Questions Q1. * If a person is badly burnt the hairs on the skin are lost and blisters can cover the surface of the skin. Explain how burns to the skin affect temperature regulation in the human body. (6) Q2. * Blood glucose levels also need to be controlled. Describe how type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are controlled. (6)
Q3. * Carbon is a substance that can be recycled in the environment. Describe the processes involved in the carbon cycle. (6)
Q4. Eye colour inheritance The diagram below shows the inheritance of eye colour in a family. The allele for brown eyes is (B) and the allele for blue eyes is (b). * Explain why two parents with the alleles BB and bb for eye colour are unlikely to produce offspring with blue eyes. You should draw a genetic diagram or Punnett square to help with your explanation. (6)
Q5. Drugs can affect a person's nervous system. * The diagram shows the structure of a motor neurone. Explain how the structure of the motor neurone relates to its function in carrying messages through the nervous system. (6)
Q6. People with diabetes have difficulties regulating their blood glucose concentration. *Describe the different methods that people with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes use to regulate their blood glucose concentrations. (6) Examiner's Report Q1. This six-mark question seemed to be answered more successfully than 5(b)(ii). Many candidates highlighted the effect of a loss of thermoregulation due to the lack of hair and insulating power. Some then went on to move up into the second level by mentioning the effect of "blocking" sweat glands by blistering. Very few candidates mentioned that blood vessels would be affected (vasodilation and vasoconstriction was not essential to gain this marking area). Many candidates also did not state that the nervous system would be damaged and therefore thermoregulation affected. The QWC mark, again, was scored highly and examiners were keen to reward candidates who used scientific terminology well, spelt words correctly and used grammar to good effect. Results Plus: Examiner Comments This response has clearly (and concisely) stressed the effects of severe burns on sweat glands and the blocking effect, the loss of hairs reducing the insulating effect and also the idea that vasodilation will be compromised.
This candidate has used scientific terminology to good effect. Spelling, grammar and punctuation are all used well in order to give structure to this answer. This scored the six marks. Q2. The first of the extended writing questions aiming to gauge a student s knowledge of a process, and in this instance how type 1 and type 2 diabetes are controlled. The question was designed for candidates to compare the two methods of control. Candidates were expected to recognise that type 1 diabetes is controlled through the administration of insulin injections usually into a subcutaneous fat layer. They were also expected to state that type 2 diabetes is controlled by balancing physical exertion with a carefully planned diet. Candidates need reminding that there are marks available for the ability to spell scientific words correctly and to communicate their ideas in a logical fashion. Results Plus: Examiner Comments This candidate has been able to access level 1 by stating correct facts about only one type of diabetes (type 1). It is worth noting that to access the higher levels a candidate was required to state a more detailed account of control for both types of diabetes. Q3. No Examiner's Report available for this question
Q4. No Examiner's Report available for this question
Q5. This 6-mark-style question asked candidates to explain how various structures of the motor neurone aided the function of neural transmission. Examiners were looking for candidates to give as a simple statement that the impulses (messages or signals) were conducted (passed down) through the axon. Examiners were also providing credit for any idea that the impulses were insulated by the myelination and that this conducted the impulse faster through the axon. Any reference to dendron location and function was also creditworthy as was any correct statement relating to synaptic transmission. 4 separate structures were accessible to candidates. A limited explanation of just one structure (usually either myelin sheath or axon transmission) that was conveyed in a simple yet efficient way was awarded Level 1 (2 marks). A simple explanation of how two structures function, with keen grammatical sense and efficient communication, was awarded 4 marks (Level 2). A detailed explanation of how three structures relate to the motor neurone function, conveyed in a coherent manner with keen attention to details of spelling and grammar, was awarded the full 6 marks (Level 3).
Results Plus: Examiner Comments This candidate has scored the maximum 6 marks as they have conveyed their ideas in a very suitable manner, with excellent handwriting ability, good communication style and flawless spelling and grammatical skills. They have commented on the function of all areas of the motor neurone up to and including the effector connection. This is an excellent example of a 6-mark-style answer.
Results Plus: Examiner Comments This candidate has managed to secure 2 marks for the reference to the use of the axon (the most popular answer when 2 marks were awarded). Unfortunately, other comments are either incorrect or too muddled to provide adequate marking opportunities. The level of communication is only just adequate for the award of 2 marks in the Level 1 band.
Q6. In this question, candidates were asked to relay their knowledge of the type, diagnosis and control methods of both types of diabetes the important element here was the differentiation between the two types. Candidates who did not differentiate between the two types of diabetes did not score any marks. Examiners were looking for references to Type 1 diabetics not being able to produce insulin and therefore relying upon regular insulin injections into a subcutaneous fat layer somewhere on the body. Type 2 diabetic references included the idea of insulin resistance, regular exercise and also controlling the diet to ensure that glucose levels remain low/normal from the outset. A limited explanation of one type (usually Type 1) would have scored Level 1. If this was communicated effectively with access to simple terminology, a score of 2 marks would have been assigned. A simple explanation of both types of diabetes and their methods, with clear communication and appropriate use of terminology, would have provided candidates with 4 marks (Level 2). A more detailed explanation of both types of diabetes and their methods of control was required for all 6 marks (Level 3). Examiners were looking for reference to where insulin should be injected and why exercise/diet control (for Type 2 diabetes) was important. Results Plus: Examiner Comments This candidate has expressed their answer clearly and has accessed the top marks of Level 3. The answer conveys clarity, scientific terminology and good use of spelling and grammar. The candidate has mentioned the use of insulin injections for Type 1 diabetics and where insulin is to be injected. The candidate has also stated that Type 2 diabetics are resistant to insulin. This was a fantastically concise and pertinent answer worthy of all 6 marks.
Results Plus: Examiner Comments This candidate has understood the question and has been awarded Level 2 (3 marks) for scientific content as they have stated, simply, the control methods for both types of diabetes. Unfortunately, this was not conveyed particularly well and list form is not acceptable as a clear method of communication. Mark Scheme Q1. Question Number Indicative Content Mark QWC * An explanation linking some of the following: nerve endings in the skin will not respond to hot or cold external environments damaged or blocked sweat glands will not produce sweat to cool the body down less evaporation of the water in sweat (6)
to remove heat blood vessels in the skin maybe affected unable to deliver more blood to the skin to lose heat (vasodilation does not need to be mentioned) blood vessels unable to constrict (vasoconstriction does not need to be mentioned) to conserve heat no hair so no layer of insulating air to conserve heat increased chance of infection leading to fever Level 0 No rewardable content 1 1-2 a limited explanation of one mechanism of temperature regulation that is affected by severe bums the answer communicates ideas using simple language and uses limited scientific terminology spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with limited accuracy 2 3-4 a simple explanation of two of the mechanism of temperature regulation that are affected by severe bums the answer communicates ideas showing some evidence of clarity and organisation and uses scientific terminology appropriately spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with some accuracy 3 5-6 a detailed explanation of more than two mechanisms of temperature regulation that are affected by severe bums the answer communicates ideas clearly and coherently uses a range of scientific terminology accurately spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with few errors
Q2. Question Number Indicative Content Mark QWC * A description including some of the following points insulin is produced and secreted by endocrine gland (pancreas) Type 1 diabetes type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin production type 1 diabetes can be controlled by injecting insulin into subcutaneous fat Type 2 diabetes type 2 diabetes caused by a resistance to insulin type 2 diabetes is controlled by balancing physical exercise and careful consideration of diet use of medication / drugs to control (6) Level 0 No rewardable content 1 1-2 a limited description of one type of diabetes and its method of control the answer communicates ideas using simple language and uses limited scientific terminology spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with limited accuracy 2 3-4 a simple description of both types of diabetes with their methods of control the answer communicates ideas showing some evidence of clarity and organisation and uses scientific terminology appropriately spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with some accuracy 3 5-6 a detailed description of both types of diabetes with their methods of control the answer communicates ideas clearly and coherently uses a range of scientific terminology accurately spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with few errors
Q3. Question Number Indicative Content Mark QWC * An explanation of the processes of the carbon cycle including the following points carbon found in fossil fuels CO 2 removed from the air by photosynthesis plants convert this CO 2 into fats, carbohydrates and proteins plants can be eaten and therefore the carbon passed through the food chain organisms die and decomposers release CO 2 during respiration CO 2 released by respiring plants CO 2 released by respiring animals combustion / burning of fossil fuels releases CO 2 into atmosphere (6) Level 0 No rewardable content 1 1-2 limited explanation is provided by the candidate for processes of the carbon cycle there is some evidence that CO 2 can be released to and removed from the atmosphere but no processes named the answer communicates ideas using simple language and uses limited scientific terminology spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with limited accuracy 2 3-4 there is a basic outline of the carbon cycle but the details of the individual processes are lacking, any steps given are sequential but there may be missing information there is some understanding of the reasoning behind each of the processes. the answer communicates ideas showing some evidence of clarity and organisation and uses scientific terminology appropriately spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with some accuracy 3 5-6 most of the processes of the carbon cycle are stated with accurate comment on whether the process removes or releases CO 2. most stages in the cycle are included and are sequential the answer
communicates ideas clearly and coherently uses a range of scientific terminology accurately spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with few errors
Q4. Question Indicative Content Number QWC * A Punnett square or genetic diagram showing the following gametes and offspring Mark If a Punnett square or genetic diagram is not drawn, then a full description of this genetic inheritance is required both parents will give one allele to the possible offspring one parent can only give a dominant/b allele one parent can only give a recessive/b allele a dominant and recessive allele will result in heterozygous offspring offspring heterozygous for eye colour will have brown eyes because the allele for brown eyes is dominant over the allele for blue eyes to be blue eyed, the offspring must inherit one recessive allele(b) from each parent (6) Level 0 No rewardable content 1 1-2 a limited explanation is provided by the candidate of the inheritance with a genetic diagram / Punnett square with either correct gametes or offspring only the answer communicates ideas using simple language and uses limited scientific terminology spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with limited accuracy 2 3-4 the genetic diagram / Punnett square is correct for both gametes and offspring there is a basic outline of the inheritance but the details of the inheritance are lacking, the answer communicates ideas showing some evidence of clarity and organisation and uses scientific terminology appropriately
spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with some accuracy 3 5-6 the Punnett square / genetic diagram is complete and accurate for both gametes and offspring the steps of inheritance of eye colour are outlined clearly the answer communicates ideas clearly and coherently uses a range of scientific terminology accurately spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with few errors
Q5. Indicative Content Mark An explanation with the following points: impulses / messages / signals are passed along the axon the (electrical) signals are insulated by the myelin sheath which surrounds the axon this speeds up the signal along the neurone / axon the dendrons at the end of the axon / (6) neurone allows signals to be carried onto other neurone(s) across the synapses motor neurones connect to other neurones neurotransmissio n across motor neurones lead to effectors Level 0 No rewardable content 1 1-2 a limited explanation of how one structure of the motor neurone relates to its function the answer communicates ideas using simple language and uses limited scientific terminology spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with limited accuracy 2 3-4 a simple explanation of how two structures of the motor neurone relate to their functions the answer communicates ideas showing some evidence of clarity and organisation and mostly uses scientific terminology appropriately spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with some accuracy 3 5-6 a detailed explanation of how three structures of the motor neurone relate to
their function the answer communicates ideas clearly and coherently uses a range of scientific terminology accurately spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with few errors Q6. Indicative Content Mark An description linking the following points: Type 1 diabetics do not produce the hormone insulin insulin can be injected into subcutaneous fat layer insulin tablets Type 2 diabetics are resistant to insulin Type 2 diabetics (6) should undertake more physical activity / exercise this will use blood glucose and reduce it Type 2 diabetics need a controlled diet lower intake of carbohydrates so less digested into glucose Level 0 No rewardable content 1 1-2 a limited explanation of one type of diabetes and it's method of control the answer communicates ideas using simple language and uses limited scientific terminology spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with limited accuracy 2 3-4 a simple explanation of both types of diabetes and their methods of control the answer communicates ideas showing some evidence of clarity and organisation and mostly uses scientific terminology appropriately
3 5-6 spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with some accuracy a more detailed explanation of both types of diabetes and their methods of control the answer communicates ideas clearly and coherently uses a range of scientific terminology accurately spelling, punctuation and grammar are used with few errors