AQA GCSE Biology Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2024: Question 1

9 marks · Low Demand difficulty · Short Answer

Identify components of reflex arcs, define reflex actions, and recognise brain structures and functions from a diagram.

Practise this question

Question

Question text

01 The nervous system allows humans to:

• respond to stimuli

• coordinate their behaviour.

01.1 Complete the order of structures to link a stimulus to a response.

[2 marks]

Choose answers from the box.

coordinator effector receptor

01.2 Some human actions are reflex actions.

What is a reflex action?

[2 marks]

01.3 Which is an example of a reflex action?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

Blinking in sudden bright light

Kicking a ball in a game

Writing a message to a friend

01.4 Many reflex actions are movements.

What type of tissue causes movement?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

Blood

Gland

Muscle 4

Many human activities are coordinated by the brain.

Figure 1 shows the human brain.

Figure 1

01.5 Which structure in Figure 1 is the pituitary gland?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

A B C D

01.6 Which structure in Figure 1 is the cerebral cortex?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

A B 5 C D

01.7 What is the function of the cerebellum?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

Balance

Hearing

Sight

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

Question 1

AO /

Question Answers Mark

Spec Ref.

01.1 (stimulus) → receptor → coordinator → effector → (response) 2 AO1

4.5.2.1

allow receptor → coordinator for 1 mark

allow coordinator → effector for 1 mark

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec Ref.

01.2 any two from: 2 AO1

4.5.2.1

• fast / rapid

• a response / reaction ignore action

• automatic / involuntary allow not coordinated by the

or conscious part of the brain

not under conscious control or

allow does not involve thought /

thinking

ignore not coordinated by the

brain

• protects (from danger / harm)

AO /

Spec Ref.

01.3 blinking in sudden bright light 1 AO2

4.5.2.1

AO /

Spec Ref.

01.4 muscle 1 AO1

4.5.2.1

AO /

Spec Ref.

01.5 B 1 AO1

– – – 4.5.3.1

AO /

Spec Ref.

01.6 A 1 AO1

4.5.2.2

AO /

Spec Ref.

01.7 balance 1 AO1

4.5.2.2

Total Question 1 9

How to answer it

AQA GCSE Biology: The Nervous System, Reflexes & Brain Structure

📋 Revision Overview

What this question tests

Flow of a nervous response: Ordering the pathway from stimulus to receptor, coordinator, effector, and response.
Reflex actions: Defining key characteristics (automatic/rapid), recognising everyday examples, and identifying effectors.
Brain anatomy: Identifying major brain structures on a diagram (pituitary gland, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, medulla) and stating the function of the cerebellum.

Part 01.1 (2 marks)

Sequence of a Nervous Pathway

Completing the chain connecting stimulus to response

✅ Correct Answer

stimulus → receptor → coordinator → effector → response

Mark Scheme Breakdown:
• All 3 in correct order = 2 marks
• receptor → coordinator = 1 mark
• coordinator → effector = 1 mark

💡 Key Knowledge

Receptor: Cells detecting a change (e.g. retinal cells in the eye).
Coordinator: The CNS (brain or spinal cord) that processes info.
Effector: A muscle or gland that brings about the response.

Parts 01.2 & 01.3 (3 marks total)

Understanding Reflex Actions

Definition and practical identification

✅ Correct Answers

01.2 (2 marks) — Any two of:

Automatic / involuntary / not under conscious control (or does not involve thought/thinking)
Fast / rapid
A reaction / response
Protects from danger / harm

01.3 (1 mark):

☑ Blinking in sudden bright light

🧠 Exam Technique & Examiner Insight

Part 01.2: Be precise! Do not just write "it is not coordinated by the brain" because cranial reflexes (like blinking or pupil constriction) are processed via the brainstem, just without the conscious part.
Saying "it is an action" ignores the question—use automatic response or rapid reaction.
Part 01.3: Kicking a ball and writing a message both involve conscious thought and decision-making; blinking is involuntary.

❌ Common Errors

Vague words like "quick movement" without mentioning it is automatic or protective.
Confusing reflex actions with learned habits or voluntary fast reactions (like hitting a tennis ball).

Part 01.4 (1 mark)

Effector Tissues: Movement

Identifying tissue responsible for mechanical movement

✅ Correct Answer

☑ Muscle (1 mark)

💡 Key Knowledge

There are only two main types of effectors in the nervous system:

Muscles: Contract to bring about movement.
Glands: Secrete chemical substances like hormones or enzymes.

Parts 01.5, 01.6 & 01.7 (3 marks total)

Structure & Function of the Human Brain

Diagram analysis (Figure 1)

✅ Correct Answers

01.5 Pituitary gland: ☑ B (1 mark)
01.6 Cerebral cortex: ☑ A (1 mark)
01.7 Function of cerebellum: ☑ Balance (1 mark)

💡 Brain Anatomy Summary

A = Cerebral cortex: Highly folded outer layer; controls consciousness, intelligence, memory, and language.
B = Pituitary gland: Small 'master endocrine gland' hanging below the base of the brain; secretes multiple hormones.
C = Medulla: Controls unconscious activities like heart rate and breathing rate.
D = Spinal cord: Connects brain to the peripheral nervous system.
Cerebellum: Leaf-like structure at the base; coordinates balance and voluntary muscle movement.

🧠 Memory Aids

Cere-BELL-um: Think of balancing a bell or a tightrope walker keeping balance and posture.
Pituitary (B): Looks like a small pea-sized pea pod suspended underneath the hypothalamus.
Cerebral cortex (A): The large "wrinkly" outer shell covering the upper brain.

Topics

Biology · B5: Homeostasis and Response

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Biology examination, Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2024. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.