IGCSE · Biology 0610 · Human nutrition

Absorption: IGCSE Biology questions with answers

Free Absorption questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), part of Human nutrition. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Absorption practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

The small intestine is adapted for absorption.
1    Villi increase the surface area.
2    The walls of the villi are many cells thick for strength.
3    Each villus contains blood capillaries and a lacteal.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 1 and 3 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 3 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which statement describes absorption?

  1. A The movement of nutrients from the intestines into the blood
  2. B The ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment
  3. C A genetic change
  4. D Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for absorption
Show answer

Answer: A

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

The small intestine is adapted for absorption.
1    Microvilli further increase the surface area.
2    Each villus contains blood capillaries and a lacteal.
3    Fatty acids and glycerol are absorbed mainly into the blood capillaries.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 1 and 2 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 2 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 4Structured · 3 marksA* challenge

Coeliac disease damages the villi of the small intestine.

(a)

Suggest why people with coeliac disease may lose weight.

[2]
(b)

Name the process by which glucose moves into the blood when its concentration is lower in the gut.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)smaller surface area, less absorption
the villi are damaged/flattened B1
so the surface area is reduced and less food is absorbed B1
2
(b)active transport
active transport B1
1
Question 5Structured · 4 marks

The small intestine is adapted for absorption.

(a)

Describe two features of villi that increase the rate of absorption.

[2]
(b)

Name the vessel in a villus that absorbs fatty acids and glycerol.

[1]
(c)

State where most water is absorbed.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)large surface area; thin walls; capillaries; lacteal
Any 2 of: any two: large surface area (microvilli); thin walls (one cell thick); good blood supply (capillaries); lacteal B2
2
(b)lacteal
lacteal B1
1
(c)small intestine
small intestine (some in the colon) B1
1
Question 6Structured · 3 marksA* challenge

Glucose is absorbed into the blood in the small intestine.

(a)

Name the blood vessel that carries absorbed food to the liver.

[1]
(b)

Explain how a good blood supply helps absorption.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)hepatic portal vein
hepatic portal vein B1
1
(b)maintains concentration gradient
blood carries absorbed molecules away B1
maintaining a steep concentration gradient for diffusion B1
2

More Human nutrition questions

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in