AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Biology Paper 2 (Higher), June 2025: Question 2

9 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Extended Answer

Answer questions on reproductive hormones produced by the ovaries and testes, compare barrier and hormonal contraception, and describe how hormones are used in different contraceptive methods.

Practise this question

Question

Question 2 with parts 02.1 through 02.4 about hormones involved in reproduction. Part 02.1 asks to name one hormone produced in the ovaries for 1 mark. Part 02.2 asks for one function of the hormone produced in the testes for 1 mark. Part 02.3 states condoms are a barrier method and asks for one advantage of condoms compared to hormonal methods, without referring to cost, for 1 mark. Part 02.4 asks to describe how hormones are used in different methods of contraception, with response lines and extra space provided for 6 marks.
Question text

02 This question is about the hormones involved in reproduction.

02.1 Name one hormone produced in the ovaries.

[1 mark]

02.2 Give one function of the hormone that is produced in the testes.

[1 mark]

Different methods of contraception can involve:

• barriers

• hormones.

02.3 Condoms are a barrier method of contraception.

Give one advantage of condoms as a method of contraception compared with

hormonal methods of contraception.

Do not refer to cost in your answer.

[1 mark]

02.4 Describe how hormones are used in different methods of contraception.

[6 marks]

Extra space

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme Mark scheme for Question 2. 02.1 accepts oestrogen or progesterone (1 mark). 02.2 accepts sperm production or secondary sexual characteristics/puberty (1 mark). 02.3 accepts prevention of STDs/STIs, fewer or no side effects, immediate/quicker to use, easily accessible, or avoidance of forgetting pills (1 mark). 02.4 is a 6-mark level of response question (Level 2: 4-6 marks, Level 1: 1-3 marks) with indicative content covering methods (oral contraceptive pill, injection, patch, implant, IUD/IUS) and details of hormone mechanisms such as inhibiting FSH to stop egg maturation, inhibiting LH to prevent ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or altering the uterus lining to prevent implantation.

Question 2

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec. Ref.

02.1 oestrogen allow phonetic spelling AO1

1 4.5.3.3

allow other correct named

hormone eg progesterone

do not accept FSH / LH

AO /

Spec. Ref.

02.2 any one from: 1 AO1

4.5.3.3

• (stimulates / causes) sperm

production

• (stimulates / causes male) allow (stimulates / causes)

secondary sexual puberty

characteristics allow (stimulates / causes)

named male secondary sexual

characteristic(s) eg muscle

growth

AO /

Spec. Ref.

02.3 allow converse if clearly

referring to hormonal methods

any one from: 1 AO3

4.5.3.4

• protection / prevention against allow protects / prevents against

sexual transmitted STD(s) / STI(s)

diseases(s) allow protects / prevents against

named STD / STI

• fewer / no side effects allow do not affect menstrual

cycle

allow fewer / no named

(possible) side effects of

hormonal contraceptives eg

fewer / no headaches / nausea /

acne

ignore do not affect hormones

ignore safer

• immediate allow quicker to use

ignore temporary

• (may) contain a chemical to allow (may) contain spermicide

kill sperm

• (more) easily accessible

• described disadvantage of

hormonal method(s) eg

(contraceptive) pill could be

forgotten

AO /

Question Answers Mark

Spec. Ref.

02.4 Level 2: Scientifically relevant facts, events or processes are 4–6 AO1

identified and given in detail to form an accurate account. 4.5.3.3

4.5.3.4

Level 1: Facts, events or processes are identified and simply 1–3

stated but their relevance is not clear.

No relevant content 0

Indicative content

Method

• oral contraceptive or pill

Detail of how the contraception is used

o taken daily or taken every 21/28 days or taken in a monthly cycle

o containing progesterone

o containing oestrogen

o (hormones) absorbed into the blood

Method

• injection

• patch

• implant

• intrauterine system / device or IUD or IUS or coil

Detail of how the contraception is used

o last several weeks / months

o containing progesterone

o slow release of progesterone / hormone

o into blood

Detail (that can apply to all hormonal contraceptive methods)

o to inhibit / reduce / prevent FSH (release)

o (lack of FSH) so no eggs mature / develop

o to inhibit / reduce / prevent LH (release)

o (lack of LH) so no eggs released (from ovary)

or so prevents ovulation

o (progesterone) thickens (cervical) mucus

o (mucus) prevents / reduces sperm movement (to uterus)

o (oestrogen / progesterone) changes the thickness of the

uterus lining

o (uterus lining thickening / thinning) makes implantation less likely

For Level 2, answers must give details for the method(s) described.

Total Question 2 9

How to answer it

Hormones in Human Reproduction & Contraception

📋 What This Question Tests

This question assesses your knowledge of Topic B5 (Homeostasis and Response) from AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy:

  • Recalling which reproductive organs produce which sex hormones (ovaries vs testes vs pituitary gland).
  • Understanding the primary functions of testosterone in males.
  • Evaluating the pros and cons of barrier methods compared to hormonal contraception.
  • Structuring an extended 6-mark answer describing the delivery methods and biological mechanisms of hormonal contraceptives.
Question 02.1 · 1 Mark

Hormones Produced by the Ovaries

Name one hormone produced in the ovaries.

✅ Accepted Answers

  • Oestrogen
  • Progesterone
1 mark for either correct hormone name (phonetic spelling accepted).

❌ Common Errors

  • Writing FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) or LH (Luteinising Hormone). These act on the ovaries, but are produced in the pituitary gland!
  • Confusing spelling with male hormones (e.g. writing testosterone).
Question 02.2 · 1 Mark

Function of Testicular Hormone (Testosterone)

Give one function of the hormone that is produced in the testes.

✅ Accepted Answers

Any one of the following:

  • Stimulates / causes sperm production.
  • Stimulates / causes male secondary sexual characteristics (e.g. facial hair growth, deepening voice, increased muscle mass).
  • Stimulates male changes during puberty.
1 mark for a clear physiological role of testosterone.

🧠 Exam Technique

The question didn't name the hormone, but you must first realise that the testes produce testosterone. Then write down its biological role clearly using active verbs like "stimulates sperm production".

Question 02.3 · 1 Mark

Advantage of Condoms vs Hormonal Contraception

Give one advantage of condoms as a method of contraception compared with hormonal methods. Do not refer to cost.

✅ Accepted Answers (Any ONE)

  • Protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs / STDs) such as HIV or chlamydia.
  • No hormonal side effects (e.g. does not cause mood changes, headaches, nausea, or weight gain).
  • Immediate to use / does not require daily routine.
  • Cannot be "forgotten" like a daily contraceptive pill.
  • Easily available / accessible.
1 mark for any valid non-cost advantage.

❌ Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Mentioning cost: The question explicitly says "Do not refer to cost in your answer". Writing "they are cheaper" scores zero.
  • Vague statements: Saying "safer" or "easier" without qualification gains no credit. Specify why (e.g. prevents STIs, no side effects).
Question 02.4 · 6 Marks

Methods & Biological Action of Hormonal Contraception

Describe how hormones are used in different methods of contraception.

🧠 How to Score 5–6 Marks (Level 2)

This is a 6-mark extended response. To achieve Level 2 (4–6 marks), you must include two things:

  1. Different methods: Name specific devices/delivery forms and what hormones they use.
  2. Biological mechanism: Explain how those hormones actually stop pregnancy inside the body (hormone feedback and target organs).

💡 1. Delivery Methods & Regimes

  • Oral contraceptive pill:
    • Combined pill contains oestrogen and progesterone; taken daily (or 21 days on, 7 days off).
    • Progesterone-only mini-pill taken daily.
  • Slow-release / long-term methods:
    • Implant: Inserted under the skin; releases progesterone continuously for up to 3 years.
    • Injection: Progesterone injected; lasts 8–13 weeks.
    • Skin patch: Releases oestrogen and progesterone through skin into blood; replaced weekly.
    • Intrauterine system (IUS / hormonal coil): Placed in uterus; releases progesterone for 3–5 years.

📐 2. Biological Mechanisms (How They Work)

  • Inhibits FSH release:
    High levels of oestrogen/progesterone inhibit the release of FSH from the pituitary gland so no eggs mature.
  • Inhibits LH release:
    Prevents the LH surge, meaning no ovulation occurs (no egg released from the ovary).
  • Thickens cervical mucus:
    Progesterone stimulates thick mucus at the cervix, blocking sperm from entering the uterus to reach an egg.
  • Thins uterus lining (endometrium):
    Prevents the lining from thickening, making successful implantation of a fertilised embryo much less likely.

Model 6-Mark Structure

"Hormonal contraception can be delivered via the combined oral contraceptive pill, which contains both oestrogen and progesterone and is taken daily. Other methods include an implant placed under the skin, injections, a skin patch, or a hormonal intrauterine system (IUS), all of which slowly release progesterone into the bloodstream over weeks or years.

These hormones prevent pregnancy in three main ways:

  • They inhibit the release of FSH from the pituitary gland, preventing eggs from maturing in the ovary.
  • They stop the LH surge, preventing ovulation (release of an egg).
  • Progesterone thickens the cervical mucus to stop sperm reaching the uterus, and alters the uterine lining so an embryo cannot implant."

Topics

Biology · B5: Homeostasis and Response

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy examination, Biology Paper 2 (Higher), June 2025. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.