Disease (Cambridge O Level Biology)

Exam Questions

1 hour19 questions
1a
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3 marks

Fig. 1 shows a mosquito feeding on human blood.

cie-igcse-2018-s3-may-p3-q4a-mosquito

Fig. 1

(i)

Mosquitoes can carry transmissible diseases such as malaria.

Define the term transmissible disease.

[2]

(ii)

Using information from Fig. 1, suggest how the mosquito is adapted for feeding on human blood.

[1]
1b
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4 marks
(i)

The human body has a number of defences against disease.

State the name of the mechanical barrier which is broken by the mosquito.

[1]

(ii)

Some components of blood defend the body against disease.

Table 1 contains the names of three of the components of blood.

It also states three defence mechanisms.

Complete Table 1 by placing a tick (✓) in the box that matches each defence mechanism to the correct component of blood.

Table 1

defence mechanism component of blood
platelets red blood cells white blood cells
antibody production      
blood clotting      
phagocytosis      
[3]
1c
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2 marks

The body also has chemical barriers against disease.

State the name of two chemical barriers in the body.

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2a
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1 mark

What term is used to describe disease-causing organisms?

2b
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2 marks

Fig. 1 shows some virus particles that cause the transmissible disease, influenza.

cie-igcse-2020-specimen-p3-q6b-influenza

Fig. 1

Suggest how the virus particles that cause influenza are transmitted from one person to another.

2c
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3 marks

Describe the defences of the body which prevent or fight infection.

2d
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2 marks

Explain why antibiotics are not successful in treating influenza.

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1a
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2 marks

Pathogens can be passed from one host to another in different ways.

State two examples of how this happens.

1b
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3 marks

Hygienic food preparation methods are very important in preventing the spread of pathogens and disease.

Explain three examples of such methods.

1c
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1 mark

Cholera is a bacterial disease.

State the name of the bacterium that causes cholera.

1d
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2 marks

One of the symptoms of cholera is diarrhoea, which may become life-threatening if left untreated.

Suggest why persistent diarrhoea can be life threatening.

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2
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5 marks
(i)
Describe and explain the effects of cholera bacteria on the gut.

[4]

(ii)
Suggest one treatment for cholera.

[1]

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3a
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5 marks

Eating food contaminated by bacteria can cause illness.

This type of illness is called food poisoning.

Fig. 1 shows the number of cases of food poisoning per 100 000 people in the population in one country.

cie-igcse-2018-s2-may-p3-q3a-food-poisoning-graph

Fig. 1

(i)

State the year with the highest number of cases of food poisoning in Fig. 1.

[1]

(ii)

State the number of cases of food poisoning per 100 000 people in the population in the year 1996 in Fig. 1.

[1]
(iii)

Describe the trend in the number of cases of food poisoning between 2003 and 2011 in Fig. 1.

[3]
3b
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1 mark

Food poisoning is caused by different types of bacteria.

A common type of bacterium that causes food poisoning is Campylobacter jejuni.

State the genus of this species.

3c
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1 mark

Food poisoning can result in vomiting and diarrhoea.

Outline the treatment of diarrhoea.

3d
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3 marks

The body has several defence mechanisms against bacteria.

Table 1 shows three types of defence mechanism.

The word list gives examples of these defence mechanisms.

In Table 1 write the examples under the correct type of defence.

Use each word once only.

antibodies          mucus           nasal hairs       

 phagocytosis           skin           stomach acid

Table 1

cellular chemical mechanical
     
     

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4a
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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]
4b
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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 HIV can be controlled.

[3]

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1a
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2 marks

Streptococcus pyogenes is a pathogenic bacteria that spreads through direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat, as well as through open wounds and sores on the skin of infected people.

In the 19th century, many women died shortly after childbirth due to a disease called puerperal fever, which is caused by an infection of S. pyogenes. At the time, it was common practice for doctors to dissect dead bodies in order to study human anatomy and then move straight on to delivering babies immediately after.

Suggest an explanation for the frequent deaths of women after childbirth due to puerperal fever.

1b
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3 marks

Table 1 shows the number of births and deaths at a hospital between 1841 and 1846.

Table 1

year
number of births
number of deaths
1841
3036
237
1842
3287
518
1843
3060
274
1844
3157
260
1845
3492
241
1846
3905
479

Calculate the percentage change in the number of deaths between 1841 and 1846.

Show your working and give your answer to the nearest whole number.

1c
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6 marks

In 1847 a handwashing policy was introduced at the hospital from part (b) which stated that doctors should wash their hands before delivering babies in the maternity ward. This policy was strictly enforced in 1848.

Fig. 1 shows the death rate of mothers from puerperal fever between 1846 and 1848.

handwashing

Fig. 1

Describe and explain the data from January 1847 to July 1848.

1d
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2 marks

Other than washing their hands, suggest two other hygiene practices that doctors in modern hospitals should follow in order to avoid the spread of pathogens to their patients.

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2a
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4 marks

Table 1 shows information about deaths from malaria in a particular area of Africa.

Table 1

year number of deaths from malaria per 100 000 people
2005 159
2007 136
2009 114
2011 97
2013 94
2015 92

Complete Fig. 1 using data from Table 1.

malaria-death-graph-axes-1

Fig. 1

2b
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2 marks

Malaria is spread by the female Anopheles mosquito when they break through the skin of an uninfected person during a blood meal.

Explain how the skin acts as a mechanical barrier against disease.

2c
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4 marks

Once the mechanical barrier formed by the skin is broken, the malaria pathogen enters the blood.

Outline the defence mechanism that will come into effect once a pathogen enters the blood.

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