Diet & Health (Edexcel AS Biology (A) SNAB): Exam Questions

There are several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, some of which are listed in the table below.

(i) Identify these by placing a tick (✔) in the appropriate boxes in the table.

The first row has been completed for you.

(2)

Another risk factor for cardiovascular disease, not listed in the table above, is the misuse of alcohol.

(ii) Describe how the misuse of alcohol can result in an increased risk of CVD.

(2)

A group of researchers attempted to assess the risk of young adults (aged 18 - 45 years) with high blood pressure from developing cardiovascular disease in later life.

Risk was measured as relative risk compared to a healthy individual of that age group. 

The results are shown in the graphs below.

Determine the systolic and diastolic blood pressures that would result in a doubling of the relative risk of developing coronary heart disease. 

Explain why increased blood pressure causes an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The drug Frusol™ (furosemide) is a diuretic and is widely prescribed to patients with high blood pressure.

A diuretic increases urine production. 

Explain how a diuretic may reduce blood pressure and relieve the symptoms.

The sugar ribose (C₅H₁₀O₅) has the following structure.

In the table below, place a tick (✓) against each statement that applies to ribose.

Compare and contrast the structures of alpha and beta glucose.

The table below lists some properties of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆). 

For each property listed, state why the properties of glucose make it a good molecule for its roles.

State two features of a glycosidic bond that forms between two monosaccharides in a condensation reaction.

The table below contains statements that could apply to three polysaccharides. 

Complete the table with a tick (✓) in each box if the statement applies correctly. 

Explain the name of the type of reaction that forms the carbohydrates in part (a) from their monomers.

State two features of starch and explain how these features allow starch to act as a storage substance.

Two molecules of a disaccharide are condensed together to form a larger sugar molecule.

The chemical formula of the disaccharide is C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁.

Determine the formula of the resulting larger sugar molecule.

The Basic Metabolic Rate (BMR) of a human is the rate at which that person uses food energy to sustain life at rest.

BMR can be divided among various organs and systems as shown in the graphs below.

(i) Calculate the percentage difference in the oxygen consumption of the liver & spleen at rest as compared to that of the brain.

Express your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures. 

(3)

(ii) Using the pie chart, predict the changes in the metabolic rates of the various organs in the table below if a person goes from a resting state into a period of vigorous exercise.

State your predictions by completing the missing boxes in the table below. 

(3)

Around 25% of the total BMR at rest is used to release energy into the nervous system.

Use your knowledge of the nervous system to explain what this energy is principally released for.

The table below gives some data about two adult males.

One is a professional athlete and the other is an office worker. 

A dietician looked at this data and concluded that both men would lose weight over a period of two weeks if they each sustained these levels of energy input and output. 

Evaluate this statement.