt
Tt
tt
In a person who suffers from sickle cell anaemia, a sickle cell crisis is when sickle cells stick
together, forming blockages in the capillaries, along with severe pain, especially in the joints.
b) Bone marrow makes red blood cells. If bone marrow from a non-sufferer is transplanted
successfully, it will produce normal blood cells.
c)
A person suffering from sickle cell anaemia has the genotype HbSHbS. A person who is
heterozygous for the condition has the genotype HbAHbS. A diagram showing their gametes and
possible children is:
Hb
Hb
Human Biology
d) Individual 3 must have the genotype Tt. Individual 4 must be tt. So the cross produces a 1:1
ratio of tasters to non-tasters / probability is 0.5 that a child is a taster.
Hb
Hb Hb
Hb Hb
Hb
Hb Hb
Hb Hb
The diagram shows that 50% of their children will have the genotype HbSHbS and develop
sickle cell anaemia (the other 50% have the heterozygote genotype HbAHbS).
d) The parasite that causes malaria spends part of its life cycle inside red blood cells. The red blood
cells of carriers look normal, but because of the 40% abnormal haemoglobin they contain, they
are slightly more fragile than normal cells. When the parasite enters the fragile red blood cells of
a carrier, the cells often burst before the parasite has had time to develop, and the parasite dies.
e)
If there is no malaria in the US, people who are heterozygous (HbAHbS) no longer have an
advantage by being resistant to malaria. But people who are homozygous for the sickle cell
allele (HbSHbS) are at a selective disadvantage they are more likely to die before having
children, and not pass on the faulty gene. So natural selection is gradually removing the gene
from the population.
a)
i)
Alleles are different forms of a gene.
ii)
Codominant alleles are ones that are both expressed in the phenotype.

23
b)
Blood group
c)
Genotypes
A A
A o
(I I )
I I
I I
B B
I I
B o
A B
AB
I I
II
o o
To produce these children, the mother must have the genotype IA Io and the father must be IB Io.
The genetic diagram is:
Mothers gametes
A
A B
I I
A o
I I
(child blood
group O)
I
I
Human Biology
Fathers
gametes
B o
I I
I I
(child blood
group A)
o o
(The couple could also produce children with blood groups AB and B.)
6
The probability of any child being a boy is 0.5 or 50%. The sexes of their previous children make no
difference. This is because the womans eggs carry an X chromosome, while 50% of the mans
sperms carry an X and 50% a Y chromosome:
Mothers eggs
Fathers
sperm
XX
XX
XY
XY
There is a 0.5 probability that the child will be female (XX) and 0.5 probability it will be male (XY).
7
a)
i)
XaY
ii)
XaXa
iii) XAXa

24
b) The mother must be a carrier for the colour blindness gene, so her genotype is XAXa. The father
has normal colour vision, so his genotype must be XAY.
The possible children from the cross are:
Mothers gametes
A
Fathers
gametes
Y
X
A
X X
(female with
normal colour
vision)
X X
(carrier female
with normal
colour vision)
XY
(male with
colour
blindness)
X Y
(male with
normal colour
vision)
Since the child has red-green colour blindness, he must be male.
Human Biology

25
Answers
Chapter 13
1
a)
Diagram should show a core of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein coat and an outer
membrane derived from the host cell.
b) Virus particles are not cells. Viruses do not carry out any of the normal characteristics of living
things except reproduction, and they can only do this parasitically. So viruses can be thought of
as borderline between a living organism and a non-living chemical.
c)
A virus reproduces by entering a cell (of the host) and taking over the host's genetic machinery
to make more virus particles. Viruses can only reproduce in this way, so they are all parasites.
a)
A = chromosome; B = cell wall; C = cell membrane.
b) The flagellum allows the bacterium to swim (by corkscrew-like movements).
Human Biology
c)
Only a relatively few species are pathogens, most species are harmless to humans. Some freeliving species carry out photosynthesis. Most bacteria are important decomposers, recycling
dead organisms and waste products in the soil. Some are even used by humans to make food,
such as yoghurt.
Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms (or larger organisms such as parasitic worms), and
can be passed from person to person, such as cholera. A non-infectious disease is not caused by a
microorganism. It can be genetic, such as sickle cell anaemia, or caused by unhealthy activities, such
as bronchitis due to smoking. (Allow any suitable examples.)
a)
Any four from: (unprotected) sexual intercourse; drug users sharing an infected needle; infected
blood transfusion; from mother to fetus across the placenta.
b) The body responds to infection with HIV by producing antibodies against the virus. A person
who has anti-HIV antibodies in their blood is HIV positive.
c)
a)
i)
At the start of an HIV infection (X), HIV-infected helper T-lymphocytes are recognised
and destroyed by the bodys immune system, producing a small drop in the numbers of the
lymphocytes, which are then replaced.
ii)
Eventually the body cannot replace the lymphocytes at the same rate at which they are
destroyed, producing a large drop in numbers (Y).
An endemic disease is one that is always present in a population of a particular geographic area.
b) An epidemic is when there is a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease, with many people
becoming infected at the same time, spreading over a wide area. (To be classified as an
epidemic there must be an increase in area affected by the disease, not just numbers infected.)
c)
Any suitable example, such as influenza, polio or typhoid.
d) Vaccination gives a person (artificial active) immunity against a disease that is endemic in the
area that the person is going to.
6
a)
Phagocytosis and digestion of microorganisms, histamine production.
b) T-lymphocytes recognise the body cells that are infected with viruses. They destroy these
infected cells by making holes in them, or by switching on a programmed cell death process in
the genetic code of the cell.
26
c)
Memory T-lymphocytes are produced by the body when an infection first occurs. They remain
in the blood for many years and can produce a rapid secondary immune response if the person is
re-infected by the same microorganism.
a)
Response to the first infection = primary immune response, subsequent response = secondary
immune response.
c)
Antigens on a microorganism bind to receptor proteins on the surface of lymphocytes. Each

lymphocyte has different receptor proteins and recognises a different antigen. The activated
lymphocyte divides to produce millions more lymphocytes, which produce specific antibodies
against the microorganism.
a)
Any two examples, such as: syphilis, HIV / AIDS, chlamydia, hepatitis B.
b) In men, numbers were fairly constant between 1925 and 1939. Numbers fell during the Second
World War (1939-1945) but rose immediately at the end of the war or just after, to a peak in
about 1946, fell sharply until 1955, then rose again until a peak in 1973, before falling again up
until 1990.
The pattern in women was similar (but lower) except that the numbers of cases in women rose
during the Second World War, and the peak was in 1977. (The answer may not be as detailed as
this, but general trends should be given).
c)
i)
Any suitable suggestion, such as increased promiscuity (or words to that effect) /
perception that gonorrhoea is not a serious disease / increased availability of the pill as a
contraceptive (which does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases) / resistance of
the bacterium to antibiotics.
ii)
Allow answers as in part i). Also increased sexual activity among the homosexual
population as homosexuality became more widely accepted in society.
Human Biology
b) The secondary immune response is faster, produces a higher level of antibodies and lasts longer
than the first immune response.
d) Awareness of AIDS led to increased use of condoms (that give protection against sexually
transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea) / decrease in casual sex / any suitable correct alternative.
e)
a)
i)
penicillin interferes with the manufacture of the bacterial cell wall, which weakens it.
Water enters the cell by osmosis and bursts the cell.
ii)
The bacteria may have become resistant to the penicillin.
Any four methods of transmission from Table 13.2, page 178, with correct examples of a
disease transmitted in this way, from the last column of the Table.
b) Any two examples of insect vector and method of transmission, such as:
c)
mosquito (transmits malaria parasite) by biting and sucking blood
tsetse fly (transmits sleeping sickness parasite) by biting and feeding on blood
flies (transmit various pathogens, e.g. typhoid bacteria, Salmonella, polio virus) from
faeces to human food on their bodies or in saliva.
A number of control methods are possible, depending on the insects selected in b), including:
the use of insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes / tsetse flies / flies
draining swamps that form the natural habitat of the larvae of malaria mosquitoes
the use of drugs to target the various stages of the malaria parasites life cycle

27
10 a)
stocking ponds with a fish called Tilapia which feeds on the larvae of malaria mosquitoes
the use of insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts and sleeping under mosquito nets
to prevent bites from the adult mosquitoes
efficient sanitation that prevents flies landing on human faeces
covering food / placing in a refrigerator to prevent flies landing on it.
i)
High salt concentrations make it impossible for bacteria to multiply. Bacterial cells lose
water by osmosis and are killed.
ii)
The food is heated (to between 63C and 65C for 30 minutes or 71.5C for 15 seconds)
which kills pathogenic bacteria.
iii) Food is stored in vinegar which is a weak acid that prevents most microorganisms
growing.
Human Biology
b) After this date microorganisms may have increased to dangerous levels in the food.
28
Answers
Chapter 14
1
a)
i)
Algae
ii)
Herring
b) The producer makes its own food by photosynthesis and is the source of all energy for the rest
of the food chain.
c)
The energy losses at each trophic level must be lower than usual, so there is enough left to
support the five trophic levels.
a)
(125/3050) x 100 = 4.1%
c)
Eaten by other herbivores, or ends up in dead matter / passes to decomposers.
a)
(For simplicity, crabs, shrimps and worms can be put together. Arrows should point in the
direction of energy flow.)
b)
Any suitable food chain with four organisms, such as:
Human Biology
b) As urine / faeces, and as heat from metabolic processes / respiration.
dead leaves crabs tarpon humans

dead leaves shrimps snappers humans
Organisms should be correctly labelled as producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer
and tertiary consumer (in this order) in each chain.
c)
i)
Carbon dioxide
ii)
Decomposers feed on the detritus; their respiration produces carbon dioxide as a waste
product.
Sewage causes growth of bacteria in the water. The bacteria need oxygen for growth. They use up
the oxygen in the water, so the fish suffocate / die.

29
a)
To allow solid material to settle out, i.e. sink to the bottom of the tank.
b) Biogas, fertiliser
c)
Treatment in the filter bed relies on aerobic bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other organisms to
digest the sewage.
d) Nitrates / phosphates
6
a)
Rain washes fertiliser into the pond, causing the algae to grow.
b) Rain washes the fertiliser down hill away from the pond.
c)
Algae are photosynthetic protoctists. An increased temperature increases their rate of

photosynthesis, so they grow faster.
a)
The concentration of carbon dioxide is increasing.
Human Biology
b) The increase is due to increased burning of fossil fuels.
c)
In the summer there is more photosynthesis, which lowers the concentration of carbon dioxide.
In the winter there is less photosynthesis, so carbon dioxide levels increase.
a)
Any two from: carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs).
b) Without a greenhouse effect, the temperature on the Earths surface would be much colder than
it is now, and life would not be able to exist. (One estimate is that the average temperature
would be 30 C lower.)
c)
Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, which are found in warmer regions of the world. If global
warming occurs, mosquitoes will spread to more northerly parts of Europe.
a)
[(88 600 886)/88 600] x 100 = 99%.
b) Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are acidic gases. They are blown long distances by winds and
dissolve in rain (so acidifying ground water).
c)
Dissolved / suspended solids make water cloudy / dirty, preventing light reaching plants, so
plants are unable to photosynthesise and therefore die.

30

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How do enzymes function in catalyzing reactions?

How do enzymes function in catalyzing reactions?

What are the differences between animal and plant cells?

What are the differences between animal and plant cells?

Answers

Description, in words or diagrams, should include the following points:

enzymes are biological catalysts

b) Active transport. This uses the energy from the mitochondria.

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Breathing system: trachea, lung, diaphragm;

particles must have kinetic energy

requires energy from respiration

particles move down a

process needs special carriers in

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The nucleus has divided into two.

They (further) increase the surface area for absorption.

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Action during inhalation

Action during exhalation

External intercostal muscles

Internal intercostal muscles

move up and out

(move down and in)

contracts and flattens

relaxes and becomes dome-shaped

Volume of air in lungs

other gases (mainly argon)

b) It increases in exhaled air because carbon dioxide is produced in respiration.

Excretion is getting rid of a waste product; carbon dioxide is a waste product.

Short distance allows rapid diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Some points are:

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The enzyme pepsin does not work in alkaline conditions, it is denatured.

Hydrochloric acid kills bacteria in the food entering the stomach.

By alkaline secretions in the bile and pancreatic juice.

(fatty acids and glycerol)

Descriptions of any four of the following:

length, which increases time and surface area for absorption

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Food on which it acts

digestion of starch to maltose in the mouth, action of saliva in moistening food

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A = pulmonary vein, B = aorta, C = right atrium, D = left ventricle, E = renal vein.

A = left atrium, B = (atrioventricular) valves, C = left ventricle, D = aorta, E = right atrium.

b) To ensure blood keeps flowing in one direction / prevent backflow of blood.

C, heart rate is increasing so more blood can be pumped to muscles.

b) E, brief jump in heart rate.

d) B, increases from minimum to steady rate.

b) The shorter the recovery period, the fitter the person.

helps maintain a healthy body weight / prevents obesity

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refracts light rays

converts light into nerve impulses

contains pigment to stop internal reflection

contracts to change the shape of the lens

takes nerve impulses to the brain

X: white matter, Y: grey matter, Z: dorsal root ganglion.

This reflex is present from birth. A conditioned reflex is learnt.

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