Edexcel GCSE Biology

Topic Questions

7.2 Homeostasis

1a2 marks
(i)

State what is meant by the term thermoregulation.

(1)
(ii)

Identify which part of the brain constantly monitors temperature.

(1)
1b4 marks

Complete the following sentence.

Choose answers from the box.

Regulation          External          Homeostasis          Optimum

__________ is the __________ of the internal conditions of a cell or organism to maintain __________ conditions for function in response to internal and __________ changes

1c2 marks

Identify which statements are not examples of homeostasis.

  1. Red blood cells bursting when placed in a beaker of water

  2. A person shivering after swimming in the sea

  3. A person urinating frequently as they have drank lots of water. 

  4. Pulling your hand away after touching a hot object

     

1d3 marks

Using thermoregulation as an example, explain why it is important to maintain the body's internal environment in response to change. 

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2a
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3 marks

Separate: Biology Only

The diagram shows the structure of a nephron in the kidneys.

xEHxvlx__image-2

(i)

Identify structure 1 in the diagram. 

(1)

(ii)

Describe the process taking place at structure 1.

(2)

2b
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2 marks

Separate: Biology Only

The fluid moving along structure 2 of the nephron in the diagram in part (a) is known as filtrate and it contains several substances.

State two substances that will form part of the filtrate in structure 2.

2c
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1 mark

Separate: Biology Only

Water is reabsorbed from the filtrate back into the blood at various points along the nephron, such as structure 3 in the diagram in part (a).

Identify structure 3 in the diagram.

2d
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1 mark

Separate: Biology Only

Higher Tier Only

ADH helps with a process called osmoregulation which involves regulating the quantity of water in the blood. 

ADH travels in the blood to the nephron in the kidney. 

Name the part of the nephron that is affected by ADH. 

2e
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3 marks

Separate: Biology Only

Higher Tier Only

Complete the sentences.

Choose answers from the box.

less ADH          less          glucose         urine          more         more ADH

The concentration of ............... is controlled by a hormone called anti-diuretic hormone.

If the blood water content is too high, ............... is released, so ............... water is reabsorbed in the kidney.

If the blood water content is too low, ............... is released, so ...............water is reabsorbed in the kidney.

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3a
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1 mark

The diagram below shows some of the events that take place during the regulation of blood glucose.  

U0lTCNSq_1-2

Identify organ X.

3b
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2 marks

Insulin is released when organ X detects a rise in blood glucose levels.

Describe the effects of insulin that restore blood glucose to normal levels.

3c
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2 marks

Higher Tier Only

When blood glucose levels fall after exercise organ X releases another hormone, hormone Y

(i)

Name hormone Y.

(1)

(ii)

State one mechanism by which hormone Y causes blood glucose levels to return to normal. 

(1)

3d
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2 marks

The table below shows some doctor’s notes for a patient with diabetes.

  Patient age:   9
  Patient symptoms:

  More thirsty than usual

  Increased urine production

  Weight loss

  Fatigue

  White blood cell activity:   High
  Suggested treatment:

  Monitoring blood glucose levels

  Insulin injections

Identify, with a reason, whether the patient is likely to have type I or type II diabetes.

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4a
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1 mark

Separate: Biology Only

Higher Tier Only

Fill in the blank.

During vasodilation, the muscles in the walls of ……………..relax.

4b
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3 marks

Separate: Biology Only

Complete Table 1 below.

Table 1

Organ Substance Excrete
Lungs  
Liver  
Kidneys  
4c
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4 marks

Separate: Biology Only

Fill in the blanks with the correct options below.

Enzymes in the liver break down excess amino acids during _______. These enzymes split the amino acid molecules into parts containing ________ which is converted into glycogen, and _______, which is transformed into _______.

A Carbon
B Ammonia
C Nitrogen
D Deamination
4d
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3 marks

Separate: Biology Only

Higher Tier Only

Fill in Table 1 below:

Table 1

Process Location (Arterioles or Capillaries) Effect on blood flow reaching the skin Role in heat exchange
Vasodilation      
Vasoconstriction      

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1a5 marks
(i)

The nephron is made up of a number of structures including the Bowman's capsule and glomerulus.

Describe these structures and explain how they help to remove urea from the bloodstream.

(3)
(ii)
Explain how water is reabsorbed in the nephron.
(2)
1b4 marks
(i)

Urine contains the waste product urea.

State where urea is produced

(1)

(ii)

Figure 1 shows the results of an investigation into the effect of a high protein diet on excretion in terms of synthesis of urea and production of urine.

Diet Quantity of urea (g) Volume of urine (L)
Normal Protein 23.5 1.57
High Protein 37.3 2.20

Figure 1

Explain why an increase in dietary protein may result in an increase in synthesis of urea in the human body.

(3)
1c3 marks

Osmoregulation is the balance of water and mineral salts in the body.

Explain why osmoregulation is important.

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2a2 marks

Higher Tier Only

ADH is a key hormone in the regulation of water content in the blood

Complete the following sentence about ADH.

ADH affects the collecting duct by __________ its permeability to water, __________ urine production

2b4 marks

Higher Tier Only

Figure 1 shows the level of ADH in the blood of an amateur athlete measured over the period of one day. Their heart rate is shown in Figure 2.

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Figure 1

q4b_homeostasis_eexcel_gcse_biology_sq

Figure 2

Suggest what could account for the peaks in ADH levels from 03:00 to 08:00 hrs and around 18:00 hrs

2c6 marks

Higher Tier Only

The kidney is responsible for maintaining the water balance of the body.

Describe how ADH affects urine production.

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1a6 marks

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of human skin.

VfNf1wA4_1

Figure 1

Describe the changes that occur when the brain detects a change in blood temperature

1b4 marks

Higher Tier Only

Explain how vasoconstriction and vasodilation help to control body temperature

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2a3 marks

Describe how the pancreas responds to a rise in blood glucose concentration

2b4 marks

Higher Tier Only

(i)

An athlete takes part in a marathon race and only consumes water during the race.

State what would most likely happen to the athlete’s blood glucose concentration during the race.

(1)
(ii)

Describe how the athlete's body would most likely responds to any changes in blood glucose concentration during the race.

(3)
2c4 marks

Individuals with diabetes cannot control their blood glucose levels.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Explain the causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and how they can be controlled.  

2d2 marks

Figure 1 shows the results of a blood glucose tolerance test for two people (A and B).

blood-glucose-2c

Figure 1

Explain which patient has diabetes.

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3a
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2 marks

Insulin is produced by an endocrine gland and is transported in the blood.

(i)

Which row shows the endocrine gland and the target organs for insulin?

(1)

      endocrine gland target organs
  A adrenal liver and muscles
  B adrenal small and large intestines
  C pancreas liver and muscles
  D pancreas small and large intestines

(ii)

Which part of the blood transports insulin to its target organs?

(1)

  A plasma
  B red blood cells 
  C white blood cells 
  D platelets
3b
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2 marks

Figure 1 shows the blood glucose and blood insulin concentration for a healthy person during one day.

fig-1-1bio-2f-june18-qp-gcse-bio

Figure 1

The blood glucose concentration increases after a meal.

Explain why the blood glucose concentration then decreases.

3c
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1 mark

State one cause of type 1 diabetes.

3d
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2 marks

Explain how controlling the diet can be used to treat type 2 diabetes.

3e
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2 marks

A scientist is planning to test a new treatment for type 2 diabetes.

She selects 300 volunteers who have type 2 diabetes.

State two other factors that the scientist should consider when selecting the 300 volunteers.

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4a
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2 marks

Figure 1 shows the urinary system of a human.

fig-16-1bio-2f-june18-qp-gcse-bio

Figure 1

Name the structures labelled P and Q.

4b
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5 marks

The kidney contains nephrons.

Figure 2 shows the concentration of glucose and protein found in the blood plasma and in the filtrate inside a nephron.

  concentration in the
blood plasma
concentration in the
filtrate in the nephron
glucose 1 mg per cm3 1 mg per cm3
protein 47 g per dm3 0 g per dm3

Figure 2

(i)

Explain the difference in the concentration of protein in the blood plasma and in the filtrate in the nephron.

(2)

(ii)

Explain how glucose moves from the blood plasma into the nephron.

(3)

4c
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6 marks

Figure 3 shows a patient undergoing kidney dialysis.

fig-18-1bio-2f-june18-qp-gcse-bio

Figure 3

Describe how dialysis removes unwanted substances from the blood.

Include examples of unwanted substances in your answer.

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5a2 marks

Blood is filtered in the kidney to remove unwanted substances.

Figure 1 shows part of a nephron.

fig-1-1bio-2h-june18-qp-gcse-bio

Figure 1

Name the structures labelled P and Q.

5b4 marks

Figure 2 shows information about some of the components in the blood and in the filtrate in this part of the nephron.

component concentration in the blood concentration in the filtrate in the nephron
glucose 1.0 mg per cm3 1.0 mg per cm3
protein 47.0 g per dm3 0.0 g per dm3
red blood cells 4.5 × 106 per cm3 0.0 per cm3
white blood cells 8.0 × 103 per cm3 0.0 per cm3

Figure 2

Higher Tier Only

(i)

Calculate the difference in the number of red blood cells and the number of white blood cells in 1 cm3 blood.

Give your answer in standard form.

(2)

(ii)

Explain why there are differences in the concentrations of some components in the blood and some components in this part of the nephron.

(2)
5c1 mark

Higher Tier Only

State the name of the hormone that regulates the water content of the blood.

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6a6 marks

Iguanas are lizards.

Some species of iguana live on hot islands in the Pacific Ocean and use the environment to regulate their body temperature.

Figure 1 shows an iguana on a rock in the sunshine.

untitled-12

Cayambe, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Figure 1

A marine biologist measured the oxygen consumption of an iguana at different temperatures.

Figure 2 shows the results.

body temperature of the iguana in C oxygen consumption in cm3 per gram per hour
20 0.4
25 0.8
30 1.1
35 1.4

Figure 2

(i)

Describe how the body temperature of the iguana affects its oxygen consumption.

(1)

(ii)

Explain why the body temperature of the iguana affects its oxygen consumption.

(3)

(iii)

Iguanas do not have sweat glands.

When an iguana is too hot, it pants by opening its mouth to cool down.

Explain how this behaviour helps to cool the iguana down.

(2)

6b5 marks
(i)

Where in the human brain is the thermoregulatory centre?

(1)

  A cerebellum
  B cerebral cortex
  C hypothalamus
  D

pituitary gland

High Tier Only

(ii)

Explain the role of vasodilation in thermoregulation.

(4)

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7a
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2 marks

A student was investigating the effect of sweating.

The student set up two conical flasks each with a thermometer as shown in Figure 1.

fig-5-1bio-2h-june19-qp-gcse-bio

Figure 1

Flask 1 was covered in wet tissue paper.

Flask 2 was covered with dry tissue paper.

Hot water was added to each of the flasks.

The temperature of the water in each flask was recorded every minute for 10 minutes.

State two variables that would need to be controlled in this investigation.

7b
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4 marks

The results of this investigation are shown in Figure 2.

time in
minutes
flask 1
(wet tissue paper)
temperature in °C
flask 2
(dry tissue paper)
temperature in °C
1 98 98
2 82 91
3 71 84
4 60 76
5 50 69
6 39 61
7 31 56
8 22 49
9 22  42
10 22 37


Figure 2

(i)

Calculate the rate of temperature change in flask 1 from 1 to 8 minutes.

(2)

(ii)

Compare the trends shown in the data for flask 1 and flask 2.

(2)

7c
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2 marks

Explain how sweating helps to cool the body.

7d
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1 mark

Which part of the brain controls internal body temperature?

  A cerebellum
  B medulla oblongata
  C hypothalamus 
  D pituitary gland 
7e
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2 marks

Explain why it is important to control the internal temperature of the human body.

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8a
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3 marks

A person had symptoms including difficulty passing urine, aching in the lower abdomen, constant thirst and fainting.

A sample of their urine was tested.

The results are shown in Figure 1.

test result acceptable range
Glucose 200 mg per dl 0 to 130 mg per dl
Albumin (protein) 16 mg per dl 0 to 3 mg per dl
pH 3 5 to 7
Leukocytes (white blood cells) 40 2 to 5


Figure 1

(i)

A doctor analysed the results and asked the person to have further tests for type 2 diabetes.

Give a reason why the doctor came to this conclusion.

(1)

(ii)

Explain why the doctor also concluded that the person had a kidney infection.

(2)

8b
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2 marks

Describe how a student could test a sample of urine for the presence of protein.

8c
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3 marks

Describe the route taken by urine from the kidney until it leaves the body.

8d
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2 marks

Urine contains urea.

State how urea is formed in the human body.

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9a
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2 marks

A hospital patient was tested for diabetes.

A nurse recorded his mass and height.

Figure 1 shows these measurements.

mass in kg height in metres
124  1.8

Figure 1

Calculate the BMI of this patient using the information in Figure 1.

9b
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9 marks

Blood samples were taken from this patient every four hours.

The glucose concentrations were recorded in Figure 2.

time in hours blood glucose concentration
in milligrams per decilitre
0 100
4 131
8 139
12 90
16 92
20 134
24 137


Figure 2

(i)

Describe the trends shown in this data.

(3)

(ii)

This patient was diagnosed as being type 2 diabetic.

Explain why the blood glucose concentration of this patient remained high from 4 hours to 8 hours.

(3)

(iii)

This patient did some exercise during these 24 hours.

Explain how the data in Figure 2 shows that this exercise occurred after 8 hours but before 12 hours.

(3)

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10a
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1 mark

Endocrine glands make hormones.

Which endocrine gland is situated in the head and is attached to the brain?

  A adrenal
  B pancreas
  C pituitary
  D thyroid 
10b
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2 marks

Diabetics cannot effectively control the concentration of glucose in their blood.

Person A has type 1 diabetes.

Person B has type 2 diabetes.

Draw one straight line from each person to the cause of their type of diabetes.

q4b-1bio-2f-nov2021-qp-gcse-bio

10c
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4 marks

A scientist investigated how the waist to hip ratio affected the probability of developing type 2 diabetes.

The scientist chose 100 females in each of five waist to hip ratio groups and recorded if they developed type 2 diabetes.

Figure 1 shows the results.

fig-7-1bio-2f-nov2021-qp-gcse-bio

Figure 1

(i)

Describe the trend shown in Figure 1.

Use data from Figure 1 in your answer.

(2)

(ii)

A female has a waist measurement of 78.3 cm and a hip measurement of 90.0 cm.

Calculate the waist to hip ratio for this female and use Figure 7 to estimate the probability that she will develop type 2 diabetes.

(2)

10d
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3 marks
(i)

The scientist also measured the BMI of the females.

BMI and waist to hip ratio are two factors that affect the probability of females developing type 2 diabetes.

State two other factors about the females in the study that would affect the probability of them developing type 2 diabetes.

(2)

(ii)

State why an athlete may have a high BMI but still have a low probability of developing type 2 diabetes.

(1)

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11a
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1 mark

Figure 1 shows the human urinary system.

fig-21-1bio-2f-nov2021-qp-gcse-bio

Figure 1

Urine is made by removing water, urea and salts from the blood.

Use the letter X to label where urine is made.

11b
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1 mark

Which substance is converted to urea in the liver?

  A amino acids
  B sugars
  C lipids
  D potassium ions
11c
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3 marks

A patient cannot remove enough urea from the blood when making urine.

Figure 2 shows a dialysis machine attached to the arm of this patient.

Their blood is pumped out of their arm, passed through the dialysis machine, and then put back into the patient.

fig-22-1bio-2f-nov2021-qp-gcse-bio

Figure 2

(i)

Describe what happens to urea as the blood passes through the dialysis machine.

(2)

(ii)

Two patients need to have dialysis treatment.

Patient A needs this treatment three times a week.

Patient B needs this treatment once a week.

Give one reason why patient B needs dialysis treatment less often than patient A.

(1)

11d
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3 marks

Describe how to test for glucose in the dialysis fluid.

11e
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3 marks

Urease is an enzyme that breaks down urea into smaller molecules.

Explain why urease will not break down starch into smaller molecules.

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