Extended · structured questions. Each generated paper follows the 0610 Paper 4 · Theory format, with the same number and style of questions as the real exam, and comes with a Cambridge-style mark scheme.
The concentration of glucose in the blood of two people, P and Q, is measured after each drinks a glucose solution. In P it rises to a peak and returns to normal within two hours. In Q it rises higher and stays high for several hours.
(a)
Name the organ that detects the rise in blood glucose and the hormone it releases.
[2]
(b)
Explain how the hormone brings the glucose concentration of P back to normal.
[3]
(c)
Suggest the condition that person Q has and how it is treated.
[2]
(d)
Explain how the body responds when blood glucose falls too low, and why this is an example of negative feedback.
[3]
(e)
Compare nervous and hormonal control in terms of speed and duration of response.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
pancreas; insulin
pancreas B1 insulin B1
2
(b)
Insulin travels in the blood to the liver (and muscles); glucose converted to glycogen and stored; cells take up more glucose
carried in blood to target organ / liver B1 glucose converted to glycogen B1 stored in liver/muscles / more glucose taken up by cells B1
3
(c)
Type 1 diabetes; insulin injections and controlled diet (monitoring)
The body maintains a constant internal temperature.
(a)
Define homeostasis.
[2]
(b)
Describe how the body responds when it is too hot.
[3]
(c)
Explain what is meant by negative feedback.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
maintenance of constant internal environment
the maintenance of a constant internal environment B1 within set limits B1
2
(b)
sweating; vasodilation; hairs flat
sweating, which cools by evaporation B1 vasodilation of arterioles near the skin, so more heat lost by radiation B1 hairs lie flat B1
3
(c)
change triggers response that reverses it
a change from the set point is detected B1 a response is produced that reverses the change, returning conditions to the set point B1
2
Question 3Structured · 6 marks
Digestion breaks down large insoluble molecules into small soluble ones.
(a)
Distinguish between mechanical and chemical digestion.
[2]
(b)
Name the enzyme that digests starch, and the product.
[2]
(c)
State two places where amylase is produced.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
physical breakdown vs enzymes
mechanical: breakdown into smaller pieces without chemical change (teeth/stomach churning) B1 chemical: breakdown of large molecules into small molecules by enzymes B1
2
(b)
amylase; maltose
amylase B1 maltose B1
2
(c)
salivary glands; pancreas
salivary glands B1 pancreas B1
2
Question 4Structured · 4 marks
Vertebrates are divided into five classes.
(a)
Name the five classes of vertebrates.
[2]
(b)
State two features found in mammals but not in birds.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish
Any 2 of: mammals; birds; reptiles; amphibians; fish (all five = 2, three or four = 1) B2
2
(b)
fur/hair; mammary glands; external ears; live young
Any 2 of: hair/fur; mammary glands; external ears (pinna); give birth to live young B2
2
Question 5Structured · 14 marks
This question is about disease and the body’s defences.
(a)
State what is meant by a pathogen and by a transmissible disease.
[2]
(b)
Describe how the body defends itself against pathogens before they enter the blood.
[3]
A person is vaccinated against a disease. Two months later they are exposed to the pathogen.
(c)(i)
Describe and explain how vaccination provides protection against the disease.
[5]
(ii)
Explain why passive immunity from antibodies given by injection lasts only a short time.
[2]
(d)
State two ways in which phagocytes and lymphocytes protect the body.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
disease-causing organism; disease where pathogen passed between hosts
pathogen: a disease-causing organism B1 transmissible disease: a disease in which the pathogen can be passed from one host to another B1
2
(b)
skin barrier; hairs in nose; mucus traps; stomach acid kills
skin acts as a barrier B1 hairs in the nose / mucus traps pathogens B1 stomach acid kills pathogens B1
3
(c)(i)
weakened pathogen / antigens; lymphocytes make antibodies; memory cells; faster larger secondary response; pathogen destroyed before symptoms
vaccine contains weakened / dead pathogens or their antigens B1 lymphocytes produce specific antibodies B1 memory cells are produced B1 on exposure, memory cells make antibodies more quickly and in larger amounts B1 pathogens are destroyed before symptoms develop B1
5
(ii)
antibodies broken down; no memory cells made
the antibodies are broken down (not replaced) B1 no memory cells are produced B1
2
(d)
phagocytes engulf and digest pathogens; lymphocytes make antibodies
phagocytes engulf and digest pathogens (phagocytosis) B1 lymphocytes produce antibodies B1
2
Question 6Structured · 5 marks
In a food chain, energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.
(a)
Explain why food chains rarely have more than five trophic levels.
[3]
(b)
Define a consumer and a producer.
[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
Part
Answer and marking points
Marks
(a)
energy lost at each level
energy is lost at each level B1 through respiration, movement, heat, excretion and uneaten parts B1 too little energy is left for higher levels B1
3
(b)
organism that eats; organism that makes food by photosynthesis
producer: makes its own organic nutrients (photosynthesis) B1 consumer: gets energy by feeding on other organisms B1
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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