Course Instructor

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Dr. Riyad Ahmed
01912493183
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1 Plants can detect light and respond to environmental cues.
(a) The photoreceptors used by plants have been identified.
Put a cross in the box next to the photoreceptor pigment in plants.
(1)
A IAA (auxin)
B phytochrome
C retinal
D rhodopsin
(b) Absorbance is a measure of the amount of light absorbed at each wavelength by
the photoreceptors.
The graph below shows the absorbance for two plant photoreceptors at a range
of wavelengths.

Put a cross in the box next to the difference in the maximum absorbance between these two
photoreceptors.
(1)
A 0.26 a.u.
B 0.26 nm
C 70 a.u.
D 70 nm
(c) The role of photoreceptors in the germination of lettuce seeds has been investigated.
In one experiment, three batches of seeds, A, B and C, were kept in the dark for seven days.
All three batches of seeds were exposed to a short flash of far red light one hour
after the start of the experiment.
Seeds in batch A were exposed to short flashes of red light of different intensities at three hours.
Seeds in batch B were exposed to a short flash of red light of different intensities at 48 hours.
Seeds in batch C were exposed only to far red light at one hour.
The table below shows the treatment of each batch of seeds.

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After seven days the percentage germination of each batch of seeds was
determined. Seeds in batch C did not germinate.
The graph below shows the results of this experiment.

(i) Using the trend lines drawn on the graphs, determine the percentage difference in red light
intensity required to stimulate 30% germination in batches A and B.
(2)

................. %
(ii) Describe the effect of light exposure on the germination of these seeds.
(3)
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(iii) Using your knowledge of photoreceptors, suggest an explanation for the results of this
experiment.
(4)
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(Total 11 marks)

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2 Habituation has been investigated in the nematode worm, C. elegans, kept in dishes.
When the dish is tapped, the worms swim backwards for a short period of time.
When the dish is tapped repeatedly, the C. elegans become habituated and some of
the worms no longer swim backwards.
The habituation response of C. elegans (wt) was investigated. The response of two
mutant strains of C. elegans (adp-1 and tom-1) was also investigated.
The graph below shows the results of these investigations.

(a) (i) Calculate the ratio of adp-1 to tom-1 mutants that respond when the dish is
tapped 10 times.
(2)

Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(ii) Using the information in the graph, compare the response of adp-1 and tom-1
mutants with the response of C. elegans (wt).
(3)
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(b) The protein coded for by the tom-1 gene is involved in neurotransmitter release
from a sensory neurone.
Suggest how a mutation in this gene could produce the results observed for the
tom-1 mutant strain.
(4)
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(c) The role of the protein coded for by the adp-1 gene is not known.
Suggest how this mutation affects the transmission of nerve impulses at synapses.
(2)
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(Total 11 marks)
3 Development of the brain is affected by both genetic and environmental factors.
Critical windows have been identified during which the development of some
aspects of the visual system take place.
The effect on visual development of the temporary loss of vision in children has been
investigated.
Four aspects, J, K, L and M, were investigated.
The graph below shows the critical windows for these aspects.

(a) Put a cross in the box that completes each statement about the development
of the visual system.
(i) During the critical window for the development of the visual system, exposure
to light stimulates
(1)
A division of optic nerve cells
B formation of rhodopsin in rod cells
C formation of synaptic connections in the cortex
D growth of rod cells in the retina
(ii) Temporary loss of vision at two years of age would damage the development of
(1)
A aspect J only
B aspect J and aspect K
C aspect K only
D aspect K and aspect L

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(iii) After looking at the graph, a student made the following three statements.
• The critical window for normal development is always shorter than the
critical window during which damage to development can take place.
• It is possible to reverse development of a visual process after normal
development has been completed.
• The critical window during which normal development of aspect L takes
place must be less than the critical window during which the response can
be reversed.
The number of correct statements is
(1)
A 0
B 1
C 2
D 3
(b) Describe the role of synapses in the development of the visual system during the
critical window.
(3)
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(c) A number of investigations have been carried out to study the effect of nature
and nurture on human development.
Explain how twin studies could be used to compare the effects of nature and
nurture on visual development in humans.
(3)
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(Total 9 marks)
4 Neurones conduct nerve impulses.
(a) The diagram below shows a sensory neurone.

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Put a cross in the box that completes each statement about the sensory neurone.
(i) The part labelled T is the
(1)
A axon
B cell body
C nucleus
D Schwann cell
(ii) Nerve impulses move in only one direction along the axon due to the
(1)
A calcium channels
B cell body
C myelin sheath
D restoration of the resting potential
(b) Describe how a resting potential is maintained in an axon.
(3)
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(c) Epilepsy is a condition in which an increase in electrical activity in the brain
causes a seizure.
Some seizures involve strong and prolonged muscle contractions.
One type of epilepsy has been linked to a mutation in the gene coding for the
sodium channel protein in neurones.
The graph below shows the membrane potential and the percentage of sodium
channels that are open in neurones with the mutation and in neurones without the mutation.

(i) Calculate the percentage difference in the membrane potential required to

open 50% of the sodium channels in these two neurones.
(2)

.................................... %

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(ii) Suggest how this change in the activity of the sodium channels can result in
an increase in the electrical activity in the brain of a person with epilepsy.
(3)
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(Total 10 marks)
5 Plants respond to light.
(a) Germination of Arabidopsis thaliana seeds is controlled by exposure to light.
In one experiment, seeds were exposed to sequences of Red and Far-red light.
The percentages of seeds germinating are shown in the table below.

(i) Put a cross in the box next to the name of the photoreceptor that detects
light during the germination of these seeds.
(1)
A chlorophyll
B phytochrome
C retinal
D rhodopsin
(ii) There are two forms of photoreceptor, PFR and PR.
When PR absorbs Red light, it is converted into PFR.
When PFR absorbs Far-red light, it is converted into PR.
Put a cross in the box that describes how germination of these seeds is stimulated.
(1)
A PFR produced in response to Far-red light
B PFR produced in response to Red light
C PR produced in response to Far-red light
D PR produced in response to Red light
(iii) Suggest why the percentage of these seeds that germinate in no light
gradually decreases over a period of time.
(2)
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 (b) The young shoot of some seedlings is enclosed in a structure called a coleoptile.
Scientists use coleoptiles to investigate the role of a plant hormone, IAA, in the
growth responses of plants.
In one investigation, coleoptiles were exposed to light from one direction.
The diagram below shows the appearance of a coleoptile before and after
exposure to light from one direction.

The graph below shows the effect of the intensity of red and blue light on the
mean angle of curvature of the coleoptiles.

(i) Put a cross in the box next to the response of these coleoptiles to light.
(1)
A positive geotropism
B negative geotropism
C positive phototropism
D negative phototropism
(ii) Using the information in the graph, compare the effect of red light and
blue light on the curvature of the coleoptiles.
(2)
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(iii) Suggest one variable that should be controlled in this experiment.
(1)
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 (iv) Explain the role of IAA in the effect of light on these coleoptiles.
(4)
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(Total 12 marks)
6 Rod cells are a type of sensory cell found in the eye.
(a) The diagram below shows a rod cell.

(i) Put a cross in the box next to the letter that identifies the part of the rod
cell in which the opsin gene is transcribed.
(1)
A
B
C
D
(ii) Put a cross in the box that identifies the part of the rod cell that is sensitive to light.
(1)
A
B
C
D
(iii) Put a cross in the box next to the row that correctly describes the cell
membrane of the rod cell when light bleaches the light-sensitive pigment.
(1)

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(b) Rod cells contain large numbers of mitochondria.
(i) Describe the role of ATP in the response of rod cells to light.
(3)
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(Total 6 marks)
7 The photograph below shows the common cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, a marine invertebrate.

When in danger, cuttlefish can exhibit a flight response that includes squirting water
containing a dark ink.
In an experiment, one cuttlefish was exposed to sounds of different intensity and
frequency. The cuttlefish was observed for a flight response.
The results are shown in the table below.

(a) Give two ways in which this experiment could be improved.

(2)
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 (b) Cuttlefish can become habituated to sound.
Using the information in the table and your own knowledge, explain how it could
be shown that cuttlefish can become habituated to sound.
(4)
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(Total 6 marks)
8 Neurones conduct impulses and synapses allow for the transmission of nerve
impulses from one neurone to another.
(a) Put a cross in the box next to the words to complete each of the following
statements.
(i) When an axon membrane is depolarised and the membrane potential rises
from –70 mV to +40 mV,
(1)
A potassium channels open and potassium ions move into the axon
B potassium channels open and potassium ions move out of the axon
C sodium channels open and sodium ions move into the axon
D sodium channels open and sodium ions move out of the axon
(ii) The sodium-potassium pump in the axon membrane actively transports
(1)
A potassium ions into the axon and sodium ions out of the axon
B potassium ions out of the axon and sodium ions into the axon
C sodium ions and potassium ions into the axon
D sodium ions and potassium ions out of the axon
(b) Explain how calcium ions are involved in synaptic transmission.
(3)
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(c) Suggest two reasons why impulses travel in only one direction across a synapse.
(2)
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 (d) The graphs below show the effect of acetylcholine on the membrane potential of
the postsynaptic cell in an excitatory synapse and in an inhibitory synapse.

Using the information in the graphs, compare the effect of acetylcholine at these two synapses.
(3)
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(Total 10 marks)
9 Plants and animals detect and respond to environmental cues, such as light.
(a) (i) Name the visual pigment present in rod cells.
(1)
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(ii) Put a cross in the box next to the words to complete the following
statement.
(1)
When a rod cell responds to light,
A cation channels close and the rod cell becomes depolarised
B cation channels close and the rod cell becomes hyperpolarised
C cation channels open and the rod cell becomes depolarised
D cation channels open and the rod cell becomes hyperpolarised

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(b) Explain the role of auxin (IAA) in phototropism.
(3)
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(c) An investigation was carried out to study the effects of different periods of light
and darkness on the flowering of cocklebur plants.
The relative periods of light and darkness and the results of this investigation are
shown in the diagram below.

Using your knowledge of photoreceptors in plants, suggest an explanation for the

results of this investigation.
(4)
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(Total 9 marks)

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10 The human brain controls many functions.
The diagram below shows a section through the human brain.

(a) (i) Put a cross in the box next to the part of the brain involved with thinking.
(1)
A P
B Q
C R
D S
(ii) Put a cross in the box next to the part of the brain involved with the
coordination of the movement needed when writing.
(1)
A P
B Q
C S
D T
(iii) Put a cross in the box next to the part of the brain involved with the control
of heartbeat.
(1)
A P
B Q
C S
D T
(b) Certain brain chemicals are essential for good health.
Explain how an imbalance of the brain chemical serotonin can contribute to ill health.
(2)
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(c) Twin studies have helped scientists gain a better understanding of the
contribution made by nature and by nurture to brain development.
Distinguish between nature and nurture.
(2)
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(Total 7 marks)
11 Morphine is a drug used to reduce pain by affecting the brain.
The diagram below shows part of a poppy plant that produces morphine.

Poppy plants are grown in fields in some parts of the world.

Scientists have recently genetically modified yeast cells to produce morphine in the
controlled conditions of a laboratory.
(a) Suggest two biotic factors that could affect the production of morphine by poppy
plants grown in fields.
(2)
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(b) The genetic modification of a yeast cell involves creating an artificial chromosome
made from several genes. The artificial chromosome is then placed into the yeast cell.
Put a cross in the box to complete the following sentence.
In this process, the artificial chromosome is a
(1)
A drug
B plasmid
C transcription factor
D vector
(c) Morphine reduces the sensitivity of the brain to the concentration of
carbon dioxide in the blood.
This affects breathing rate and can cause death.
Suggest why a high dose of morphine can cause death.
(4)
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(Total 7 marks)
12 Plants detect light using photoreceptors.
Phytochrome is a photoreceptor molecule found in plants.
The diagram below shows how two forms of phytochrome (Pr and Pfr) are affected
by light.

Phytochrome Pfr reduces the levels of auxin (IAA) in the cells of plant shoots.
(a) Use this information, and the diagram, to explain why plant shoots grown in the
dark are taller than plant shoots grown in the light.
(4)
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(Total 4 marks)
13 The movement of ions into and out of neurones is involved in the transmission of
nerve impulses.
(a) The table below shows the concentration of some ions found inside and outside
an axon in a resting neurone.

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Explain how the distribution of these ions is maintained.
(3)
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(b) Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are common household pests in many parts
of the world.
The diagram below shows an Argentine ant.

Metaflumizone is a pesticide used to control the population of these ants by

making them immobile.
In an investigation, an ant neurone was placed in a solution containing
metaflumizone and another ant neurone was placed in a control solution.
The membrane potential of these neurones was measured before, during and
after stimulation.
The graphs below shows the results of this investigation.

(i) Using the information in the graphs, suggest how metaflumizone makes ants immobile.
(3)
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(ii) Describe a valid laboratory investigation to find the minimum concentration
of metaflumizone needed to make these ants immobile.
(4)
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(iii) Some Argentine ants are resistant to metaflumizone.
Suggest how these ants become resistant to metaflumizone.
(3)
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(Total 13 marks)
14 The sound made by the siren of a police car needs to be heard.
If the same sound is used repeatedly there is a risk that people will become
habituated to this sound.
The auditory cortex is the part of the brain that responds to the sound made by the
police siren.
(a) Explain how fMRI scanning could be used to investigate if habituation occurs
when the same sound is used.
(5)
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(b) Place a cross in the box to complete the following sentence.
Habituation will take place if calcium ion channels in the
(1)
A postsynaptic membrane become less responsive
B postsynaptic membrane become more responsive
C presynaptic membrane become less responsive
D presynaptic membrane become more responsive
(Total 6 marks)
15 The refractory period is the time it takes for a neurone to reach its resting potential
after an action potential.
(a) Describe how the resting potential is maintained in a neurone.
(3)
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(b) The effect of temperature on the duration of the refractory period was investigated.
The table below shows the results of this investigation.

Use the data in the table to describe the effect of temperature on the duration of
the refractory period.
(2)
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(c) A severe head injury can damage the brain and lead to epilepsy.
Epilepsy involves a sudden increase in the electrical activity of neurones in the
brain. This can cause uncontrolled shaking due to the repeated contraction
of muscles.
Carbamazepine is a drug used to treat epilepsy.
In an investigation, scientists stimulated neurones in a control solution and
immediately measured the potential difference across the axon membrane.
They repeated this using neurones in a solution containing carbamazepine.
The table below shows the results of this investigation.

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Use the information in the table to suggest how carbamazepine is able to treat epilepsy.
(4)
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(Total 9 marks)
16 Krabbe disease is an inherited condition caused by a mutation of the GALC gene. The
neurones in people with Krabbe disease gradually lose their myelin sheaths.
Galactosylceramidase is an enzyme involved in maintaining the myelin sheath in neurones.
The dominant allele of the GALC gene is involved in the synthesis of galactosylceramidase.
(a) Describe how the GALC gene is transcribed in the synthesis of galactosylceramidase.
(4)
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(b) Suggest how the transmission of a nerve impulse is affected by Krabbe disease.
(2)
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(c) Krabbe disease can affect the function of different parts of the brain.
Complete the table by naming the part of the brain most likely to be affected by
Krabbe disease.
(2)

(d) Explain why two healthy parents can produce a child with Krabbe disease.
(2)
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(Total 10 marks)
17 Insecticides are widely used to reduce populations of insect pests such as locusts.
Pyrethrin is an insecticide produced naturally by chrysanthemum flowers found in
East Africa.
(a) Scientists have genetically modified yeast cells to produce pyrethrin.
Suggest how yeast cells could be genetically modified to produce pyrethrin.
(4)
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(b) Pyrethrin is a neurotoxin that works by binding to protein channels in the
membranes of insect neurones and delaying their closure.
Suggest why pyrethrin does not affect mammalian neurones.
(2)
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(c) High concentrations of some insecticides can affect the contraction of muscles
that control pupil diameter in the human eye.
Explain why people who absorb high concentrations of these insecticides have
pupils with a small diameter.
(2)
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(d) Sand flies are insects that spread a disease called leishmaniasis.
This disease causes ulcers to develop in the skin, mouth and nose.
Scientists investigated the effect of the concentration of pyrethrin and of an
organochlorine insecticide on the survival of two species of sand fly, species A
and species B.
The graphs below show the results.

Compare the effect of the insecticides on the survival of each species of sand fly.
(3)
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(e) Some insecticides also inhibit the synthesis of IAA (auxin) in plants.
Suggest how this inhibition affects these plants.
(2)
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(Total 13 marks)

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18 A scarecrow is a model of a human dressed in old clothes.
The photograph below shows some scarecrows in the middle of a field of crops.

Some farmers believe that a scarecrow will frighten birds and the crops will not be eaten.
However, some scientists believe that habituation by the birds will occur and the
crops will be eaten.
(a) Explain what is meant by the term habituation.
(2)
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(b) (i) Describe an investigation to determine whether habituation by the birds
occurs in the presence of a scarecrow.
(5)
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(ii) In the space below, draw a sketch graph to show the data obtained if
habituation by the birds occurs.
(2)

(Total 9 marks)

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19 Pain is felt when nerve impulses travel along neurones to the pain centre in the brain.
Dentists inject an anaesthetic drug into a patient’s gum to provide pain relief.
(a) The diagram below shows the structure of an anaesthetic drug.

(i) Draw a circle around the part of this drug that is an amine group.
(1)
(ii) This anaesthetic drug works by binding to channel proteins in the axons
of neurones. These neurones normally transmit impulses that the brain
interprets as pain.
Explain how this anaesthetic drug prevents the patient feeling pain.
(4)
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(iii) The injection for pain relief contains the anaesthetic drug and a chemical that
causes vasoconstriction.
Suggest the advantage of including a chemical that causes vasoconstriction.
(2)
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(b) A different anaesthetic drug works by binding to calcium ion channels when an
impulse arrives at a synapse.
Suggest how this anaesthetic drug reduces pain.
(4)
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(c) The graph below shows the pain relief provided by two different anaesthetic
drugs, A and B.

Suggest how a dentist could use this data when deciding which anaesthetic drug
to use.
(3)
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(Total 14 marks)
20 A pupilometer is a device used to measure the pupil diameter in the eye.
Doctors use a pupilometer to assess brain damage in unconscious patients who have
had accidents.
(a) The table below shows the pupil diameter, during one second, when bright light was
shone into the eye of an unconscious patient and a conscious patient.

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(i) Explain the conclusion doctors should make about possible brain damage of
this unconscious patient.
(2)
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(ii) Place a cross in the box next to the correct phrase that completes the
following statement.
The change in the pupil diameter of this unconscious patient occurs because
(1)
A radial muscles relax and circular muscles relax
B radial muscles contract and circular muscles contract
C radial muscles relax and circular muscles contract
D radial muscles contract and circular muscles relax
*(b) Explain how bright light shone into the eye is detected by cells in the retina
leading to nerve impulses being sent to the brain.
(5)
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(Total 8 marks)
21 The human brain controls many functions.
(a) The diagram below shows a section through the human brain.

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Place a cross in the box next to the correct structure that completes each of the
following statements.
(i) The part of the brain involved with the ability to see is the
(1)
A cerebellum
B cerebral hemisphere
C hypothalamus
D medulla oblongata
(ii) The part of the brain involved with the ability to coordinate movement and to
control balance is the
(1)
A cerebellum
B cerebral hemisphere
C hypothalamus
D medulla oblongata
(b) The brain can be scanned for medical diagnosis.
The table below lists statements about three different methods of scanning that
provide information for use in medical diagnosis.
In the table below, place a tick ( ) in the box if the statement applies to the
method of scanning or a cross ( × ) in the box if the statement does not apply to
the method of scanning.
(2)

(c) New drugs are needed to treat patients with imbalances in some brain chemicals.
Describe how cells could be genetically modified to produce these new drugs.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 7 marks)

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22 The young shoot of a germinating wheat grain is enclosed in a structure called a
coleoptile.
Scientists use coleoptiles to investigate the role of IAA (auxin) in the growth
responses of plants to light.
The photograph below shows a germinating wheat grain.

In one investigation, a coleoptile was exposed to light from one direction.

The diagram below shows the appearance of the coleoptile before and after exposure
to light from one direction.

(a) Place a cross in the box next to the correct description of the response of this
coleoptile after exposure to light from one direction.
(1)
A negative phototropism to light shining from the left
B negative phototropism to light shining from the right
C positive phototropism to light shining from the left
D positive phototropism to light shining from the right
(b) The response of the coleoptile occurs because IAA (auxin) binds to membrane
receptors. This promotes the active transport of hydrogen ions out of the cell
cytoplasm.
(i) Explain what is meant by the term active transport.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(ii) Hydrogen ions provide the optimum pH for enzymes that break the bonds
between adjacent cellulose microfibrils.
Name the bonds that are broken by these enzymes.
(1)
......................................................................................

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(iii) Suggest what happens to cells in the coleoptile, after the breaking of these
bonds, that allows the response to light from one direction.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(c) Scientists also investigated the effect of IAA concentration on the elongation of
coleoptiles.
Coleoptile sections of the same length were placed in Petri dishes containing IAA
solutions of different concentrations. The change in length was measured.
The graph below shows the percentage change in length when compared to
control coleoptile sections placed in water.

(i) Use the information in the graph to describe the effect of IAA concentration
on the elongation of coleoptiles.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(ii) The method used by the scientists made sure that a valid comparison could
be made from the data collected.
Suggest a method the scientists could use to make a valid comparison of the
elongation of coleoptiles at each IAA concentration.
(4)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
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 .....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 13 marks)
23 Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in the stimulation of the ‘pleasure centre’ in
the brain.
The diagram below shows the release and uptake of dopamine by the presynaptic
neurone.

*(a) Describe the events that take place at the synapse that enable transmission of a
nerve impulse.
(6)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................

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(b) Cocaine is a drug that inhibits the uptake of dopamine by the presynaptic
neurone.
Suggest how cocaine can help a person to have an increased sense of pleasure.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 9 marks)
24 Scientists investigated the effect of age on pupil dilation of the eye. They measured
the pupil diameter in the dark from samples of people in different age ranges.
The table below shows the results of this investigation.

(a) (i) Calculate the percentage difference in mean pupil diameter between the age
ranges 20 to 29 years and 80 to 89 years. Show your working.
(2)

Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . %
(ii) Compare the reliability of the data obtained for the age ranges 20 to 29 years
and 80 to 89 years.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(iii) Explain how the standard deviation can be used to interpret data.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................

(b) Doctors use atropine drops to help diagnose problems inside the human eye.

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 Atropine is a drug that dilates the pupil. Atropine works by preventing the
neurotransmitter acetylcholine stimulating some of the muscles of the iris of the eye.
The photograph below shows a person who has had atropine drops put into one eye.

(i) Suggest why the pupil dilates when atropine is added to the eye.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(ii) Explain why drugs, such as atropine, are tested on animals before being used
on humans.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 11 marks)
25 The photograph below shows a sea slug, Aplysia californica.

A sea slug uses a tube called a siphon to help with gas exchange. When the siphon is
touched, it is withdrawn into the body of the sea slug.
An investigation was carried out to compare the behaviour of a sea slug living in calm
water with a sea slug living in rough water.
A squirt of seawater from a syringe was directed towards the siphon of each sea slug.
The time that the siphon remained withdrawn in the body was recorded.
Ten successive trials were carried out for each sea slug.
The graph below shows the results of this investigation.

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 (a) Using the information in the graph, compare the behaviour of these two sea slugs.
(4)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(b) Explain the advantage of this behaviour to the sea slug living in rough water.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(c) Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to observe the
activity of the human brain in response to repeated stimuli.
Explain how fMRI can be used to observe activity in the human brain in response
to repeated stimuli.
(5)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................

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 .....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 11 marks)
26 Organisms need to coordinate responses to changes in their environment.
The mechanism of coordination in animals can be nervous or hormonal.
(a) Place a cross in the box next to the answer that correctly compares nervous
coordination with hormonal coordination.
(1)
A nervous coordination is faster and lasts for a longer time
B nervous coordination is faster and lasts for a shorter time
C nervous coordination is slower and lasts for a longer time
D nervous coordination is slower and lasts for a shorter time
(b) The response to light in humans involves rod cells as receptors.
(i) Place a cross in the box below the diagram that shows the direction light
takes when it stimulates a rod cell.
(1)

(ii) Place a cross in the box next to the part of the rod cell that contains rhodopsin.
(1)

(iii) Place a cross in the box next to the description of what happens when a
molecule of rhodopsin is bleached by light.
(1)
A opsin changes to retinal
B retinal changes to opsin
C trans-retinal changes to cis-retinal
D cis-retinal changes to trans-retinal

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(iv) Bleaching of rhodopsin leads to hyperpolarisation of the rod cell membrane.
Place a cross in the box next to the description of what happens during
hyperpolarisation.
(1)
A sodium ion channels close while the sodium ion pump stops working
B sodium ion channels close while the sodium ion pump continues to work
C sodium ion channels open while the sodium ion pump continues to work
D sodium ion channels open while the sodium ion pump stops working
(c) Coordination in plants involves IAA (auxin).
In an experiment, 25 mm lengths of stem were cut and placed in five dishes.
A different concentration of IAA was added to each dish. The dishes were left for
24 hours and the mean increase in stem length was recorded.
The results are shown in the table below.

(i) Use the information in the table to describe the effect of IAA concentration on
the mean increase in stem length.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(ii) Suggest one other variable that needs to be controlled in this experiment.
(1)
......................................................................................
(iii) It is important that the calculated means are reliable.
Using the information in the table, state the mean result that is the least
reliable. Give a reason for your answer.
(1)
......................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(Total 9 marks)

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27 Nerve impulses are transmitted along the axon of a neurone.
(a) The diagram below shows the structure of a motor neurone.

(i) Place a cross in the box next to the part of the neurone labelled T.
(1)
A dendrite
B node of Ranvier
C Schwann cell
D synapse
(ii) The graph below shows changes in the membrane potential during the
transmission of an impulse along the axon of a motor neurone.

Place a cross in the box next to the description of the membrane potential
at 0.75 ms on the graph.
(1)
A depolarised
B hyperpolarised
C polarised
D repolarised
(iii) Explain how the structure of this motor neurone affects the speed of the
impulse along the axon.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................

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(b) The photograph shows a golden poison frog (Phyllobates terribilis).

The skin of this frog produces a poison that affects sodium ion channels in the
axon membrane of a neurone. The poison causes these channels to stay open.
(i) Explain the effect the poison has on the ability of a neurone to transmit impulses.
(4)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(ii) Suggest why the neurones of the golden poison frog are not affected if they
come into contact with the poison.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 10 marks)
28 Some animals, such as spiders, bite and inject venom into their prey. The venom affects the
transmission of nerve impulses and paralyses the prey.
In an investigation, scientists estimated the toxicity of the venom by measuring the dose that can kill
50% of prey after injection. This dose is called the LD50.
The graph below shows the relationship between the percentage of prey killed and the dose of
venom A and venom B.

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(a) (i) Use the information in the graph to compare the toxicity of venom A and venom B.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(ii) Place a cross in the box next to the independent variable in this investigation.
A dose of venom
B mass of the prey
C percentage of prey killed
D toxicity of the venom
(1)
(b) Two scientists, P and Q, investigated the LD50 values for the venom produced by four species of
spider. Their results are shown in the table below.

Scientist P measured the toxicity in mg kg 1 and scien st Q measured the

toxicity in µg kg 1 . One µg is equal to 0.001 mg.
Name the species with the most toxic venom.
(1)
......................................................................................
(c) The venom from L. mactans (black widow spider) causes constant impulses to be
sent along motor neurones. This results in cramps (constant muscle contractions),
a symptom of a black widow spider bite.
Suggest how constant impulses along motor neurones cause cramps.
(4)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 8 marks)
29 (b) Explain how the size of the pupil is changed when the eye is exposed to dim light.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................

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 .....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 3 marks)
30 The brain is a part of the nervous system involved in the control and coordination of
the body.
(a) Place a cross in the box that completes the following statement.
The part of the brain that has nervous control of the heartbeat is the
(1)
A cerebellum
B cerebral hemisphere
C hypothalamus
D medulla oblongata
(b) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to study brain structure.
The MRI scan below shows a human brain with a tumour.

(i) State the part of the brain in which the tumour has grown.
(1)
......................................................................................
(ii) Suggest the advantages of using MRI scanning to identify tumours, compared
with using CT scanning.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(c) Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain.
The function of dopamine is affected by caffeine. Caffeine slows down the rate of
dopamine reabsorption.
Suggest how caffeine might slow down the rate of dopamine reabsorption.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................

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......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(d) A selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) is a drug that reduces depression
by inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin.
Extracts of the plant St John’s wort have been used to treat depression.
A double blind trial compared the effectiveness of treating depression using a SSRI,
an extract of St John’s wort, and a placebo.
Depression was measured using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD).
The higher the HRSD score the greater the depression.
The table below shows the results of this trial.

(i) State what is meant by the term double blind.

(1)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(ii) Using the information in the table, compare the effectiveness of these three
treatments for depression.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(iii) Double blind trials give scientists confidence in the results collected.
Suggest two other ways in which this trial should have been designed, in
order to increase confidence in the results.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 13 marks)

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31 The nervous system contains myelinated and unmyelinated neurones.
(a) The diagram below shows a myelinated sensory neurone.

Give one feature, shown in the diagram, that identifies this cell as a sensory
neurone.
(1)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(b) The table below shows the conduction velocity of a nerve impulse along
myelinated and unmyelinated neurones of different diameters.

Using the information in the table, compare the axon diameter and conduction
velocity of these neurones.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(c) Explain why myelination affects the conduction velocity of a nerve impulse along an axon.
(5)
......................................................................................
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......................................................................................
.....................................................................................

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......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(d) Acetylcholine is broken down by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
Sarin is a chemical that inhibits this enzyme.
Suggest the effect that sarin has on the transmission of nerve impulses.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 12 marks)
32 Plants are able to detect light and respond to environmental cues.
(a) In an investigation, plants were exposed to five different periods of light and dark.
The production of flowers by these plants was recorded.
The table below shows the results of this investigation.

(i) Place a cross in the box that completes the following statement.
Flower production in these plants is stimulated when there is
(1)
A less than 9 hours of light
B more than 9 hours of light
C less than 12 hours of dark
D more than 18 hours of light
(ii) Suggest how different periods of light and dark could stimulate these plants to flower.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................

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 .....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(b) When a plant shoot is illuminated from one side, it grows towards the light.
Place a cross in the box that completes each of the following statements.
(i) The substance involved in this response is
(1)
A florigen
B IAA
C phytochrome
D rhodopsin
(ii) The substance produced in this response
(1)
A accumulates in the shoot tip
B moves downwards by osmosis
C moves away from the illuminated side
D moves towards the illuminated side
(Total 6 marks)
33 The zebrafish is a tropical freshwater fish that has been genetically modified.
The photograph below shows a zebrafish.

(a) The transcription factor known as Sp2 has been studied. In this study, a gene
from red coral cells was added to the genome of the zebrafish.
The gene from red coral cells produces a red protein when the synthesis of Sp2
also occurs.
(i) Explain what is meant by the term transcription factor.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(ii) Suggest how this gene is removed from the red coral cells and then added to
the zebrafish genome.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................

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 .....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(b) Genetically modified zebrafish, in a variety of bright colours, can be bought from
some pet shops.
The colour of the zebrafish depends on which gene has been added to its
genome.
Suggest one potential risk to other organisms in a river ecosystem if a genetically
modified zebrafish escaped into this river.
(1)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(c) The optimum temperature range for zebrafish to survive is 17–29 °C.
An investigation was carried out to study the effect of water temperature on the
survival of both genetically modified zebrafish and non-genetically modified
zebrafish.
The results are shown in the table below.

(i) These results suggest that there would be less risk to the environment if
zebrafish with the gene for the red protein escaped into a cold water river
compared with non-genetically modified zebrafish.
Using the information in the table, give the evidence for this.
(1)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
(ii) These results also suggest that there may be no difference in the lowest
temperature for survival of the zebrafish with the gene for the green protein
and the non-genetically modified zebrafish.
Using the information in the table, give the evidence for this.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 9 marks)
34 Weisel and Hubel studied the development of vision during the critical window
(critical period) of various mammals.
(a) In one investigation, kittens were used.
(i) Suggest why kittens were used to study the development of vision in humans.
(1)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
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(ii) Suggest why the kittens used were all from one set of parents.
(1)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(b) A kitten had its right eye covered for the first seven weeks after birth.
The right eye was then uncovered. The left eye was not covered.
After seven weeks the visual cortex of this kitten was studied.
(i) Describe what happens to the visual pigment in a rod cell when stimulated by light.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(ii) Explain what happens to the visual cortex when the right eye of this kitten is
covered for the first seven weeks after birth.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(c) Give one reason why some people believe that it is ethically unacceptable to use
kittens in medical research.
(1)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 8 marks)
35 A neurone is a cell that has a potential difference across its cell surface membrane.
This potential difference changes when a neurone is stimulated.
(a) The potential difference across the membrane of a neurone was investigated
before and after stimulation.
The table below shows the results of this investigation.

Page | 46
(i) Place a cross in the box that completes the following statement.
The resting potential for this neurone is
(1)
A – 80 mV
B – 70 mV
C 0 mV
D + 30 mV
(ii) Using the information in the table, describe the changes in the potential
difference from 1.00 ms to 1.50 ms.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(iii) Suggest an explanation for the change in potential difference across the
membrane between 1.00 ms and 1.50 ms.
(5)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(b) This neurone was given a second stimulus at 1.50 ms.
This had no effect on the changes in the potential difference shown in the table.
Suggest reasons why the second stimulus had no effect on the changes in the
potential difference.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 10 marks)
36 Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the human brain.
A reduced level of this neurotransmitter has been linked to depression.
(a) Explain what is meant by the term neurotransmitter.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................

Page | 47
 .....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(b) A serotonin selective reabsorption inhibitor (SSRI) may be given to patients to
reduce depression.
Suggest how this helps to reduce depression.
(2)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(c) An investigation was carried out to study habituation in a group of people.
Each person wore a pair of headphones through which a short sound was played once.
This sound made each person blink their eyes.
The degree of contraction of one muscle involved in blinking was recorded.
The mean degree of muscle contraction was calculated for the group.
This was repeated with the sound played 5 times, 10 times, 15 times and 20 times.
The mean results for the group were recorded.
The results are shown in the graph below.

(i) Suggest an explanation for the change in the mean degree of muscle
contraction.
(3)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................

Page | 48
(ii) Describe how this investigation could be extended to obtain valid and reliable
data on how the volume of the sound could affect habituation.
(4)
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
.....................................................................................
......................................................................................
(Total 11 marks)

Te End

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The End
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