Date: 01-Jun-2024

Class: Time: ## minutes

Marks: / 176
1
// Cross-topic // Data handling // Calculation // Communication //
* In an investigation, the volumes of blood received by different organs or tissues
of a marathon runner when he was at rest and running were studied. The table
below shows the results.
Blood volume received (dm3)
Organ or tissue
At rest Running
Brain 0.7 0.75
Heart 0.2 1
Kidney 1.1 0.25
Liver 1.4 0.5
Skin 0.3 4
Skeletal muscle 1 17
Others 0.3 1.5
a The increase in the volume of blood received by the skeletal muscle was the
greatest during running.
i Calculate the percentage increase in the volume of blood received by
the skeletal muscle during running. Show your working. (2 marks)
ii State the significance of the increase. (2 marks)
b Describe the change in the volume of blood received by the skin during
running. Explain why. (4 marks)
c Describe how the sympathetic nerve brings about the change in the cardiac
output during running. (2 marks)

-- answer --
a i Percentage increase in the volume of blood received by the skeletal muscle

=  100% 1m

= 1600% 1m
ii The increase in the blood received by the skeletal muscle led to an increase
in oxygen and nutrients supply. The muscle cells can respire at a higher rate
to release more energy for muscle contractions. 1m
It also allowed carbon dioxide and lactic acid produced by the skeletal
 muscle to be removed at a higher rate during running. This avoids the
accumulation of carbon dioxide and lactic acid in the muscles. 1m
b The blood received by the skin increased during running. 1m
Since muscle contraction generated a large amount of heat, the body temperature
increased during running. The thermoreceptors in the hypothalamus detected the
increase in body temperature. 1m
The heat loss centre in the hypothalamus was stimulated. It sent nerve impulses
to the skin. 1m
Arterioles in the skin dilated. More blood flowed to the capillaries near the skin
surface to promote heat loss. 1m
c During running, the sympathetic nerve becomes more active. It releases more
noradrenaline. 1m
Noradrenaline stimulates the activity of the sinoatrial (SA) node and cardiac
muscle, causing the heart rate and stroke volume to increase. Thus, the cardiac
output increases. 1m

2
// Data handling // Experiment // Applying concepts //
* In an investigation, an exercise test was carried out on a man. The man walked
continuously for 15 minutes on a treadmill (跑步機) at different speeds and
gradients after standing for 3 minutes. The speed and the gradient of the
treadmill were adjusted every 3 minutes. At the end of each 3-minute period, his
heart rate was measured. The table below shows the results.
Walking speed Duration Heart rate
Activity
(km/h) (min) (beat/min)
Standing – 3 121
Walking up a 10% gradient 2.7 3 131
Walking up a 12% gradient 4.0 3 157
Walking up a 14% gradient 5.5 3 186
Walking up a 16% gradient 6.8 3 195
Walking up a 18% gradient 8.0 3 208
a Describe the effect of exercise on the heart rate of the man. State the
significance of the change. (4 marks)
b The mean heart rate at rest for his age group is 80 beats per minute. A
student guessed that the man is not doing exercise regularly. With reference
to the table, suggest why the student is likely to be correct. (3 marks)
 c After finishing the exercise test, the breathing rate of the man remained high
for a short while. State and explain the importance of this phenomenon to
the body. (3 marks)

-- answer --
a His heart rate increased during exercise. 1m
The increased heart rate increased the cardiac output. 1m
This led to a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients to skeletal muscles and
cardiac muscle so that the muscle cells can respire at a higher rate to release
more energy for muscle contractions. 1m
This also allowed carbon dioxide and lactic acid produced by the muscle cells to
be removed at a higher rate. This avoids the accumulation of carbon dioxide and
lactic acid in the muscles. 1m
b People who do exercise regularly have a thicker cardiac muscle wall. Their heart
can contract more powerfully. 1m
As more oxygen can be transported in each heart beat, they generally have a
lower heart rate at rest. 1m
As the heart rate of the man at rest is much higher than the mean heart rate for
his age group, it is unlikely that he is doing exercise regularly.
1m
c The high breathing rate increases oxygen uptake. 1m
The extra oxygen can be used to break down lactic acid formed during exercise or
for the conversion of lactic acid to glucose in the liver. 1m
The blood pH returns to normal as lactic acid is removed. 1m

3
// Cross-topic // Graph interpretation // Calculation // Communication //
* The graph below shows the pressure changes in the left side of the heart of a man
in a cardiac cycle.
 a What is the heart rate of this man? Show your working and express your
answer in beats/min. (2 marks)
b During which period is the bicuspid valve closed? Explain how you arrive
at your answer. (2 marks)
c Compare the maximum pressure attained in the left and right ventricles in a
cardiac cycle. Account for any difference. (2 marks)
d Describe the roles of the sinoatrial node (SA node) and atrioventricular node
(AV node) in coordinating the cardiac cycle. (4 marks)

-- answer --
a 60 / 0.8 1m
= 75 beats/min 1m
b 0.1–0.5 s 1m
The pressure in the left ventricle is higher than that in the left atrium. 1m
c The maximum pressure in the left ventricle is higher than that in the right ventricle.
1m
This is because the left ventricle has a thicker muscular wall that provides a
stronger force of contraction to drive blood to all parts of the body. 1m
d The SA node automatically generates electrical impulses to initiate a heart beat.
1m
The electrical impulses spread from the SA node to both atria and cause them to
contract at the same time. 1m
 After the electrical impulses reach the AV node, The AV node generates electrical
impulses, which pass to both ventricles and cause them to contract 1m
after the contraction of the atria. 1m

4
// Graph interpretation // Experiment // Calculation // Communication //
* An investigation was carried out to study the effect of increasing the intensity of
exercise on the tidal volume and breathing rate. The tidal volume and breathing
rate of an untrained person were measured only after he had been doing exercise
at particular intensities for 5 minutes. The graph below shows the results.

a Why were the tidal volume and breathing rate measured only after the
person had been doing exercise for 5 minutes? (1 mark)
b Describe the effect of increasing the intensity of exercise on the tidal
volume and breathing rate. (2 marks)
c What is the importance of the changes in the tidal volume and breathing
rate answered in b? (2 marks)
d Calculate the ventilation rate of the person when he was doing exercise at
an intensity of 45 arbitrary units. (1 mark)

e The person then followed an athlete training programme for a year. His
tidal volume and breathing rate were measured again when he was at rest.
Explain how the values would be different from those obtained a year
before. (4 marks)
-- answer --
a It was to ensure that the breathing of the person had become steady. 1m
b The tidal volume increases abruptly up to an intensity of 30 arbitrary units and
then increases gradually.
1m
The breathing rate increases gradually up to an intensity of 50 arbitrary units and
then increases abruptly. 1m
c The changes in the tidal volume and breathing rate allow a greater supply of
oxygen to the skeletal muscles so that muscle cells can produce more energy by
respiration for contraction. 1m
The changes in the tidal volume and breathing rate allow a faster removal of
carbon dioxide from the body. 1m
d (1700  20 =) 34 000 cm3/min 1m
e His tidal volume would be larger than before 1m
because his intercostal muscles and the diaphragm muscles would become
stronger. 1m
His breathing rate would be lower than before 1m
because the tidal volume would increase and a lower breathing rate is enough to
provide his body with sufficient oxygen. 1m

5
// Schematic diagram // Applying concepts //
* The diagram below shows some structures in the human body that are involved
in the control of breathing.
 respiratory centre

carotid
artery carotid bodies

aortic bodies

aorta

a State the stimulus detected by the chemoreceptors in the following

structures:
i respiratory centre (1 mark)
ii carotid bodies (1 mark)
iii aortic bodies (1 mark)
b State the changes in the rate and depth of breathing when the carbon dioxide
concentration in blood rises. Explain the significance of such changes.
(2 marks)
c Which structure is responsible for maintaining the basic rhythm of
breathing? Describe how it works. (3 marks)

-- answer --
a i Change in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid 1m
ii Change in blood pH 1m
iii Change in blood pH 1m
b Both the rate and depth of breathing increase. 1m
This helps remove carbon dioxide from the blood at a higher rate so that the
carbon dioxide concentration in blood returns to normal. 1m
c The respiratory centre 1m
It has an intrinsic rhythmic activity that keeps breathing going automatically. 1m
When it sends nerve impulses to the intercostal muscles and diaphragm muscles,
 inhalation occurs. Then it stops sending nerve impulses, exhalation occurs. 1m

6
// Cross-topic // Data handling // Calculation // Applying concepts //
* The table below shows the heart rate and stroke volume of a student when he is
at rest and when he is running on a hot summer day.
Heart rate (beats/min) Stroke volume (dm3/beat)
At rest 63 0.11
During running 122 0.12
a Calculate the cardiac output of the student when he is at rest and when he is
running. Show your working. (2 marks)
b When the student is running, his cardiac output changes. Explain how the
nervous system brings about the change in cardiac output during running.
(3 marks)
c What is the significance of the change in cardiac output during running?
(2 marks)
d During running, more blood flows near the skin surface. Explain the
significance of this. (2 marks)

-- answer --
a At rest: 63 × 0.11 = 6.93 dm3/min 1m
During running: 122 × 0.12 = 14.64 dm3/min 1m
b During running, the cardiovascular centre sends more nerve impulses via the
sympathetic nerve. The sympathetic nerve releases more noradrenaline. 1m
Noradrenaline stimulates the activity of the sinoatrial node and cardiac muscle.
1m
As a result, the heart beats faster and more strongly. Thus the cardiac output
increases. 1m
c This enables a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skeletal muscles and
cardiac muscle so that the muscle cells can respire at a higher rate to release
more energy for muscle contractions. 1m
This also allows carbon dioxide and lactic acid produced by muscle cells to be
removed faster. This avoids the accumulation of carbon dioxide and lactic acid in
the muscles. 1m
d As more blood flows to the skin surface, more heat can be lost from the body to
the surroundings by conduction, convection and radiation. 1m
 This prevents the body temperature from rising too much. 1m

7
// Graph interpretation // Calculation // Applying concepts //
* An investigation was carried out to study how the intensity of exercise affects the
ventilation rate, cardiac output and stroke volume. Exercise of varying intensity
was performed by a man using an exercise bicycle. The intensity of exercise is
expressed as the rate of oxygen consumption of the man. The results are shown
in the graphs below.
 a i With reference to the graphs, describe the changes in ventilation rate
and cardiac output when the rate of oxygen consumption changed from
1.2 to 1.6 L/min. (1 mark)
ii Explain how the nervous system brought about the change in the
ventilation rate in the answer to a i. (2 marks)
iii Explain how the nervous and endocrine systems brought about the
change in the cardiac output in the answer to a i. (3 marks)
b Calculate the heart rate of the man when the rate of oxygen consumption is
2 L/min. Show your working. (2 marks)

-- answer --
a i Both the ventilation rate and cardiac output increased. 1m
ii The respiratory centre sent more nerve impulses via the sympathetic nerve
to intercostal muscles and diaphragm muscles, 1m
causing them to contract faster and more strongly. 1m
iii The cardiovascular centre sent more nerve impulses via the sympathetic
nerve. The sympathetic nerve released more noradrenaline. 1m
The adrenal glands also stimulated by the sympathetic nerve to release
more adrenaline.
1m
Both actions stimulated the activity of the sinoatrial node and cardiac
muscle, causing the heart to beat faster and more strongly.
1m
b Heart rate = cardiac output / stroke volume 1m
= 16/0.144 = 111.1 beats/min 1m
8
// Schematic diagram // Applying concepts //
* Marcus is an athlete under regular training. The diagrams below show a section
of his heart at two instants during the cardiac cycle.

a i Name structure X shown in figure I. (1 mark)

ii Describe the function of structure X. (1 mark)
b i Name the stage of the cardiac cycle illustrated by figure II. (1 mark)
ii With reference to figure II, describe what happens during this stage of
the cardiac cycle. (3 marks)
c Suggest why Marcus’s resting heart rate is lower than that of untrained
people. (3 marks)
d How does Marcus’s breathing change during exercise? (1 mark)

-- answer --
a i Semilunar valves 1m
ii They prevent the backflow of blood into the ventricles when the ventricles
relax. 1m
b i Ventricular systole 1m
ii Ventricles contract. /
Tricuspid and bicuspid valves are closed. /
Semilunar valves open. /
Blood passes into the aorta and pulmonary artery. (any 3) 1m x 3
c Regular training strengthens the cardiac muscle. 1m
It can contract more powerfully, so the stroke volume becomes greater.
1m
Therefore, a lower resting heart rate is sufficient to pump blood to all parts of the
body. 1m
d The rate and depth of breathing increase. 1m
9
// Graph interpretation // Calculation // Applying concepts //
* The graph below shows the breathing pattern of a man during periods X, Y and
Z.

a The man is at rest during period X. What is the rate of breathing during this
period? Show your working. (2 marks)
b The man breathes deeply during period Y.
i Calculate the maximum volume of air the man breathes out after the
deepest inhalation. Show your working. (2 marks)
ii How much more air is breathed out in one exhalation in period Y
compared to that in one exhalation in period X? Show your working.
(2 marks)
c i State one possible activity the man may be doing during period Z.
How are the rate and depth of breathing different from those during
period X? (2 marks)
ii State one importance of the changes in the rate and depth of breathing
during period Z. (1 mark)

-- answer --
a The man breathes 2 times in 10 seconds. 1m
Rate of breathing: 2/10 × 60 = 12 breaths/min 1m
 b i The volume of air he breathes out: 6000 – 1500 1m
= 4500 cm3 1m
ii In period X, the volume of air he breathes out: 3000 – 2500 = 500 cm 1m
3

Difference: 4500 – 500 = 4000 cm3 1m

c i He may be doing exercise. 1m
Both the rate and depth of breathing increase. 1m
ii To supply more oxygen to skeletal muscle cells, so that more energy can be
released by respiration for muscle contraction. /
To remove carbon dioxide produced by skeletal muscle cells at a higher rate.
1m

10
// Drawing // Graph interpretation // Calculation //
* The graph below shows the change in the volume of air in the lungs when a
person is at rest.

a Calculate the rate of breathing of this person. Show your calculation.

(2 marks)
b i Are the intercostal muscles and diaphragm muscles contracting or
relaxing in period X? (2 marks)
ii Describe how the actions stated in b i are initiated. (2 marks)
c Sketch a line, on the above graph, to show how the volume of air in the
lungs changes when this person is doing exercise. (2 marks)
-- answer --
a The person breathes 4 times in 15 seconds. 1m
Rate of breathing: 4/15 × 60 = 16 breaths/min 1m
b i The intercostal muscles are contracting. 1m
The diaphragm muscles are contracting. 1m
ii The respiratory centre in the medulla oblongata sends nerve impulses to the
intercostal muscles and diaphragm muscles. 1m
These nerve impulses stimulate the muscles to contract. 1m
c

Difference between the maximum value and the minimum value increases 1m
Time needed to complete one cycle decreases 1m

11
// Graph interpretation // Communication //
* The graphs below show the changes in the levels of four hormones in the blood
of a woman during a menstrual cycle.
 a How does information in the graphs suggest that oestrogen causes the LH
surge? (1 mark)
b Estimate the date when ovulation occurred and give your reason. (1 mark)
c Account for the changes in the level of progesterone from 10–23 Sep.
(4 marks)
d How would the level of each of the four hormones change if the woman
became pregnant during this menstrual cycle? Give one effect of the change
in the level of each hormone.
i LH (1 mark)
ii FSH (1 mark)
iii Oestrogen (1 mark)
iv Progesterone (1 mark)

-- answer --
a The peak of oestrogen occurred just before that of LH. 1m
b Ovulation occurred on 9 Sep as there was a LH surge just before this day. The LH
surge triggered ovulation. 1m
c The high level of LH stimulated the ruptured follicle to develop into a yellow body.
1m
The yellow body secreted progesterone and thus the level of progesterone
 continued to increase until 18 Sep. 1m
The high level of progesterone (together with oestrogen) inhibited further
secretion of FSH and LH by the pituitary gland.
1m
The yellow body therefore began to degenerate and the level of progesterone
decreased from 18 Sep. 1m
d i The level of LH would stay low so that no ovulation would occur. 1m
ii The level of FSH would stay low so that no development of follicles would
occur in the ovary. 1m
iii The level of oestrogen would increase so that the uterine lining would
remain thick for the development of the implanted embryo / further
secretion of LH and FSH from the pituitary gland would be inhibited.
1m
iv The level of progesterone would increase so that the uterine lining would
remain thick for the development of the implanted embryo / further secretion
of LH and FSH from the pituitary gland would be inhibited. 1m

12
// Graph interpretation //
* The graph below shows the changes in the levels of four hormones in the blood
of a woman during a menstrual cycle.
level of hormone in blood (arbitrary unit)

Key:
hormone A
hormone B
oestrogen
progesterone

time
(day)
0 7 14 21 28

ovulation

a Describe the condition of the uterine lining of the woman from day 0 to 5.
Explain in terms of the levels of hormones in blood. (2 marks)
b Explain why the levels of hormones A and B increase sharply around day
14. (2 marks)
c Which hormone (A or B) causes a rise in the levels of oestrogen and
progesterone in blood around day 23? State the effect of a high level of this
hormone. (2 marks)
d Describe the condition of the uterine lining from day 21 to 28. Explain in
terms of the levels of hormones in blood. (2 marks)

-- answer --
a The uterine lining is breaking down from day 0 to 5. 1m
The low levels of oestrogen and progesterone are not sufficient to maintain the
thickness of the uterine lining. 1m
 b A sudden release of hormones A and B by the pituitary gland is triggered by a
high level of oestrogen
1m
on day 13 / just before ovulation. 1m
c Hormone A (luteinising hormone / LH) 1m
A high level of this hormone stimulates the ruptured follicle to develop into a
yellow body.
1m
d The uterine lining remains thick. 1m
The high levels of progesterone and oestrogen maintain the thickness of the
uterine lining. 1m

13
// Drawing // Graph interpretation // Applying concepts //
* There are four hormones involved in the menstrual cycle. The graph below
shows the levels of these hormones in the blood of a woman in a menstrual
cycle.

a Name hormones W and X. (2 marks)

b Give one evidence from the graph to support that ovulation occurs on
day 14 in this menstrual cycle. (1 mark)
c Describe the roles of different hormones in the control of the menstrual
cycle and their interaction between days 0 and 14. (5 marks)
d Draw a line on the graph above to show the level of Z from days 25 to 28 if
fertilization occurs on day 14. (1 mark)
e i Z is present in some contraceptive pills. Explain how Z is used as a
contraceptive. (2 marks)
ii Apart from Z, which of the hormones shown in the graph may be
present in contraceptive pills? (1 mark)
-- answer --
a W: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) 1m
X: luteinising hormone (LH) 1m
b X reaches a peak on day 14. 1m
c FSH stimulates the development of follicles. /
The follicles are stimulated by FSH to secrete oestrogen. /
The increasing but still low level of oestrogen causes the uterine lining to thicken
to prepare for a possible implantation of an embryo. /
The increasing but still low level of oestrogen inhibits further secretion of FSH to
prevent another follicle from maturation. /
A high level of oestrogen just before day 14 causes a sudden release of FSH and
LH. /
The high level of LH triggers ovulation. (any 5) 1m x 5
d

1m
e i Z (progesterone) inhibits FSH and LH secretion by the pituitary gland.
1m
Follicle development and ovulation stop. Therefore, no ova are released into
the oviducts for fertilization. 1m
ii Y (oestrogen) 1m

14
// Drawing // Graph interpretation // Applying concepts //
* The diagram below shows the levels of two hormones, follicle stimulating
hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), in the blood of a woman in a
menstrual cycle. The graph for LH is not complete.
 a If ovulation occurs around day 14, complete the graph to show the level of
LH between days 10 and 16. (2 marks)
b i Name the structure developed in the ovary after ovulation. (1 mark)
ii Hence, explain why the level of FSH is low between days 16 and 28.
(2 marks)
c After menopause, the amounts of hormones secreted by the ovaries are
reduced. Explain why the level of FSH in blood is high after menopause.
(3 marks)

-- answer --
a The level of LH increases and reaches a peak around day 14. 1m
The level of LH drops after day 14. 1m
b i Yellow body 1m
ii The yellow body secretes large amounts of oestrogen and progesterone.
1m
The high levels of oestrogen and progesterone inhibit FSH secretion. 1m
c After menopause, the amounts of oestrogen and progesterone secreted by the
ovaries are reduced. 1m
The secretion of FSH is no longer inhibited by oestrogen and progesterone. 1m
As a result, more FSH is secreted by the pituitary gland. 1m

15
// Schematic diagram // Applying concepts //
* The diagram below shows the events that occur in the ovary during a menstrual
cycle.
 Different hormones are secreted by different structures in the ovary to control the
menstrual cycle.
a Name the hormones secreted by X. (2 marks)
b Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone secreted by the pituitary
gland. The level of FSH is affected by the levels of hormones secreted by X.
i Describe the level of FSH in the body when the levels of hormones
secreted by X are high. (1 mark)
ii In terms of the function of FSH, explain how high levels of these
hormones help maximize the chance of successful reproduction in
humans. (4 marks)
c Hormones secreted by X can be used as contraceptives. Explain the
biological basis of this contraceptive method. (3 marks)

-- answer --
a Oestrogen and progesterone 1m x 2
b i The level of FSH is low. 1m
ii FSH stimulates the development of follicles. 1m
After ovulation, high levels of oestrogen and progesterone inhibit FSH
secretion. 1m
This prevents the maturation of another follicle and ensures only one ovum
is released in each cycle. 1m
This allows a higher survival chance of the foetus if fertilization occurs.
1m
c High levels of oestrogen and progesterone inhibit FSH and luteinising hormone
(LH) secretion. 1m
Follicle development and ovulation stop. 1m
No ova are released into the oviducts for fertilization. 1m
16
// Cross-topic // Graph interpretation // Communication // Applying concepts //
* The graph below shows the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and
luteinising hormone (LH) in the blood of a woman within a month. The two
hormones are involved in the control of the menstrual cycle.

a Name the structure that secretes FSH and LH. (1 mark)

b What are the effects of FSH and LH on the ovary? State two effects of each.
(4 marks)
c State the period during which there will be a high chance of pregnancy if
sexual intercourse occurs. Explain your answer. (4 marks)

-- answer --
a Pituitary gland 1m
b FSH:
FSH stimulates development of follicles in the ovary. 1m
FSH stimulates secretion of oestrogen by the follicle cells. 1m
LH:
LH triggers ovulation. /
LH stimulates formation of yellow body. /
LH stimulates secretion of oestrogen and progesterone by the yellow body.
(any 2) 1m x 2
c From the graph, LH reaches a peak on the 5th of the month. 1m
Ovulation occurs on this day. 1m
Sperms can remain alive for 5 days in the female reproductive tract while an
ovum can remain alive for 1 to 2 days after ovulation. 1m
 The period during which there will be a high chance of pregnancy is the last day
of the previous month to the 7th of this month. 1m

17
// Reading comprehension // STSE connections // Applying concepts //
* Read the following article and answer the questions.
Scientists are developing a new type of contraceptive called the
contraceptive gel. This gel contains hormones which are similar to those
present in contraceptive pills. Rubbing a small amount of the gel on the skin of
the abdomen, thighs, arms or shoulders once a day can effectively suppress the
production of mature ova. It is claimed that the gel causes fewer side effects
than the contraceptive pills.
a Suggest two hormones that may be present in the contraceptive gel.
(2 marks)
b Explain how the contraceptive gel helps prevent pregnancy. (4 marks)
c Apart from causing side effects, state two other possible problems that may
result from the use of hormones as contraceptives. (2 marks)

-- answer --
a Synthetic oestrogen 1m
Synthetic progesterone 1m
b Oestrogen and progesterone in the gel pass through the skin and enter the
bloodstream. 1m
High levels of oestrogen and progesterone in blood inhibit the secretion of follicle
stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) by the pituitary gland.
1m
Follicle development and ovulation stop. 1m
Therefore, no ova are released into the oviducts for fertilization. 1m
c Hormonal methods cannot provide protection against sexually transmitted
diseases (compared with the use of condoms). 1m
Hormones may cause pollution of the environment. 1m
(or other reasonable answers)

18
// Graph interpretation // Communication // Applying concepts //
* The graphs below show the levels of four hormones in the blood of a woman in a
menstrual cycle. W and X are secreted by the pituitary gland, while Y and Z are
secreted by the ovary.

a Identify W, X, Y and Z. (4 marks)

b With reference to the levels of hormones from days 12 to 15, deduce the
effect of Y on W and X. (2 marks)
c With reference to the levels of hormones from days 20 to 25, deduce the
effect of Y and Z on W and X. Hence explain why contraceptive pills
contain Y and Z. (4 marks)

-- answer --
a W: luteinising hormone / LH 1m
X: follicle stimulating hormone / FSH 1m
Y: oestrogen 1m
Z: progesterone 1m
b The levels of W and X reach a peak (day 14) just after the peak of Y (day 13).
1m
Y may stimulate the secretion of W and X. 1m
 c From days 20 to 25, the levels of W and X are low, while the levels of Y and Z are
high. 1m
High levels of Y and Z may inhibit the secretion of W and X. 1m
X stimulates follicle development. / W triggers ovulation. 1m
Follicle development does not occur at a low level of X. / Ovulation does not occur
at a low level of W. Therefore, after taking contraceptive pills containing Y and Z,
no ova are released for fertilization. 1m

19
// Applying concepts //
* There are various causes of infertility.
a Explain why infertility may result in each of the following situations.
i The level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in blood is low.
(2 marks)
ii The level of luteinising hormone (LH) in blood is low. (2 marks)
b The ova released by a woman can be fertilized successfully, but the
resulting embryo cannot implant. Her doctor prescribed some pills for her.
Suggest what kind(s) of hormone(s) may be present in the pills and explain
how this/these hormone(s) can increase the chance of pregnancy.
(3 marks)
c Problems in the male reproductive system can also lead to infertility. State
two causes as examples. (2 marks)

-- answer --
a i FSH stimulates the development of follicles in the ovary. 1m
Follicle development does not occur at a low level of FSH. No ova are
released for fertilization. 1m
ii A high level of LH triggers ovulation. 1m
Ovulation does not occur at a low level of LH. No ova are released for
fertilization. 1m
b Synthetic progesterone may be present in the pills. 1m
The conditions in her uterus do not allow the implantation of an embryo.
1m
Synthetic progesterone helps maintain the thickness of the uterine lining. This
allows the implantation of an embryo. 1m
c Not enough sperms are produced. /
Sperms have low motility. /
Sperms have structural defects.
(any 2 or other reasonable answers) 1m x 2