AQA GCSE Biology Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2023: Question 1

✅ Correct Answers

01.1: Tick box 2 → The endocrine system [1 mark]

01.2: Tick box 1 → By the blood [1 mark]

💡 Key Knowledge

• The endocrine system is composed of glands that secrete chemicals called hormones directly into the bloodstream.
• Blood transports hormones to target organs, producing a chemical response that is typically slower but longer-lasting than nervous impulses.

❌ Common Errors

• Confusing the nervous system with the endocrine system.
• Thinking hormones travel through nerves or muscle tissue rather than plasma in the bloodstream.

🧠 Exam Technique

Both parts state "Tick (✓) one box". Never tick more than one box in these single-mark items; ticking two invalidates the mark.

✅ Correct Matching

• A (in the base of the brain) → Pituitary [1 mark]
• B (in the throat / neck) → Thyroid [1 mark]
• C (above the kidney) → Adrenal [1 mark]

Note: "Testes" is an unused distractor on the right side.

💡 Anatomical Locations to Memorise

• Pituitary gland: "Master gland" located at the base of the brain.
• Thyroid gland: Butterfly-shaped gland in the neck.
• Adrenal glands: Sit directly on top of each kidney.
• Pancreas (D): Sits just below the stomach.

❌ Common Errors & Examiner Warning

Mark Scheme Rule: "Do not accept more than one line from a box on the left." If you draw two lines coming from Box A, you score 0 for that label, even if one is correct!

🧠 Exam Technique

Always use a ruler to draw straight, clear lines. If you make a mistake, cross out the incorrect line completely rather than leaving overlapping ambiguous lines.

✅ Correct Answers

• 01.4: Tick box D (Pancreas) [1 mark]
• 01.5: Tick box The liver [1 mark]
• 01.6: Any one of the following [1 mark]:
  • Lowers blood glucose (or sugar)
  • Causes cells / liver / muscles to take in glucose
  • Converts glucose to glycogen
  • Controls / balances blood glucose

💡 Blood Glucose Homeostasis

• When blood glucose is too high (e.g. after a meal), the pancreas secretes insulin.
• Insulin travels via blood to target cells, mainly in the liver and muscles.
• It causes soluble glucose to move into cells and be stored as insoluble glycogen.

❌ Common Misconceptions

• Do not confuse Insulin with Glucagon: Glucagon is released when blood glucose is low, causing glycogen breakdown. Insulin is released when glucose is high.
• Do not confuse Glucose with Glycogen: Glucose is the sugar molecule in the blood; glycogen is the storage carbohydrate in the liver and muscles.

🧠 Examiner Commentary

For question 01.6, stating simply "lowers blood glucose" is the quickest and safest way to secure the mark. Avoid vague phrases like "deals with food" or "digests sugar".

✅ Correct Answers

01.7: Tick box 2 → Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) [1 mark]

01.8: Tick two boxes [2 marks]:
• Oestrogen [1 mark]
• Progesterone [1 mark]

01.9: Any two hormonal contraception methods [2 marks]:
• Oral contraceptive (the pill)
• Contraceptive injection
• Contraceptive implant (rod)
• Skin patch
• Hormonal IUD / IUS (intrauterine system / coil with hormone)

💡 The Menstrual Cycle Hormones

• FSH: Released by pituitary; causes egg to mature in the follicle of the ovary.
• Oestrogen: Released by ovaries; repairs and thickens the uterus lining.
• LH: Stimulates release of the egg (ovulation) around day 14.
• Progesterone: Maintains the lining of the uterus during the second half of the cycle and pregnancy.

❌ Common Errors in 01.8 & 01.9

• Enzymes vs Hormones (01.8): Amylase and protease are digestive enzymes, not hormones! Thyroxine controls metabolic rate, not the uterine lining.
• Barrier methods in 01.9: Condoms, diaphragms, and copper-only coils (standard non-hormonal IUD) do not use hormones and receive 0 marks.
• Writing "surgery" or "sterilisation" without qualification will not score.

🧠 Exam Technique

Notice how 01.8 asks for two boxes to be ticked. Always re-read the stem to ensure you didn't only select one. In 01.9, give distinct methods (e.g. "the pill" and "the implant").