Past exam questions

Question 1

The testes produce the hormone testosterone, which has the following
functions?

Answer 1

1.Development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as
beard, pubic hair, deep voice and a muscular body.
2. Stimulates the maturation of sperm cells.

Question 2

Name the accessory glands of the male reproductive system and
give ONE function of each.

Answer 2

-Seminal vesicle which produces a fluid that contains nutrients for the sperm cells, so that they have energy to swim.
-Prostate gland produces an alkaline fluid that neutralises
acids produced in the vagina, so that sperm cells are
protected.
Cowper’s gland produces mucus that helps with the
movementof sperm cells.

Question 3

Explain the role of the nucleus of the sperm cell in fertilisation

Answer 3

The nucleus contains 23 chromosomes (n), and fuses
with the nucleus of an egg cell, which also contains 23
chromosomes (n). The result is a zygote with
46 chromosomes (2n).

Question 4

Name all the parts of the sperm cell that are responsible for
movement. State what the function of each part is.

Answer 4

Mitochondria provide energy for swimming.
Tail moves in a whip-like fashion to propel the sperm cell
forwards.

Question 5

DNA replication occurs during …

Answer 5

interphase

Question 6

The structure in the ear that equalises the pressure on either side of the eardrum

Answer 6

Eustachian tube

Question 7

Measurement of the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions of an individual, a defined population or a company per year

Answer 7

carbon footprint

Question 8

The type of pollution caused when water is released into a river after being heated in power stations or industries

Answer 8

thermal pollution

Question 9

The watery fluid that supports the cornea and the front chamber of the eye

Answer 9

aqueous fluid

Question 10

The hormone produced by the Graafian follicle

Answer 10

oestrogen

Question 11

The hormone responsible for the formation of the corpus luteum

Answer 11

luteinising hormone

Question 12

The receptors in the ear that detect changes in the direction and speed of any movement of the body

Answer 12

cristae

Question 13

hormone which stimulates the secretion of thyroxin

Answer 13

thyroid stimulating hormone

Question 14

The type of fertilisation associated with viviparous reproduction

Answer 14

internal

Question 15

The series of changes that take place in the shape of the lens and the eyeball in response to the distance of an object from the eye

Answer 15

accomodation

Question 16

Name the process by which male gametes in humans are formed through meiosis.

Answer 16

spermatogenesis

Question 17

describe mendels law of segregation

Answer 17

for each allele received you will get one characteristic

Question 18

Name TWO processes occurring during the 1st meiotic division that contribute to the genetic variation of cells

Answer 18

random assortment of chromosomes and crossing over

Question 19

what is the function of the epididymis

Answer 19

store sperm cells

Question 20

what are the consequences for reproduction of the sperm duct is damaged

Answer 20

-Sperm cells will not pass to urethra to fertilize the egg

and hence he will not be able to have children

Question 21

Explain why it would still be possible for an HIV positive man to infect another person during sexual intercourse after the sperm duct is surgically cut.

Answer 21

The HI virus may still be passed on during sexual intercourse
through the secretions of the accessory glands

Question 22

Describe how the different parts of the ear and brain allow for hearing to occur.

Answer 22

Sound waves are directed by the pinna
- through the auditory canal
- to the tympanic membrane/ eardrum
- causing it to vibrate
- The vibrations of the tympanic membrane are transferred to the ossicles in
the middle ear
- which eventually causes the oval window to vibrate
- This sets up pressure waves in the perilymph
- Pressure waves are then transferred to the endolymph in the cochlea
- This stimulates the Organ of Corti
- in the cochlea
- to convert this stimulus into a nerve impulse
- *which is then transported along the auditory nerve
- *to the cerebrum
- *where the sound is interpreted

Question 23

What is a reflex action?

Answer 23

A reflex action is a rapid, automatic response to a stimulus

Question 24

State the significance of the functional connection at the synapse.

Answer 24

It ensures that the impulse moves in one direction only

Question 25

Name TWO hormones that have the opposite effect to that of insulin.

Answer 25

Adrenalin and glucagon

Question 26

Define homeostasis.

Answer 26

the process by which the human body is able to maintain a constant internal enviroment