Free Drugs questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), part of Coordination & response. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Generate a full Drugs worksheet →All Coordination & response questionsAntibiotics are used to treat some diseases.
1 Some bacteria are resistant because of a mutation.
2 Overuse of antibiotics increases the chance of resistant bacteria surviving.
3 Patients should stop taking antibiotics as soon as they feel better.
Which statements are correct?
Answer: B
Which term is described by this statement?
“Drugs that kill bacteria but do not affect viruses.”
Answer: B
Antibiotics are used to treat some diseases.
1 Antibiotics kill bacteria but do not affect viruses.
2 Patients should stop taking antibiotics as soon as they feel better.
3 Some bacteria are resistant because of a mutation.
Which statements are correct?
Answer: B
Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections.
Explain why antibiotics do not work against viruses.
Explain how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.
Suggest two ways to reduce the development of resistant bacteria.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | viruses have no cell structures that antibiotics target antibiotics affect bacterial cell processes/structures (e.g. cell walls) B1 viruses do not have these/reproduce inside host cells B1 | 2 |
| (b) | mutation, selection, resistant survive and reproduce a mutation makes some bacteria resistant B1 when antibiotics are used, the resistant bacteria survive B1 they reproduce and pass on resistance B1 | 3 |
| (c) | complete the course; only use when necessary Any 2 of: complete the full course; only use antibiotics when needed (not for viral infections); limit use in farming B2 | 2 |
A drug is any substance that affects chemical reactions in the body.
Explain how smoking damages the gas exchange system.
State the effect of carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | tar paralyses cilia; mucus; emphysema; cancer tar damages cilia so mucus builds up (bronchitis/infections) B1 emphysema breaks down alveoli walls (smaller surface area) B1 carcinogens cause lung cancer B1 | 3 |
| (b) | binds to haemoglobin combines with haemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport B1 | 1 |
Alcohol is a depressant drug.
Describe two effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
Explain why heroin is a powerful depressant.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | slower reactions; liver damage; addiction Any 2 of: slower reaction times; liver damage (cirrhosis); addiction; poor judgement B2 | 2 |
| (b) | affects synapses/reduces nervous activity it affects synapses in the brain B1 slowing down the nervous system B1 | 2 |
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Meet Riyaz →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