Free Reproduction in humans questions for IGCSE Biology (0610), part of Reproduction. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.
Generate a full Reproduction in Humans worksheet →All Reproduction questionsWhere do fertilisation and implantation take place in humans?
| fertilisation | implantation | |
|---|---|---|
| A | uterus lining | uterus lining |
| B | uterus | oviduct |
| C | oviduct | uterus lining |
| D | ovary | uterus lining |
Answer: C
Which structure produces sperm?
Answer: A
The female reproductive system produces eggs.
Name the site of fertilisation.
State the function of the placenta.
Explain why the blood of the mother and the fetus do not mix.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | oviduct oviduct B1 | 1 |
| (b) | exchange of nutrients, oxygen, waste exchange of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus B1 removal of carbon dioxide and urea B1 | 2 |
| (c) | different pressure/blood groups; barrier to toxins/pathogens Any 2 of: prevents high maternal blood pressure damaging the fetus; acts as a barrier to some pathogens and toxins; blood groups may differ B2 | 2 |
This question is about human reproduction.
State where fertilisation takes place and what is formed.
Give two ways in which a sperm cell is adapted for its function.
Describe the functions of the placenta.
Explain why the blood of the mother and fetus do not mix.
Describe the roles of oestrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | oviduct; zygote in the oviduct B1 a zygote is formed B1 | 2 |
| (b) | flagellum to swim; many mitochondria; acrosome enzymes Any 2 of: flagellum for swimming; many mitochondria to release energy; acrosome containing enzymes to digest a way into the egg B2 | 2 |
| (c) | exchange of oxygen, nutrients to fetus; removes CO₂ and urea; barrier to some pathogens; secretes hormones Any 3 of: oxygen and nutrients diffuse from mother to fetus; carbon dioxide and urea diffuse from fetus to mother; acts as a barrier to some pathogens / toxins; produces hormones (progesterone) B3 | 3 |
| (d) | different blood groups could clot; mother’s higher pressure could damage fetus the blood groups may be different and could clot B1 the mother’s blood pressure is higher and could damage the fetus’s blood vessels B1 | 2 |
| (e) | oestrogen repairs uterus lining; progesterone maintains lining; fall in progesterone leads to menstruation oestrogen causes the uterus lining to thicken / repair B1 progesterone maintains the uterus lining B1 a fall in progesterone causes the lining to break down (menstruation) B1 | 3 |
This question is about the human reproductive systems and hormones.
State the functions of the testes and the ovaries.
Describe two secondary sexual characteristics in males and two in females, caused by sex hormones at puberty.
Name the hormone that triggers ovulation and the gland that secretes it.
Describe how the combined contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy.
Explain why a condom reduces the spread of HIV, but the combined contraceptive pill does not.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | produce sperm and testosterone; produce eggs and oestrogen/progesterone testes produce sperm and testosterone B1 ovaries produce eggs and oestrogen (and progesterone) B1 | 2 |
| (b) | male: deeper voice, facial hair, muscle; female: breasts, hips widen, menstruation Any 4 of: males: voice deepens; facial / body hair; increased muscle growth; females: breasts develop; hips widen; menstruation begins (two for each) B4 | 4 |
| (c) | LH; pituitary gland LH (luteinising hormone) B1 pituitary gland B1 | 2 |
| (d) | contains oestrogen and progesterone; inhibits FSH/LH, no ovulation contains oestrogen and progesterone B1 which inhibit FSH / LH secretion so eggs are not released B1 | 2 |
| (e) | barrier prevents exchange of body fluids; pill is not a barrier a condom is a barrier that prevents exchange of body fluids / semen containing the virus B1 the pill is not a barrier, so body fluids containing HIV are still exchanged B1 | 2 |
During pregnancy the fetus develops in the uterus.
State the function of the amniotic fluid.
State the function of the umbilical cord.
Explain why a pregnant woman should not smoke.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | protects fetus from mechanical shock protects the fetus against mechanical shock B1 | 1 |
| (b) | joins fetus to placenta connects the fetus to the placenta (carries blood) B1 | 1 |
| (c) | CO and nicotine cross placenta; low birth mass carbon monoxide/nicotine cross the placenta B1 reducing oxygen supply/growth (low birth weight) B1 | 2 |
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