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A-LevelBiologyTransport in mammals9700/21 · Oct/Nov 2019 · Q411 Marks

(a) Fig. 4.1 is a photomicrograph of a human blood smear. [Figure 4.1]

  1. (a)Name the cells labelled A and B in Fig. 4.1. A B [2]
  2. (b)Blood and lymph are both fluids that transport substances within the human body.
  3. (b)(i)Table 4.1 shows components found in both blood and lymph. Complete Table 4.1 to show whether the concentration of each of these components is higher or lower or the same in the lymph, when compared with the concentration in the blood in the aorta. You may use the words higher or lower or same once, more than once or not at all. [Table 4.1][2]
  4. (b)(ii)The presence of a pathogen infecting the body leads to an increase in the concentration of protein in lymph. Suggest an explanation for this increase in protein concentration.[2]
  5. (c)Blood is circulated around the body by the heart. The action of the heart is coordinated and controlled by structures located in its walls, such as the sinoatrial node (SAN) and the atrioventricular node (AVN).
  6. (c)(i)Describe the role of the SAN.[2]
  7. (c)(ii)In a healthy heart, the AVN provides the only pathway for electrical impulses to travel from the atria to the ventricles. The bundle of Kent is a structure found in the heart in a small number of people. Some electrical impulses do not pass through the AVN but travel directly from the atria to the ventricles through the bundle of Kent. Suggest and explain the effects that the presence of the bundle of Kent may have on heart rate.[3]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [2] (a) A neutrophil; A polymorphonuclear, leucocyte / granulocyte B lymphocyte ;
  2. [2] (b)(i) oxygen lower carbon dioxide higher red blood cells lower three rows correct = 2 marks one row or two rows correct = 1 mark
  3. [2] (b)(ii) two from immune response occurs (linked to antibody / cytokine production) ; increased concentration / production of / AW, of antibodies (which are protein); AVP; e.g. cytokine production
  4. [2] (c)(i) two from emits, impulses / waves of depolarisation / waves of excitation / AW ; at regular intervals / AW ; e.g. acts as a pacemaker spreads across the, atria / atrial muscles / AW or stimulates / AW, atrial, contraction / systole ; A initiates, heart beat / contraction of the heart
  5. [3] (c)(ii) three from faster heart rate / increased rate of contraction (of ventricles) ; no, slowing / delay of, impulse / wave of excitation / AW, by AVN ; more impulses reaching the ventricle per unit time; ventricles may contract before they are full; irregular heart rate; AVP; e.g. may have no effect if only a small proportion of impulses pass through suggestion that ventricles may not contract from apex up

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About this question

Topic
Transport in mammals, A-Level Biology (syllabus 9700). Structured question, 11 marks.
Source
A-Level Biology, Oct/Nov 2019 Paper 2 Variant 1, question 4.

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