AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), 2023: Question 5
14 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Identify components of thermoregulation, explain the importance of homeostasis, analyze a body temperature graph, and recall facts about insulin and diabetes.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
05 Homeostasis is the control of internal body conditions.
Control of body temperature is an example of homeostasis.
05.1 Draw one line from each part involved in temperature control to the function of
that part.
[3 marks]
Part involved in
Function
temperature control
Changes air temperature
outside the body
Brain
Contracts to increase
body temperature
Muscle
Coordinates information
about body temperature
Receptor
Detects changes in skin
23 temperature
05.2 Why is homeostasis important?
[2 marks]
Tick ( ) two boxes.
To allow cells to function properly
To change body temperature to match air temperature
To decrease water levels in the body throughout the day
To maintain the optimum conditions for enzymes
To prevent reactions inside cells 24
The body temperature of a long-distance swimmer can change with the
length of time swimming in cold water.
Figure 6 shows how the body temperature of one swimmer changed in the
first 4 hours of a 6-hour swim.
Figure 6
05.3 Describe the trend shown in Figure 6.
[1 mark]
*23* 25
05.4 Determine the change in body temperature in the first 4 hours of the swim.
[2 marks]
Change in body temperature = °C
*0245.*5 Hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature of 35 °C or colder.
Predict when the swimmer was first at risk of hypothermia.
You should extend the line on Figure 6.
[2 marks]
Prediction = hours
Swimming in cold water decreases the insulin concentration in the blood.
05.6 Complete the sentence.
Choose the answer from the box.
[1 mark]
heart pancreas stomach
Insulin is produced by the .
05.7 Insulin is a hormone.
Which organ system produces hormones?
[1 mark]
05.8 Complete the sentence.
Choose the answer from the box.
[1 mark]
decrease stay the same increase
When insulin concentration in the blood increases, blood glucose concentration
will .
05.9 Give one risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
[1 mark]
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 5
AO /
Question Answers Mark
Spec. Ref.
05.1
1 AO1
4.5.1
do not accept more than one line from a box on the left
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
05.2 to allow cells to function properly 1 AO1
4.5.1
to maintain the optimum
conditions for enzymes 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.3 (body) temperature decreases ignore decreases unqualified 1 AO2
(with increasing time) 4.5.1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.4 37 − 35.5 1 AO2
4.5.1
1.5 (°C) ignore minus sign 1
ignore decrease
AO /
16 Spec. Ref.
05.5 suitable extrapolation line on 1 AO2
Figure 6
answer consistent with student’s if no extrapolation allow value in 1 AO3
line range 4.3 to 4.8
4.5.1
allow answer in minutes or
hours and minutes if units are
given
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.6 pancreas 1 AO1
4.5.3.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.7 endocrine (system) 1 AO1
4.5.3.1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.8 decrease 1 AO1
4.5.3.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
05.9 obesity / overweight allow any one from: 1 AO1
• lack of exercise 4.5.3.2
• inactivity
• family history (of diabetes)
• age
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• race
• smoking
• high BMI
• diet high in carbohydrate /
sugar / fat / salt
Total Question 5 14
How to answer it
Homeostasis and Blood Glucose Control
What this question tests
This question assesses your understanding of homeostasis (maintaining a constant internal environment), specifically temperature regulation and blood glucose control. It also tests your ability to interpret graphs, extrapolate data trends, and identify risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
Temperature Control Mechanisms
Correct Matching
- Brain: Coordinates information about body temperature.
- Muscle: Contracts to increase body temperature (shivering).
- Receptor: Detects changes in skin temperature.
Exam Technique
The question asks for one line from each part. If you draw two lines from "Brain" to different functions, you will lose the mark for that part, even if one is correct.
Why Homeostasis Matters
Correct Answers
- To allow cells to function properly.
- To maintain the optimum conditions for enzymes.
Key Knowledge
Enzymes are biological catalysts. If body temperature or pH changes too much, enzymes can denature (change shape), meaning chemical reactions in the body would stop.
Graph Analysis & Calculations
05.3 Trend
Body temperature decreases over time.
05.4 Calculation Steps
- Find temp at 0 hours: 37.0 °C
- Find temp at 4 hours: 35.5 °C
- Subtract: 37.0 - 35.5 = 1.5 °C
Common Error: Scale Reading
On the y-axis, there are 10 small squares between 36 and 37. This means each small square represents 0.1 °C. Students often lose marks by misreading 35.5 as 35.4 or 35.6.
Extrapolating Data
How to draw the line
Use a sharp pencil to continue the curve of the graph following its current trajectory. It should be a smooth curve, not a straight line. Stop when your line hits the 35 °C mark.
Prediction
Based on a correct curve, the answer should be between 4.3 and 4.8 hours.
The Endocrine System & Insulin
Key Facts
- Organ: Insulin is produced by the pancreas.
- System: The endocrine system produces hormones.
- Effect: When insulin increases, blood glucose decreases (it moves into cells).
Don't Mix Them Up!
Students often confuse the Pancreas (produces insulin) with the Liver (where glucose is stored as glycogen). Remember: The Pancreas sends the message, the Liver does the work.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Accepted Answers (Give ONE)
Obesity / Being Overweight is the most common answer. Other acceptable answers include:
- Lack of exercise / Inactivity
- High sugar or high fat diet
- Family history (genetics)
- Advanced age
Topics
Biology · B5: Homeostasis and Response
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy examination, Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), 2023. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.