Reproduction in Plants & Humans (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Biology)

Exam Questions

4 hours36 questions
1a
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4 marks

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Fig. 1 is a diagram of the human female reproductive system.

cie-igcse-2018-febmar-q4a

Fig. 1

Table 1

function

letter

name

releases oestrogen

 

 

site of fertilisation

 

 

site of implantation

 

 

dilates during the process of birth

 

 

Complete Table 1 to show the letter and the name of each of the structures that perform these functions.

1b
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2 marks

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Fertilisation is the fusion of the nuclei of a male gamete and a female gamete resulting in a zygote.

State the number of chromosomes present in a human:

(i)

Female gamete

[1]

(ii)

Zygote

[1]

1c
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3 marks

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Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Fig. 2 shows the number of reported cases of chlamydia in females in each age group in one country.

screenshot-2022-10-10-16-49-26

Fig. 2

Describe the results shown by the data in Fig. 2.

1d
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5 marks

Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium.

(i)

Suggest a treatment for chlamydia.

[1]

(ii)

State the name of one other STI.

[1]

(iii)

Complete the sentences about the spread of STIs.

STIs are transmitted through the transfer of ............................................... during sexual contact. One way individuals can avoid the spread of STIs is to use a type of ............................................... contraception. One example of this type of contraception is ............................................... .

[3]

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2a
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5 marks

The boxes on the left contain the names of flower parts.

The boxes on the right contain descriptions of the functions of the flower parts.

Draw one straight line from each box on the left to one box on the right to link the flower part to its function.

Draw five lines.

097031-may-2019-paper-3-q1a-flower-parts---sq
2b
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2 marks

Pollen grains from wind-pollinated flowers and insect-pollinated flowers are different.

State two ways in which a pollen grain from a wind-pollinated flower is different to a pollen grain from an insect-pollinated flower.

2c
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6 marks

Complete the sentences about seeds.

Use words from the list.

Each word may be used once, more than once, or not at all.

asexual 

carbon dioxide

gravity 

hormones

light 

mineral ions

oxygen 

sexual

vitamins 

water

 

 

 

Plants produce seeds as a result of .............................................. reproduction. Seeds germinate if they have the correct conditions. These conditions include a suitable temperature and also .............................................. and .............................................. .

The germinating seed produces a young root which grows downwards in response to .............................................. . The young root absorbs .............................................. and .............................................. from the soil as well as keeping the young plant in a stable position.

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3a
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4 marks

Table 1 shows four structures associated with the human male reproductive system.

Complete Table 1 by identifying the level of organisation of each structure.

Choose your answers from the list.

CIE IGCSE 2019 May/June p4 Q4

Table 1

structure

level of organisation

epithelium

 

nucleus

 

sperm

 

testis

 

3b
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5 marks

Fig. 1 shows the male reproductive system.

cie-igcse-2019-paper4-4b

Fig. 1

Table 2 shows information about the male reproductive system shown in Fig. 1.

Complete Table 2.

Table 2

name of structure

function

letter in Fig. 1

testis

 

 

 

transports sperm but not urine

 

 

tube for urine and seminal fluid through the penis

 

prostate gland

 

 

 

contains the testes

 

3c
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1 mark

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Draw an X on Fig. 1 on the structure where meiosis occurs.

3d
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2 marks

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Sperm and eggs each have a nucleus which is haploid.

(i)

Define the term haploid nucleus.

[1]

(ii)

State the number of chromosomes in a human haploid nucleus.

[1]

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4a
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1 mark

Fig. 1 shows a fetus developing inside the uterus.

cie-igcse-2020-specimen-p3-q3a-fetus

Fig. 1

The fetus developed from a fertilised egg cell

Draw an X on Fig. 1 to show where an egg cell is normally fertilised.

4b
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2 marks

State the functions of the structures labelled A and B

4c
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2 marks

Describe the roles of the structures labelled C and D during labour and birth.

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5a
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3 marks

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of part of the male reproductive system.

cie-igcse-2023-specimen-q5a

Fig. 1

State the letter on Fig. 1 that identifies:

(i)

Where sperm are made

[1]

(ii)

The part that carries urine and sperm out of the body

[1]

(iii)

Where the fluid that is added to the sperm is made

[1]

5b
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3 marks

Sperm must pass through different structures in the female reproductive system to reach an egg cell.

State the names of three of these structures.

5c
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3 marks

State three ways that sperm are adapted for their function.

5d
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3 marks

Sperm contain chromosomes. Chromosomes contain genes.

(i)

State all the possible sex chromosomes that normal sperm can contain.

[1]

(ii)

Complete the definition of the term gene.

Use words from the list.

Each word can only be used once or not at all.

carbohydrate            DNA           fat       

 nuclei           protein

A gene is a length of .............................................. that codes for a ...............................................

[2]

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6a
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3 marks

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of the human female reproductive system. 

2018-nov-s1-061031-q1

Fig. 1

Using letters AF, identify the parts of the human female reproductive system in Fig. 1.

(i)

Where eggs are made.

[1]

(ii)

Where fertilisation occurs.

[1]

(iii)

Where implantation of the zygote occurs.

[1]

6b
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2 marks

Oestrogen is a hormone responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.

(i)

State the name of the part of the female reproductive system that secretes oestrogen.

[1]

(ii)

Describe how the hormone oestrogen is transferred to its target organs.

[1]

6c
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4 marks

Table 1 shows some secondary sexual characteristics.

Place ticks (✓) in Table 1 to show which characteristics develop during puberty in boys and girls.

One row has been done for you. 

Table 1

secondary sexual characteristic

boy

girl

breasts grow

 

growth of sex organs

 

 

growth of pubic hair

 

 

start of menstruation

 

 

voice deepens

 

 

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7a
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4 marks

Fig. 1 shows the human female reproductive system.

cie-igcse-2018-s3-may-p3-q8a-female-reproductive-system

Fig. 1

Use the letters on Fig. 1 to identify:

  • The cervix

  • The oviduct

  • The uterus

  • The vagina

7b
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1 mark

On Fig. 1, write an X to show where female gametes are produced.

7c
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1 mark

State the name of the structure where fertilisation normally takes place.

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1a
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2 marks

Define the term pollination.

1b
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2 marks

Fig 1 shows a flower that reproduces using wind-pollination.

xH8cO6N1_image

Fig 1

Describe two ways in which the flower in Fig. 1 is adapted for wind-pollination.

1c
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3 marks

Fig. 2 shows two photomicrographs of pollen.

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Fig 2

Describe, using your knowledge and the information in Fig. 2, how pollen from an insect-pollinated flower is different to pollen from a wind-pollinated flower.

1d
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3 marks

Sexual reproduction in plants results in seeds being formed.

State three conditions needed for the germination of seeds.

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2
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3 marks

Some insects can reproduce by sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction. In both types of reproduction chromosomes are passed from the parent or parents, to the offspring.

Fig. 1 shows a drawing of a parent insect and seven of her offspring: M, N, P, R, S, T and U.

TPNIOy8Z_image

Fig 1

(i)

Two of the offspring were produced by asexual reproduction.

Suggest the letters representing these two offspring.

[1]

(ii)

Insect R was produced by sexual reproduction.

Use the information from the diagram to support this statement.

[1]

(iii)

State the term that is defined as the observable features of an organism.

[1]

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3a
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2 marks

Complete the sentences by stating the part of the human body that produces male gametes and the part that produces female gametes.

Male gametes are produced by the ........................................................................

Female gametes are produced by the ...................................................................

3b
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9 marks

Fig. 1 represents the early stages in the development of a female embryo.

o9inhF6M_097031-may-2019-paper-3-q6b-fertilisation---sq

Fig. 1

(i)

State the names of the cells labelled P, Q and S in Fig. 1.

[3]

(ii)

Complete Fig. 1 by writing the correct sex chromosomes in structures P, Q and S.

[3]

(iii)

State the names of processes R and T in Fig. 1.

[2]

(iv)

State the name of the organ in the body in which the female embryo develops.

[1]

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4a
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8 marks

Fig. 1 shows a section through a flower.

cie-igcse-2020-specimen-p3-q7a-flower

Fig. 1

(i)

Write one letter from Fig. 1 to identify each of the following.

You may use each letter once, more than once, or not at all.

 Petal

 

 Anther

 

 Stigma

 

 A male part of the flower

 

 A part of the carpel

 

 Sepal

 

[6]

(ii)

Describe the evidence that this flower is pollinated by insects.

[2]

4b
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2 marks

Fig. 2 shows pollen grains from the flowers of several different species, labelled with the letters KQ.

cie-igcse-2020-specimen-p3-q7b-pollen

Fig. 2

State the letters of the pollen grains that come from insect-pollinated flowers.

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5
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3 marks

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Sugarcane is a crop plant that is usually grown from stem cuttings rather than from seeds.

Describe the advantages of using cuttings rather than seeds to reproduce crop plants.

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6a
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3 marks

Define the term sexual reproduction.

6b
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5 marks

Fig. 1 shows some organs in the body of a man.

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Fig. 1

(i)

Complete Table 1 by writing in the names of the parts labelled A to D in Fig. 1. 

Table 1

letter on Fig. 1

name of part

name of the substance or substances transported

A

 

faeces

B

 

sperm

C

 

sperm and urine

D

 

urine

[4]

(ii)

On Fig. 1 draw a label line to the prostate gland and label it P.

[1]

6c
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1 mark

State the function of the scrotum.

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7a
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4 marks

Fig. 1 shows sections of two flowers, K and L, from the same species.

0610p31q7a

Fig. 1

(i)

On flower L in Fig. 1, identify and label an ovule and a petal.

[2]

(ii)

State the names of the parts in Fig. 1 that: 

  • produce ovules

  • protect the bud of the flower

[2]

7b
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2 marks

On Fig. 1, draw an arrow to represent the transfer of pollen from flower K to flower L during pollination.

7c
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2 marks

A student said, “Flowers K and L are pollinated by insects.”

Describe two structures in flowers K and L that support this statement. 

Use features that are visible in Fig. 1. 

7d
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4 marks

Describe the pathway water takes in a plant, as it moves from the soil to a leaf.

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8a
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4 marks

Fig. 1 is a diagram of the human female reproductive system.

lTgY0AA6_061041-may-2018-paper-4-q6a-female-reproductive-system---sq

Fig. 1

(i)

Complete Table 1 by stating the letter from Fig. 1 that identifies the structure where each process occurs.

Table 1

process

letter from Fig. 1

 meiosis

 

 fertilisation

 

 implantation

 

[3]

(ii)

State the name of the part of the female reproductive system labelled S in Fig. 1.

[1]

8b
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2 marks

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Fig. 2 is a diagram of a human sperm cell.

061041-may-2018-paper-4-q6b-sperm-cell---sq

Fig. 2

(i)

Write the formula that would be used to calculate the magnification of the diagram.

[1]

(ii)

The actual length of the sperm cell in Fig. 2 is 0.055mm.

Convert this value to micrometres (μm).

Space for working.

___________ µm  [1]

8c
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2 marks

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Explain why the nuclei of sperm cells differ from those of other cells in the male.

8d
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6 marks

Explain the roles of the flagellum, the mitochondria and the acrosome in sperm cells.

8e
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2 marks

Explain why the sex of a child is determined by its father.

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9a
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4 marks

Fig. 1 is a half-flower drawing of pride of Barbados, Caesalpinia pulcherrima.

cie-igcse-2018-s3-p4-q6a

Fig. 1

Complete Table 1 by stating the letter from Fig. 1 that indicates the organ where each function occurs and the name of the organ.

Table 1

function

letter from Fig. 1

name of the organ

meiosis to produce pollen grains

 

 

pollination

 

 

development of seeds

 

 

protection of flower in the bud

 

 

9b
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4 marks

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Fig. 2 is a scanning electron micrograph of some pollen grains from wind-pollinated flowers and insect-pollinated flowers.

cie-igcse-2018-s3-p4-q6b

Fig. 2

(i)

Write the formula that would be used to calculate the actual diameter of pollen grain H.

[1]

(ii)

The actual diameter of pollen grain H is 0.082mm.

Convert this value to micrometres (μm).

[1]

(iii)

Explain how the pollen grain labelled J is adapted for insect pollination.

[2]

9c
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3 marks

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Pollen grains grow tubes, which contain haploid male gamete nuclei.

(i)

One of these male gamete nuclei fuses with the female gamete. State the part of the flower that contains the female gamete

[1]

(ii)

Define the term haploid nucleus.

[1]

(iii)

Explain why it is important for gametes to be haploid.

[1]

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10a
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3 marks

(i)

State one type of blood cell that is involved in the defence against disease.

[1]

(ii)

State two ways blood cells defend the body against disease.

[2]

10b
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7 marks

HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

(i)

Define the term sexually transmitted infection.

[2]

(ii)

State why antibiotics cannot be used to treat HIV infections.

[2]

(iii)

Explain how the spread of STIs can be controlled.

[3]

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11a
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3 marks

Glycogen is a storage carbohydrate in animals. Glycogen is made from glucose.

(i)

Cells that convert glucose to glycogen contain many mitochondria.

Suggest why these cells contain many mitochondria.

[2]

(ii)

State the type of biological molecule that catalyses reactions such as the conversion of glycogen to glucose.

[1]

11b
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3 marks

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A fetus needs glucose to make glycogen. 

Describe how a fetus obtains glucose.

11c
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11 marks

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Fig. 1 shows the concentration of glycogen in the fetus of a domestic cat during pregnancy and immediately after birth.

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Fig. 1

Hormones stimulate changes in the concentration of glycogen in the fetus.

(i)

Define the term hormone.

[3]

(ii)

Calculate the percentage increase in the glycogen concentration in the fetus between day 10 and birth in Fig. 1.

Give your answer to the nearest whole number.

Show your working.

[2]

(iii)

Describe the changes in glycogen concentration shown in Fig. 1 and explain how hormones in the fetus cause these changes.

Use data from Fig. 1 to support your answer.

[6]

11d
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3 marks

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After birth, cats produce milk to feed their offspring.

Human babies can be breast-fed or bottle-fed with formula milk.

Outline three disadvantages of breast-feeding.

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1a
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2 marks

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Explain the difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination.

1b
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4 marks

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Some plant species are self-pollinated.

Discuss the long-term effects of self-pollination on the evolution of these plant species.

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2a
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4 marks

Some students investigated the conditions needed for the germination of maize seeds. They used maize seeds from a packet of seeds they had purchased in a shop.

Three dishes were used, each containing cotton wool and the same number of maize seeds, as shown in Fig. 1.

061032-oct-2018-paper-3-q2a-maize-seeds---sq

Fig. 1

Table 1 shows the conditions provided for each dish. 

Table 1

conditions

dish

A

B

C

treatment of cotton wool

damp

dry

damp

temperature / °C

20

20

3

light or dark

light

light

dark

The seeds were left for five days and then observed.

The results are shown in Table 2

Table 2

dish

results

A

all seeds germinated

B

no seeds germinated

C

no seeds germinated

(i)

Explain why the seeds in dishes B and C did not germinate.

[2]

(ii)

In a second investigation, maize seeds were placed in a dish containing damp cotton wool.

This dish was left in the dark for five days at 20°C.

Predict and explain the results.

[2]

2b
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3 marks

A student gathered 70 maize seeds from plants growing in a field. The seeds were placed in dishes containing damp cotton wool.

After five days, only 64 seeds had germinated. 

(i)

Calculate the percentage of seeds that germinated.

Show your working.

Give your answer to the nearest whole number. 

[2]

(ii)

Suggest a reason why some of the seeds did not germinate.

[1]

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3a
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3 marks

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that commonly occurs in women of reproductive age. It is characterised by hormonal imbalances that affect the menstrual cycle of women with this condition.

Fig. 1 compares the levels of FSH and LH in a normal menstrual cycle with the levels seen in the cycle of a woman with PCOS.

hormone-level

Fig. 1

Use the information in Fig. 1 to explain the effect that PCOS would have on the ovaries of a woman.

3b
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2 marks

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Women with PCOS will often struggle with infertility.

Suggest a possible reason for this.

3c
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4 marks

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Fig. 2 shows changes in the thickening of the uterus wall lining in two women X and Y.

wall-thicckness

Fig. 2

Suggest an explanation for the difference in the thickness of the uterus wall lining between woman X and Y in Fig. 2.

3d
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2 marks

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Outline how the levels of LH and progesterone will differ between woman X and Y during the next calendar month (assume a normal menstrual cycle for woman Y). 

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