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A-LevelBiologyTransport in mammalsMay/June 2010Paper 1 Q381 Mark

Aortic stenosis is a heart valve disorder in which the aortic semi-lunar valve opening is narrow. Which effect could aortic stenosis have on the heart structure and function?

AThe tendons of the heart valves are weakened by blood being forced back through the bicuspid/left atrio-ventricular valve into the left atrium.
BThe cardiac muscle of the left ventricle wall is thinned by blood leaking out of the left ventricle during ventricular diastole.
CThere is less cardiac muscle in the left ventricle and reduced diastolic blood pressure, caused by the smaller blood volume entering the left atrium.
DThe wall of the left ventricle thickens, leading to an enlarged heart and inability to relax and fill completely during diastole.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: The wall of the left ventricle thickens, leading to an enlarged heart and inability to relax and fill completely during diastole.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Biology Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Transport in mammals in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2010 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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