Answer all the questions.

1. Animals receive different stimuli from their environment. Their synapses can manage multiple stimuli, often
resulting in one response (such as a muscle twitching).

This action of the synapse is an example of

A spatial summation
B all or nothing response
C temporal summation
D cell signalling

Your answer
[1]
2. Which of the following describes the process that happens during repolarisation of a neurone during the action
potential?

Sodium channels Potassium channels Membrane potential

A closed open decreasing
B open closed decreasing
C open closed increasing
D closed open increasing

Your answer
[1]

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3. The figure represents the voltage across the membrane of an axon and the changes that take place during the
generation and transmission of an action potential.

Indicate the letters, A to G, when each of the following occurs.

A letter may be used once, more than once or not at all.

(i) Voltage-gated sodium ion channels are open.

[1]

(ii) Repolarisation.

[1]

(iii) Sodium ions are actively pumped out of the neurone.

[1]

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4(a). The skin is important in enabling the body to detect changes in the environment. This allows the body to respond
to these changes.

Various types of sensory receptor are located in the skin.

Fig. 2.1 is a photomicrograph of a transverse section through a pressure receptor known as a Pacinian
corpuscle.

Fig. 2.1

Fig. 2.2 is a diagram of a longitudinal section through a Pacinian corpuscle. The tip of the sensory neurone is
not covered by the myelin sheath.

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 Fig. 2.2

The Pacinian corpuscle is a type of biological transducer.

As a pressure stimulus is exerted on the corpuscle, the lamellae are compressed and exert pressure on the
tip of the sensory neurone.
The plasma (cell surface) membrane of the tip of the neurone becomes deformed and more permeable to
sodium ions (Na+).
This region of the neurone becomes depolarised, reaching the threshold potential, and an action potential is
generated.

(i) Why is the Pacinian corpuscle described as a transducer?

[1]

(ii) Deformation of the plasma membrane of the tip of the neurone causes the membrane to become more
permeable to Na+.

Suggest why.

[1]

(iii) The generation of an action potential follows the ‘All-or-Nothing’ law.

Explain what this means.

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 [1]

(iv) Describe how information about the strength and intensity of a stimulus is communicated to the brain.

[2]

(b). When clothes are first put on the body, a constant gentle pressure is applied to the pressure receptors in the
skin. After a short time, action potentials are no longer generated unless there is a change in pressure as the
clothes move over the surface of the skin.

Suggest an explanation for the fact that action potentials are not generated constantly whilst wearing clothes.

[1]
(c). Synapses are an integral part of the nervous system.

Outline the roles of synapses in the nervous system.

[3]

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5. Paracetamol is a drug that is commonly used as a painkiller. For many years, scientists have been uncertain
about the way in which paracetamol works.

A recent study has shown that:

paracetamol is broken down in the spinal cord into a compound called NAPQI
NAPQI activates a receptor protein called TRPA1
TRPA1 is found on the plasma (cell surface) membranes of neurones
the activated receptor protein, TRPA1, interferes with the transmission of the nerve impulses from one
neurone to the next.

(i) Name one chemical that transfers a nerve impulse from one neurone to another.

[1]

(ii) Suggest the part of the neurone where the plasma membrane has TRPA1 receptors.

Explain your answer.

part of neurone

explanation

[2]

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6. Nicotine molecules have a shape that is complementary to acetylcholine receptors. As a result, nicotine
interferes with the nervous systems of insects and mammals by binding with these receptors.

(i) Where, precisely, are acetylcholine receptors found?

[1]

(ii) The way that nicotine is thought to work is outlined in Fig. 7.1.

Fig. 7.1(b) When nicotine present

Using the information in Fig. 7.1(a) and Fig. 7.1(b), suggest and explain the effect that nicotine has on the
nervous system.

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 [3]

7. Fig. 3.3 is a diagram representing the neuromuscular junction in mammals.

Fig. 3.3

(i) What type of molecule forms ion channels W and X?

[1]

(ii) Identify region Y.

[1]

(iii) Name the enzyme found in region Y.

[1]

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8(a). Outline the ways in which the structures of a sensory neurone and a motor neurone are similar.

In your answer, you should use appropriate technical terms, spelled correctly.

[4]
(b). The table below lists a number of statements about the functions of neurones. Indicate whether each statement
refers to:

sensory neurones only (S)

motor neurones only (M)
sensory and motor neurones (B).

Statement S or M or B

Have a resting potential of approximately −70 mV B

Transmit nerve impulses from the CNS

Connect to other neurones via synapses
Connect to effectors
[3]

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9(a). Squid are an order of aquatic animals. Many species of squid show a reflex response to changes in their body
position.

A sensory receptor called a statocyst detects changes in the body position of the squid in their aquatic
environment.
The reflex response corrects the squid's body position.

(i) Describe the components and events involved in a reflex arc.

[3]

(ii) Suggest one benefit to the squid of the reflex response described above.

[1]

(iii) A statocyst sensory receptor is shown in Fig. 2.1.

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 What can you conclude from Fig. 2.1 about the mechanism by which a statocyst acts as a transducer?

[3]

(b). Lobsters and sea cucumbers also have statocysts. From this information, the student concluded:

‘I think this means squids, lobsters and sea cucumbers evolved from a recent common ancestor and are
probably classified in the same phylum.’

Evaluate the extent to which the information about lobsters and sea cucumbers supports the student's
conclusion.

[2]

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(c). Fig. 2.2 shows a representation of a human neurone.

Fig. 2.2

(i) Name the type of neurone shown in Fig. 2.2.

[1]

(ii) State the function of Y in Fig. 2.2.

[1]

(d). *The amplitude and duration of the action potentials in a single neurone are always the same. However, the
amplitude and duration of action potentials can vary between different types of neurone.

Fig. 2.3 shows action potentials in two different types of neurone.

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 Fig. 2.3

Describe the differences between the two action potentials and suggest explanations for the differences you
have described.

[6]

END OF QUESTION PAPER

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

1 A 1

Total 1

2 A 1

Total 1

3 i (B and) C; 1 Mark the first answer(s). If the answer is

correct and an additional answer is given
that is incorrect or contradicts the correct
answer then = 0 marks

Examiner's Comments

Most candidates answered this correctly,

although some did only mention B and so
were not awarded the mark.

ii 1 Mark the first 2 answers. If the answer is

correct and an additional answer is given
that is incorrect or contradicts the correct
answer then = 0 marks

D and E; IGNORE F

Examiner's Comments

Candidates often only stated E, less

frequently D alone, while both were
required for the mark.

iii all individual letters A to G / A to G / A – G; 1 as the pump runs continuously

CREDIT F
and / or
A and G as these are the places where the
pump has greatest effect
IGNORE B if given as an additional answer
to an otherwise correct answer

Examiner's Comments

Candidates did not appreciate that the

sodium ion pump is not voltage‐regulated
and so is actively pumping the whole time.
Allowance was made for this in the mark
scheme and various combinations of
letters were credited.

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

Total 3

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

4 a i it converts energy (mechanical) into, 1 If type of energy is specified, it must be as

another / different, form of energy indicated in the brackets
(electrical);
ACCEPT ‘converts one form of energy into
another’
IGNORE pressure

Examiner's Comments

While many candidates understood that

the Pacinian corpuscle is described as a
transducer because it transforms one form
of energy into another, they often negated
their answer by naming the wrong from of
energy, such as kinetic or chemical.
Inadequate responses stated that the
corpuscle would transform the stimulus into
an electrical impulse.

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

ii idea that deformation of membrane will 1 max

allow more Na+ through because

1 (the increased pressure) 1 CREDIT Na+ channels

causes sodium (ion) channels to open; DO NOT CREDIT Na channels
DO NOT CREDIT ref to voltage(-gated)
channels

2 (temporary) gaps / holes / spaces, 2 IGNORE weakened

appear, between the phospholipids / in the
bilayer; DO NOT CREDIT ‘breaks in the bilayer’
DO NOT CREDIT ‘pores’ for ‘gaps’
DO NOT CREDIT idea of additional,
channels / carriers, inserted

Examiner's Comments

The reason why deformation of the plasma

membrane of the tip of the neurone causes
the membrane to become more permeable
to Na+ was frequently poorly understood.
The most common correct response was
that deformation would open the sodium
ion channels. While some candidates
appreciated that the bilayer might develop
temporary gaps, they did not specify the
phospholipid bilayer. Answers that
suggested that the voltage gated channels
would open, or that the channels, or the
plasma membrane, would be damaged or
denatured by the pressure exerted upon
them did not gain credit.

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

iii 1 ACCEPT ‘impulses’ for ‘action potentials’

if the, stimulus is not strong enough / DO NOT CREDIT ref to ‘strength’ of an

action potential
threshold (value) is not reached / IGNORE ref to numerical value for
threshold potential
depolarisation (of membrane) is IGNORE ref to ‘it’ or ‘action potential’
insufficient, reaching threshold
then, it / an action potential, is not, DO NOT CREDIT ref to action potentials of
generated / AW; ora different sizes / values

Examiner's Comments

The meaning of the ‘All-or-Nothing’ law in

the generation of an action potential was
generally well understood, with most
candidates recognizing that the an action
potential would only be initiated once the
threshold potential was reached or
exceeded. However, some incorrectly
stated that the action potential would have
to reach threshold or simply said that the
action potential would either happen or it
wouldn’t. Some referred to the strength of
the action potential, thereby negating their
answer.

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

iv 2 Note: max 1 if term ‘frequent’ or derived

term NOT used in answer

ACCEPT ‘impulses’ for ‘action potentials’

1 idea that it is represented by the 1 CREDIT represented by how, frequently /

frequency of the action potentials; often, the action potentials are, transmitted
/ generated

2 high, frequency / rate (of generation), of 2 DO NOT CREDIT ref to speed of, action
action potentials shows, a strong / an potentials / impulses
intense, stimulus; ora

Note: e.g. ‘a higher frequency of impulses

represents a strong stimulus’ = 2 marks

Examiner's Comments

Good answers showed an appreciation

that the information about the strength and
intensity of a stimulus is communicated to
the brain by way of the frequency of the
action potentials. Many commented that a
greater stimulus strength would lead to a
greater number of action potentials but
without reference to a time element, or that
they would travel faster. Answers that
simply described how action potentials
would be relayed to the brain did not gain
credit.

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

b action potentials not generated because 1 max IGNORE lack of (named) neurotransmitter
as the Q refers to generation of the action
potential in the receptor and not its onward
transmission

1 sodium (ion) channels (remain) open / 1 CREDIT Na+ channels

resting potential not re-established; IGNORE ‘voltage-gated’
DO NOT CREDIT Na channels

2 idea of ions being in the wrong place Examiner's Comments

for correct ion movement (across
membrane); Few candidates were able to suggest why
action potentials are not generated
constantly while wearing clothes. Most
responses concentrated on how
neurotransmitter would run out in the
synaptic bulb leading to acclimatisation or
that weak stimuli would be filtered out by
the synapse, which failed to answer the
question. Some candidates suggested that
generator potentials would not exceed the
threshold or that insufficient sodium ion
channels would open. Answers were
expected to reflect the context of the
question and reference the continual
pressure on the membrane and so the fact
that the sodium ion channels would remain
open and therefore preventing the
generation of an action potential.

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

c 3 max ACCEPT ‘action potentials’ for ‘impulses’

IGNORE ‘messages’ and ‘signals’
throughout
1 allows, neurones to communicate / cell 1 e.g.
signalling;
passes impulse on to next neurone
passes neurotransmitter on to next
neurone

2 ensure transmission (between neurones) 2 Must be transmission between

in one direction (only); neurones
IGNORE description unless for clarification

3 allows, convergence / impulses from 3 IGNORE ‘summation’

more than one neurone to be passed to a ACCEPT ‘neurotranmsitter’ instead of
single neurone; ‘impulse’

4 allows, divergence / impulses from a 4 ACCEPT ‘neurotranmsitter’ instead of

single neurone to be passed to more than ‘impulse’
one neurone;

5 idea that filters (out), ‘background’ / low

level, stimuli
or
ensures that only stimulation that is strong
enough will be passed on;

6 prevents fatigue / prevents over-

stimulation;

7 allows many low level stimuli to be 7 IGNORE ‘summation’

amplified;

8 idea that presence of inhibitory and

stimulatory synapses allows impulses to
follow specific path;

9 permits, memory / learning / decision

making;

Note: ‘impulses from more than one

neurone can pass to a single neurone’ = 2
marks (mps 1 & 3)
Note: ‘impulses from a single neurone can
pass to many neurones’ = 2 marks (mps 1
& 4)

Examiner's Comments

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

There were some very good accounts of
the roles of synapses in the nervous
system with well-prepared candidates
gaining maximum marks. Many stated that
synapses were important in cell signalling
and would ensure that the action potential
would only be transmitted in one direction,
although some then negated their answer
by saying that this would be along the
neurone, rather than across a synapse.
Many also appreciated that low level
stimuli could either be filtered out or
amplified, depending on the situation, or
that synapses would allow convergence or
divergence, either stated or described.
Other answers referenced the role of
synapses in memory or learning, or how
they would prevent overstimulation of the
postsynaptic neurone. However, some
simply described neurotransmitter release
at a synapse which was not credited.
Candidates are expected to refer to stimuli
rather than signals.

Total 9

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

5 i 1 Mark the first answer. If the answer is

correct and an additional answer is given
that is incorrect or contradicts the correct
answer then = 0 marks

acetylcholine; CREDIT other correct examples e.g.

dopamine / noradrenaline / norepinephrine
ACCEPT ACh

Examiner's Comments

The vast majority of candidates gave the

correct answer acetylcholine, although
spelling was not always correct. The only
alternative answer commonly seen was
dopamine. Some did not appreciate that a
named chemical was required and gave
the general term, ‘neurotransmitter’,
instead.

ii 2 Explanation must match correct

location for 2 marks.
If no location stated then explanation
can be awarded independently for 1
mark.
Incorrect location = 0 marks.
IGNORE ‘interferes’ (as in Q)
IGNORE ref to dendrites / cell bodies /
either neurone(s) / synapse(s)

post-synaptic membrane;
(TRPA1) prevents attachment of (named) CREDIT causes hyperpolarisation
neurotransmitter to its receptor; DO NOT CREDIT idea that TRPA1 is a
free protein that will enter the ACh receptor
and block it (rather like a or competitive
or inhibitor occupying the active site of an
enzyme)
pre-synaptic membrane / (pre)synaptic
knob / axon terminal / bouton / synaptic
bulb :
(TRPA1) prevents, release of (named)
neurotransmitter / influx of calcium ions; ACCEPT Ca2+

Examiner's Comments

This was a challenging question for

candidates. Despite being told in the
question stem that TRPA1 is found on the

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

plasma membranes of neurones, many
answered with no specific reference to a
membrane at all, referring instead to
‘neurone’, ’synapse’ or ’cell body’. Despite
being told that TRPA1 interferes with the
transmission of the nerve impulse from one
neurone to the next, ‘axon’ and ‘nodes of
Ranvier’ were suggested by some
candidates.
For the explanation, many candidates
described the general role of the part that
they had named in transmission of
impulses rather than attempting to describe
how the TRPA1 would affect transmission.
There was some confusion about the
nature of the TRPA1 receptor. Some
candidates described it as if it was a free
protein that might bind to ACh receptors in
a form of competitive inhibition. Others
described two TRPA1 components: the
TRPA1 protein which binds to the TRPA1
receptor. There also seemed to be
confusion about where ACh receptors are
located. A minority of candidates continue
to confuse ‘nerve’ with ‘neurone’.

Total 3

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

6 i postsynaptic membrane(s) (in, 1 ACCEPT sarcolemma

neurone / neuromuscular junction); DO NOT CREDIT postsynaptic knob

Examiner's Comments

The majority of candidates gave the

precise location of the receptors as being
the postsynaptic membrane. A small
number realised that this would be the
sarcolemmma in this particular case. Both
responses gained the mark.

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

ii Effect 3 max

Nicotine slows down rate of / stops, IGNORE ‘nervous system slows down’ /
transmission of, action potentials / nervous ‘acts as a depressant’
impulses;

Plus any 2 of the following:

Explain

binds to receptor; ACCEPT competes with acetylcholine for

the receptor
DO NOT CREDIT active site
DO NOT CREDIT ‘acts as competitive
inhibitor’
DO NOT CREDIT binds to receptor
permanently

(nicotine) has the same response / opens ACCEPT causes action potential in next
Na+ channels / causes depolarisation; neurone / mimics, action / effects, of
acetylcholine
IGNORE ‘mimics acetyl choline’ alone

nicotine remains in receptor for longer;

idea that receptor, IGNORE delays refractory stage

remains in refractory stage for longer / ACCEPT permanently in refractory stage
unable to return to standby condition
cannot be reactivated; Examiner's Comments

Describing how nicotine is thought to work

proved difficult for many. This was usually
a result of confusion between this receptor
scenario and the action of enzymes, as
many references to active sites and
nicotine acting as a competitive inhibitor
were seen. Correct references to it binding
to the receptor causing depolarisation or
an action potential gained credit, along with
the idea that the receptor was unable to
return to the standby state. Other valid
ideas included the stopping of action
potential transmission altogether or a
reduction in the rate of transmission.

Total 4

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

7 i protein; 1 ACCEPT glycoprotein

IGNORE polypeptide / channel / carrier /
transport

Examiner's Comments

This was well answered, with most putting

‘protein’. Those that didn't tended to write
calcium or sodium ions.

ii (synaptic) cleft; 1 IGNORE gap

IGNORE neuromuscular

Examiner's Comments

Tthe majority of candidates correctly

identified the region as the synaptic cleft.

iii acetylcholine esterase / ACh esterase; 1 ACCEPT phonetic spelling and ignore
upper / lower case
IGNORE AChE

Examiner's Comments

Surprisingly, a large number of candidates

failed to correctly identify the enzyme. The
most common error was to identify it as
acetyl choline or acetylcholinerase.

Total 3

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

8 a both have 3 max

1dendrite(s); 1DO NOT CREDIT if states that motor

neurone has dendrites and a dendron

2an axon;

3a cell body with a, nucleus / named 3e.g. mitochondria / Golgi / SER / RER
organelle;

4myelin sheath / myelinated / (covered 4CREDIT may have / can have

with) Schwann cell / nodes of Ranvier;

5voltage-gated channels / sodium-

potassium (ion) pump;

QWC; 1 Award if 3 of the following terms have been

used in a correct context with correct
spelling:

dendrite(s) axon(s)
cell body(ies) myelin (or derived
schwann term)
Please insert a QWC symbol next to the
pencil icon, followed by a tick (✔) if QWC
has been awarded or a cross (×) if QWC
has not been awarded.
You should use the green dot to identify
the QWC terms that you are crediting.

Examiner's Comments

Concise answers achieved full marks, as

neurone structure is well known. Few
candidates gave details of functions rather
than structure, although some
supplemented their answer with details of
function. Candidates should not imply that
a dendron is present in a motor neurone.
QWC was normally awarded, although
there were the odd mistakes made in the
spelling of ‘myelin’.

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

b 3 Mark the first answer in each box. If the

answer is correct and an additional answer
is given that is incorrect or contradicts the
M; correct answer then = 0 marks
B;
M; Examiner's Comments

The majority of candidates obtained these

marks, with a small number giving the
incorrect answer in the 2nd row.

Total 7

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

9 a i action potential / nervous impulse, in 3 max

sensory neurone ✓

synapse / described ✓

relay / intermediate, neurone ✓

(nervous impulse in) motor neurone,

passes to / AW, effector / muscle ✓

ii idea of maintains balance / efficiency of 1

movement ✓

iii kinetic / movement, energy converted ✓ 3 max

to, electrical energy / action potential ✓

idea of movement of statolith moves

sensory hairs ✓

membrane of sensory hairs depolarises ✓

b Support is weak because 2

idea that clasification based on phylogeny

✓

statocysts could, have evolved on more

than one occasion / be an example of
convergent evolution ✓

c i motor neurone ✓ 1

ii saltatory conduction ✓ 1 max

increases speed of, impulse / action

potential, transmission ✓

insulates axon ✓

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

d Please refer to the marking instructions

on page 4 of this mark scheme for
guidance on how to mark this question.

In summary:
Read through the whole answer. (Be
prepared to recognise and credit
unexpected approaches where they show
relevance.)
Using a ‘best-fit’ approach based on the
science content of the answer, first decide
which of the level descriptors, Level 1,
Level 2 or Level 3, best describes the
overall quality of the answer.
Then, award the higher or lower mark
within the level, according to the
Communication Statement (shown in
italics):

award the higher mark where the

Communication Statement has been
met.
award the lower mark where aspects of
the Communication Statement have
been missed.

The science content determines the

level.
The Communication Statement
determines the mark within a level

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 Mark Scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

Level 3 (5-6 marks) 6 Indicative scientific points may include:

A comprehensive description of the Descriptions
differences between the two action Dopamine neurone:
potentials with some explanations for the
differences.
Is less polarised / has a less negative
There is a well-developed line of resting potential
reasoning, which is clear and logically- Depolarisation shows less change
structured and uses scientific terminology Action potential peak is lower/less
at an appropriate level. All the information positive
presented is relevant and forms a No clear refractory period
continuous narrative. Action potential duration is longer
Repolarisation is slower
Level 2 (3-4 marks)
A good description of some of the Explanations
differences between the two action Resting potential set up by:
potentials with limited explanation.

There is a line of reasoning presented with Different type/number of

some structure and use of appropriate sodium/potassium pumps in neuron
scientific language. The information membrane
presented is mostly relevant. Different type/number of potassium ion
channels
Level 1 (1-2 marks) Steeper sodium ion gradient in the
A limited description of some of the Purkyne neurone
differences between the two action Steeper potassium ion gradient in the
potentials with an attempt at some dopamine neurone
explanation. Different type/more voltage-gated
sodium and potassium ion channels in
The information is communicated with only the Purkyne neurone
a little structure. Communication is
hampered by the inappropriate use of
technical terms.

0 marks
No response or no response worthy of
credit.

Total 17

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