IGCSE Edexcel Biology 2 hours 10 questions

Exam Questions

Excretion
Excretion in Plants / Excretion in Humans / Kidney: Excretion & Osmoregulation /
Structure of the Urinary System / Nephron Structure / Nephron Function / ADH &
Composition of Urine

Easy (4 questions) /36 Scan here to return to the course

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Medium (3 questions) /31

Hard (3 questions) /32

Total Marks /99

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Easy Questions

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1 (a) All living things carry out eight 'life processes', one of which is excretion.

(i) Give a definition of the term excretion.

(1)

(ii) State five other life processes.

(5)

Answer

(i) The definition of excretion is...

The removal of metabolic waste from the body; [1 mark]

(ii) The other life processes are...

Any five of the following:

Movement; [1 mark]
Respiration; [1 mark]
Sensitivity; [1 mark]
Control; [1 mark]
Growth; [1 mark]
Reproduction; [1 mark]

Nutrition; [1 mark]
[Total: 6 marks]

One of the most common mistakes to make is to generalise excretion as being the
removal of all waste from the body; excretion only refers to the removal of waste
from metabolism (i.e. chemical reactions in the body).

Remember that removal of faeces is not excretion because it is not waste from
metabolism, just undigested food. Removal of faeces is known as egestion.
(6 marks)

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(b) A substance that is excreted by plants is oxygen.

State the source of this excreted oxygen.

Answer

The source of the excreted oxygen is...

Photosynthesis; [1 mark]
[Total: 1 mark]
(1 mark)

(c) Complete the table below using either a ✓ or a ✗ to indicate whether or not the plant
processes described are examples of excretion

Process Excretion ✓ or
✗

Water is drawn up from the roots of the plant and is lost through
the leaves

Carbon dioxide is released from respiring cells

Dead leaves fall off deciduous plants during the autumn

Answer

The table should be completed as follows...

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 Process Excretion ✓ or
✗

Water is drawn up from the roots of the plant and is lost through ✗; [1 mark]
the leaves

Carbon dioxide is released from respiring cells ✓; [1 mark]

Dead leaves fall off deciduous plants during the autumn ✗; [1 mark]

[Total: 3 marks]

Although some water is a waste product of plant metabolism, most just enters the
plant via the roots and passes out of the leaves by transpiration without being
involved with any form of metabolism.
Note that while details of transpiration are covered in separate science, combined
science students would be expected to recognise that the description of
transpiration provided here is not excretion.
(3 marks)

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2 (a) The diagram shows some human excretory organs.

Name organ X and organ Z shown in the diagram.

Answer

The organs are...

Organ X = lung(s); [1 mark]

Organ Z = kidney(s); [1 mark]
[Total: 2 marks]
(2 marks)

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(b) One waste product that is excreted from the human body is urea.

Urea is made from excess proteins that can't be stored in the body.

Excess carbohydrates and lipids do not need to be excreted,

Suggest why excess carbohydrates and lipids do not need to be excreted.

Answer

Excess carbohydrates and lipids don't need to be excreted from the human body
because...

Any two of the following:

Carbohydrates are stored as/converted into glycogen; [1 mark]

Lipids are stored under the skin / around the organs; [1 mark]
Carbohydrates/lipids can be broken down to release energy; [1 mark]
[Total: 2 marks]

You learned about lipids and carbohydrates in the biological molecules topic and in
the nutrition topic, so you should be aware that the body can store these molecules
and use them as a source of energy.
(2 marks)

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(c) Carbon dioxide is one of the substances that is excreted by the body.

Explain the importance of excreting carbon dioxide.

Answer

Excreting carbon dioxide is important because...

Any two of the following:

It dissolves easily in water / it is very soluble; [1 mark]

It forms an acidic solution (in the body) / it lowers the pH of the cells; [1 mark]

Which may reduce the activity of enzymes OR may denature the enzymes
(controlling metabolic reactions); [1 mark]

[Total: 2 marks]

When carbon dioxide dissolves in water it forms a weak acidic solution called
carbonic acid. When a solution becomes more acidic the pH of that solution will
decrease. You may recall from earlier in the course that enzymes are very sensitive
to changes in pH, so any decrease in the pH of the cells will cause the enzymes to
denature. This means that the active site changes shape and will no longer be
complementary to the shape of the substrate. Denatured enzymes can no longer
catalyse the reactions that they are involved in, which is bad news for cells.
(2 marks)

(d) Another organ of excretion is the skin.

Explain how the skin is able to carry out excretion.

Answer

The skin carries out excretion by...

The skin excretes water and excess mineral ions/named minerals, e.g. salt; [1 mark]
Via the process of sweating; [1 mark]
[Total: 2 marks]
(2 marks)

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3 (a) Separate: Biology Only
The diagram shows some glands of the endocrine system.

(i) Give the letter on the diagram that shows the gland that released the hormone ADH.

(1)

☐ A W

☐ B X

☐ C Y

☐ D Z

(ii) State the name of the gland identified in part (i) that released ADH.

(1)

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 Answer

(i) The correct answer is B because...

The letter X shows the pituitary gland, which is the gland that releases ADH.

A is incorrect because W shows the adrenal glands

C is incorrect because Y shows the pancreas

D is incorrect because Z shows the thyroid gland

(ii) The gland that releases ADH is...

Pituitary gland; [1 mark]

[Total: 2 marks]
(2 marks)

(b) Separate: Biology Only

ADH helps with a process called osmoregulation which involves regulating the quantity
of water in the blood.

ADH travels in the blood to the nephron in the kidney.

Name the part of the nephron that is affected by ADH.

Answer

The part of the nephron that is affected by ADH is...

The collecting duct; [1 mark]

[Total: 1 mark]

It is important that you memorise the following sentence "ADH increases the
permeability of the collecting duct to water". You need to make sure you are always
specific with your language in order to gain marks in an exam.
(1 mark)

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(c) Separate: Biology Only
Complete the sentences.

Choose answers from the box.

less ADH less glucose urine more more ADH

The concentration of ............... is controlled by a hormone called anti-diuretic hormone.

If the blood water content is too high, ............... is released, so ............... water is
reabsorbed in the kidney.

If the blood water content is too low, ............... is released, so ...............water is

reabsorbed in the kidney.

Answer

The completed sentences are as follows...

The concentration of urine is controlled by a hormone called anti-diuretic hormone;

[1 mark]
If the blood water content is too high, less ADH is released, so less water is
reabsorbed in the kidney; [1 mark]
If the blood water content is too low, more ADH is released, so more water is
reabsorbed in the kidney; [1 mark]
[Total: 3 marks]
(3 marks)

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(d) Separate: Biology Only
Osmoregulation is an essential part of homeostasis.

(i) Give a definition of the term homeostasis.

(1)

(ii) Explain the consequences of having too much water in the blood.

(2)

Answer

(i) Homeostasis is...

The control/regulation of the internal conditions of a cell/organism (within narrow

limits); [1 mark]
(ii) The consequence of having too much or too little water in the blood is...

Any two of the following:

Water moves into the cells; [1 mark]

Water moved from a high to a low water concentration / by osmosis; [1 mark]
This can lead to cell lysis/bursting; [1 mark]
[Total: 3 marks]
(3 marks)

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4 (a) Separate: Biology Only
The diagram shows the structure of a nephron in the kidneys.

(i) Identify structure 1 in the diagram.

(1)

(ii) Describe the process taking place at structure 1.

(2)

Answer

(i) Structure 1 is the...

Glomerulus; [1 mark]
(ii) The process taking place at structure 1 can be described as follows...

Any two of the following:

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 Small(er) molecules are forced out of the capillaries (of the glomerulus) into the
Bowman's capsule; [1 mark]
Due to the high pressure in the (narrow) capillaries (of the glomerulus); [1 mark]
During the process of ultrafiltration; [1 mark]
[Total: 3 marks]

During ultrafiltration, all small molecules are forced out of the blood in the
glomerulus into the Bowman's capsule. Some of these molecules are useful to the
body and must be reabsorbed back into the blood as the filtrate moves through the
nephron.
(3 marks)

(b) Separate: Biology Only

The fluid moving along structure 2 of the nephron in the diagram in part (a) is known as
filtrate and it contains several substances.

State two substances that will form part of the filtrate in structure 2.

Answer

Substances found in the filtrate in structure 2 include...

Any two of the following:

Water; [1 mark]
Salts; [1 mark]
Glucose; [1 mark]
Urea; [1 mark]
[Total: 2 marks]
(2 marks)

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(c) Separate: Biology Only
Water is reabsorbed from the filtrate back into the blood at various points along the
nephron, such as structure 3 in the diagram in part (a).

Identify structure 3 in the diagram.

Answer

Structure 3 is known as the...

Loop of Henle; [1 mark]

[Total: 1 mark]
(1 mark)

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(d) Separate: Biology Only
Structure 5 represents the collecting duct, which can adjust the amount of water
reabsorbed into the blood depending on the needs of the body.

Complete the following sentences about the role of the collecting duct.

On a hot, sunny day the body will ............... more water due to sweating.

In order to conserve water the collecting duct will reabsorb ............... water into the
blood.

This results in the excretion of ............... urine that is more concentrated.

Answer

The sentences could be completed as follows...

On a hot, sunny day the body will lose/excrete more water due to sweating; [1
mark]
In order to conserve water, the collecting duct will reabsorb more water into the
blood; [1 mark]
This results in the excretion of less urine that is more concentrated ; [1 mark]
[Total: 3 marks]

On days where more water is lost from the body the collecting duct will reabsorb
more water into the blood to prevent dehydration. This means that less water will be
excreted in the form of urine which results in more concentrated urine being
produced.
(3 marks)

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Medium Questions
1 (a) Separate: Biology Only
The diagram shows a nephron from a kidney with three different areas, X, Y and Z.

The table gives the concentration of glucose and urea at X, Y and Z.

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 Area of Concentration of glucose in mg Concentration of urea in mg
3
nephron per 100 cm per 100 cm3

X 90 32

Y 0 440

Z 0 1700

Explain the difference in concentration of glucose between X and Y.

Answer

The difference in concentration of glucose between X and Y is due to...

Any three of the following:

(Selective) reabsorption / absorption into the blood; [1 mark]

In the proximal convoluted tubule/PCT; [1 mark]
By active transport; [1 mark]
(Active transport) requires energy/ATP; [1 mark]
Accept first convoluted tubule for marking point 2.

[Total: 3 marks]

Always take note of the command words in a question; here you are being asked to
explain the data; no marks will be awarded for description of the difference between
X and Y.
(3 marks)

(b) Separate: Biology Only

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(i) Calculate how many times more concentrated the urea is in area Z compared to area
Y.

Give your answer to two significant figures.

(2)

(ii) Explain the difference in urea concentration in the filtrate found in Y and Z.

(2)

Answer

(i) The answer to the question of how many times more concentrated the urea is in area
Z compared to area Y is...

3.86 OR 1700 ÷ 440; [1 mark]

3.9; [1 mark]
Full marks can be awarded for the correct answer in the absence of other calculations.

(ii) The difference in urea concentration in the filtrate found in Y and Z is due to...

Any two of the following:

Water is absorbed / urea is not absorbed; [1 mark]

(Water absorption takes place) in the collecting duct / loop of Henle / distal
convoluted tubule; [1 mark]
(Water is absorbed by) osmosis; [1 mark]
The presence of ADH (increases water reabsorption); [1 mark]
[Total: 4 marks]

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(i) Note that you have been asked to calculate the value to two significant figures; be
careful not to confuse significant figures with decimal places.

(ii) This is an 'explain' question, so you must explain the changes and should avoid
giving descriptions of the data. The concentration of a solution can be increased
either by the addition of solute (which in this case is urea) or by the removal of
solvent (which in this case is water); there is no point within the nephron at which
urea can be added, so it must be the removal of water here that has increased the
urea concentration. Water is reabsorbed into the blood in the loop of Henle, distal
convoluted tubule, and collecting duct.
(4 marks)

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(c) Separate: Biology Only
High blood pressure during pregnancy can result in the production of urine that contains
protein.

(i) Describe how a sample of urine could be tested to see if it contains protein.

(2)

(ii) Protein is not normally found in urine.

Suggest why high blood pressure could cause protein to be present in urine.

(2)

Answer

(i) A sample of urine could be tested to see if it contains protein by...

Any pair of points from the following:

(The use of) biuret (reagent/solution) / sodium hydroxide AND copper sulfate; [1
mark]
(A colour change to) lilac/purple/pink; [1 mark]

OR

(The use of) uristicks/uristix / urine test strips / urine dip(stick) tests / urinalysis; [1
mark]
(Colour change to) blue/green; [1 mark]
(ii) High blood pressure could cause the protein to be present in urine because...

Any two of the following:

Protein is a large molecule; [1 mark]

High pressure forces/pushes/squeezes protein...; [1 mark]
...out of glomerulus/capillaries/ through membranes OR into Bowman's capsule /
glomerular filtrate; [1 mark]

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 Protein is not reabsorbed (by the nephron); [1 mark]
[Total: 4 mark]
(4 marks)

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2 (a) Separate: Biology Only
The urinary system is used in excretion.

The diagram shows the urinary system with parts labelled A, B, C and D.

(i) Which part of the urinary system contains nephrons?

☐ A

☐ B

☐ C

☐ D

Answer

The correct answer is A because...

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 The nephrons make up the structure of the kidneys.

B is incorrect as this structure is the ureter which carries urine from the kidneys to the
bladder.

C is incorrect as this structure is the bladder which holds urine.

D is incorrect as this structure is the urethra which carries urine from the bladder to
outside the body.

[Total: 1 mark]
(1 mark)

(b) The urinary system produces urine.

Name a substance found in urine.

Answer

A substance found in urine includes...

Any one of the following:

Water; [1 mark]
Urea; [1 mark]

Ions / named ion eg. sodium / salts; [1 mark]

[Total: 1 mark]
(1 mark)

(c) Separate: Biology Only

A scientist uses this method to investigate the effect of drinking different liquids on urine
production.

Drink 600 cm3 of water in the morning

Measure the volume of urine produced during the next two hours

Drink 600 cm3 of 0.8 % salt (NaCl) solution at the same time the following morning

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 Measure the volume of urine produced during the next two hours

The table shows the scientist’s results.

Liquid Volume of urine produced during two hours in cm3

Water 560

Salt solution 254

(i) Explain the scientist’s results.

(5)

(ii) Give two other factors that affect the volume of urine produced.

(2)

Answer

(i) The scientist's results can be explained as follows...

Any five of the following:

More urine is produced when drinking water / less urine is produced when drinking
the salt solution; [1 mark]
A person would have a lower blood concentration (when drinking water) / a person
would have a higher blood concentration (when drinking the salt solution) OR blood
would have a higher water potential (when drinking water) / blood would have a
lower water potential (when drinking the salt solution) OR blood would be more
dilute (when drinking water); [1 mark]
(The change in blood concentration / water potential is) detected by the
hypothalamus / osmoreceptors; [1 mark]
Less / no ADH is released by (pituitary) (when drinking water) / (more) ADH released
(when drinking the salt solution); [1 mark]

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 The collecting ducts are less permeable (when drinking water) / collecting ducts are
more permeable (when drinking the salt solution); [1 mark]
This means that less water is reabsorbed / absorbed into blood (when drinking
water) / (more) water is reabsorbed / absorbed into blood (when drinking the salt
solution); [1 mark]
(ii) Other factors that affect the volume of urine produced includes...

Any two of the following:

Exercise / sweating / activity; [1 mark]

The volume of fluid consumed / what they drank before the investigation; [1 mark]
Temperature; [1 mark]
The type/amount of food eaten / diet (during the investigation); [1 mark]
[Total: 7 marks]

The mechanism described above will ensure that the blood composition remains
within set limits. If there is an excess of water in the blood, this will be excreted as
urine, while a shortage of water in the blood will result in more of it being
reabsorbed back into the blood vessels. The result would be the production of a
smaller volume of more concentrated urine.
(7 marks)

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3 (a) Separate: Biology Only
The kidney contains nephrons involved in osmoregulation and excretion.

The diagram shows a nephron.

Which part is the Bowman’s capsule?

☐ A

☐ B

☐ C

☐ D

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 Answer

The correct answer is A because...

A labels the Bowman's capsule

B is incorrect because it shows the proximal convoluted tubule

C is incorrect because it shows the loop of Henle

D is incorrect because it shows the collecting duct

[Total: 1 mark]
(1 mark)

(b) Separate: Biology Only

The table gives the mass of three substances transported in part A and in part D for all
kidney nephrons during one day.

Substance Mass of substance in g

Part A Part D

Glucose 180 0

Water 180 000 1500

Urea 53 25

(i) Explain the change in the mass of glucose from part A to part D.

(3)

(ii) Calculate the percentage reabsorption of water by kidney nephrons.

(2)

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(iii) A substance containing nitrogen is broken down in the liver to produce urea.

Which substance is broken down to produce urea?

(1)

☐ A Fat

☐ B Glucose

☐ C Protein

☐ D Water

Answer

(i) The change in mass of glucose can be explained as follows...

Any three from the following:

(Selective) (re)absorption (of glucose) occurs; [1 mark]

(This means that glucose moves) into blood OR from the filtrate/out of the filtrate;
[1 mark]

In the proximal convoluted tubule / B; [1 mark]

Using active transport; [1 mark]
(ii) The percentage reabsorption can be calculated as follows...

178 500 ÷ 180 000 x 100; [1 mark]

= 99.2; [1 mark]

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Award full marks for the correct answer in the absence of calculations

(iii) The correct answer is C because...

Proteins are broken down to produce urea.

The other answers are incorrect because fat, glucose and water are not used in the
production of urea.

[Total: 6 marks]
(6 marks)

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(c) Separate: Biology Only
A drug called MDMA increases the secretion of ADH.

Explain how this increase affects urine production.

Answer

MDMA affects urine production in the following way...

Any four from the following:

There will be less urine / decreased urine production OR urine more concentrated;
[1 mark]
(Because) the collecting duct; [1 mark]
Becomes more permeable; [1 mark]
Therefore water (absorbed) into blood / water reabsorbed; [1 mark]

By osmosis; [1 mark]
[Total: 4 marks]

ADH is released by the pituitary gland in the brain when the amount of water in the
blood is too low. This results in more water being reabsorbed back into the blood
from the filtrate in the kidney. MDMA emphasizes this effect.
(4 marks)

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Hard Questions
1 (a) Separate: Biology Only
The diagram shows a nephron from a human kidney.

(i) From which structure does ultrafiltration take place?

(1)

☐ A P

☐ B Q

☐ C R

☐ D S

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(ii) From which structure is glucose reabsorbed?

(1)

☐ A Q

☐ B R

☐ C S

☐ D U

(iii) Which structure is the loop of Henle?

(1)

☐ A P

☐ B R

☐ C S

☐ D U

Answer

(i) The correct answer is D.

The glomerulus (S) filters the blood, allowing small molecules to pass through into the
Bowman's capsule (T). The liquid that is forced into the Bowman's capsule is known as
the filtrate.

P is the distal convoluted tubule.

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 Q is the collecting duct.

R is the loop of Henle.

(ii) The correct answer is D.

Glucose is reabsorbed from the proximal convoluted tubule (D) by active transport. The
molecules that transport glucose across cell membranes are not found in any other part
of the kidney nephron, so glucose is not reabsorbed anywhere else.

Q is the collecting duct.

R is the loop of Henle.

S is the glomerulus.

(iii) The correct answer is B.

The loop of Henle (R) descends into the central medulla of the kidney before ascending
back up into the outer cortex. Water is reabsorbed here.

P is the distal convoluted tubule.

S is the glomerulus.

U is the proximal convoluted tubule.

[Total: 3 marks]
(3 marks)

(b) Separate: Biology Only

The table gives the mean values of mass filtered per day and excreted per day for
different plasma components that are filtered and reabsorbed in the nephron.

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 Plasma Mass filtered per Mass excreted per Percentage
component day in g day in g reabsorbed

Water 180 000 1800 99.0

Sodium 630 3.0 99.5

Glucose 180 0 100.0

Urea 54 44.0

(i) State what is meant by plasma components.

(1)

(ii) Calculate the mean mass of urea excreted per day.

Give your answer in g.

(2)

(iii) Explain why glucose is reabsorbed in the nephron.

(2)

(iv) The concentration of urine is determined by the volume of water present and the
mass of dissolved substances.

A person eats a meal with a high protein and salt content and drinks a small volume of
water.

Comment on how this may change the values in the table and the effect it will have on
urine production.

(5)

Answer

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(i) Plasma components are...

Substances/chemicals/molecules present/in solution/dissolved/carried in the liquid

part of the blood/plasma; [1 mark]
Do not accept components in place of substances/chemicals/molecules.

(ii) The mean mass of urea excreted per day is...

54 - 23.76 OR 54 - (54 x 0.44) OR 54 - (54 x 44 ÷ 100) OR 56; [1 mark]

30/30.2/30.24; [1 mark]

Full marks can be awarded for the correct answer in the absence of other calculations.

(iii) Glucose is reabsorbed in the nephron because...

Any two of the following:

So that it is not excreted / lost from the body; [1 mark]

To maintain blood glucose (concentration); [1 mark]
(Because it is required for) respiration / (release of) energy; [1 mark]
Reject any reference to energy being produced or created.

(iv) Eating a meal with a high protein and salt content and drinking a small volume of
water will have the following effects...

Any five of the following:

Effects on values in the table

More salt/sodium will be excreted / present in the urine OR less / a lower

percentage of salt/sodium will be reabsorbed; [1 mark]
More urea will be excreted / present in the urine OR less / a lower percentage of
urea will be reabsorbed; [1 mark]
More glucose will be present in the blood / be filtered (by the nephron) BUT there
will be no change (in the table) as glucose is reabsorbed / no glucose is excreted; [1
mark]

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Effects on urine production

More sodium/salt will be present in the plasma (this will enter the blood via the
digestive system); [1 mark]
More urea will be produced / urea concentration (in the blood) will increase (as a
result of the breakdown of excess protein from the meal); [1 mark]
Water potential of the blood decreases / (solute) concentration of blood increases
(due to absorption of protein and salt from the digestive system into the blood); [1
mark]
Osmoreceptors (detect this change) / hypothalamus/pituitary gland (respond to the
change); [1 mark]
(More) ADH is secreted; [1 mark]
Permeability of the collecting duct increases (due to ADH); [1 mark]
More water is reabsorbed / less water is excreted OR less urine / more concentrated
urine is produced; [1 mark]
[Total: 10 marks]

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The mean mass of urea excreted can be calculated as follows...

(10 marks)

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2 (a) Separate: Biology Only
The diagram shows a nephron of a kidney, with some of the structures labelled.

(i) From which structure are substances forced out of the blood by ultrafiltration?

(1)

☐ A

☐ B

☐ C

☐ D

(ii) From which structure is glucose reabsorbed into the blood by selective reabsorption?

(1)

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 ☐ A

☐ B

☐ C

☐ D

Answer

(i) The correct answer is C because...

During ultrafiltration, small substances are forced out of the capillaries that form part of
the glomerulus into the Bowman's capsule of the nephron.

A is incorrect as ultrafiltration does not occur in the collecting duct.

B is incorrect as ultrafiltration does not occur in the Loop of Henle.

D is incorrect as ultrafiltration does not occur in the proximal convoluted tubule.

(ii) The correct answer is D because...

Glucose and other useful substances are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream in the
proximal convoluted tubule during the process of selective reabsorption.

A and B are incorrect as these structures are responsible for the reabsorption of water,
not glucose.

C is incorrect as this is the place where ultrafiltration occurs, not selective reabsorption.

[Total: 2 marks]
(2 marks)

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(b) Separate: Biology Only
In homeostasis, the kidney is involved in the control of blood concentration.

(i) State the name for the control of blood concentration.

(1)

(ii) Another function carried out by the kidney is excretion.

State what is meant by the term excretion.

(1)

Answer

(i) The name for the control of blood concentration is...

Osmoregulation; [1 mark]
(ii) The term excretion refers to...

(The) removal of metabolic waste / waste from chemical reactions (from cells); [1
mark]
Ignore mention of 'waste removal', this will gain no marks.

[Total: 2 marks]
(2 marks)

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(c) Separate: Biology Only
Diabetes insipidus is a medical condition in which the body is unable to produce ADH.

Explain how diabetes insipidus affects the control of blood concentration.

Answer

Diabetes insipidus affects the control of blood concentration in the following ways...

Any four of the following:

(It will cause the) collecting duct; [1 mark]

(To become) impermeable / less permeable OR it will not change the permeability
(of the collecting duct); [1 mark]
(This leads to) less water (being) reabsorbed (into the bloodstream) / water is not
reabsorbed (into the bloodstream) / less water moves back into the blood; [1 mark]
(This results in) more urine (being) produced / dilute urine (being) produced / more
water is lost (as urine) / dehydration; [1 mark]
(The) blood concentration increases; [1 mark]
[Total: 4 marks]

You are not expected to have knowledge of diabetes insipidus, but you should be
familiar with the effect of ADH on the nephron. Since the body is unable to produce
ADH when a person suffers from diabetes insipidus, this will decrease the
permeability of the collecting ducts, which will result in large volumes of dilute urine
being produced since less water will be reabsorbed back into the blood. This may
lead to dehydration if the amount of fluid lost is not replaced.
(4 marks)

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(d) Separate: Biology Only
Desmopressin is a drug used to reduce the symptoms of diabetes insipidus.

(i) Suggest what effect the drug would have on the nephron.

(1)

(ii) Describe the effects the drug would have on urine production.

(2)

Answer

(i) Desmopressin would have the following effect on the nephron...

(It would) increase the permeability of the collecting duct (wall) / (the collecting duct
wall) becomes permeable / will now be permeable (to water); [1 mark]
(ii) The effects the drug would have on urine production include...

(It would) decrease (the volume of) / (lead to the production of) less urine; [1 mark]
(It would) increase the concentration (of urine); [1 mark]
[Total: 3 marks]

Desmopressin would have a similar effect on the nephron than ADH, therefore
increasing the permeability of the collecting ducts and resulting in more water being
reabsorbed back into the blood. This would lead to a smaller volume of more
concentrated urine being produced.
(3 marks)

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3 (a) Separate: Biology Only
The human kidney is an organ that is able to process excretory products from human
metabolism.

Concentration of urine is calculated using this formula.

amount of waste in milliosmoles

concentration in milliosmoles per dm 3 =
volume in dm 3

The amount of waste the kidneys produce per day is 600 milliosmoles.

The maximum concentration that the human kidneys can produce is 1400 milliosmoles
per dm3.

Calculate the minimum volume of urine that must be produced each day.

Give your answer in cm3.

Answer

The minimum volume of urine that must be produced each day can be calculated as
follows...

600 ÷ 1400 OR 0.43 dm3; [1 mark]

(0.43 x 1000) = 430 (cm3); [1 mark]

Full marks awarded for the correct answer of 430 / 429 / 428.57 or 428.6 in the absence of
calculations.

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[Total: 2 marks]

(2 marks)

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(b) Name another organ that carries out excretion in the human body.

Answer

Another organ that carries out excretion is...

Lungs / skin / liver; [1 mark]

No marks awarded if two answers are given and one of them is incorrect e.g. skin and anus.

[Total: 1 mark]

There are several other organs, besides the kidneys, that are responsible for the
excretion of substances. The lungs are responsible for excreting carbon dioxide and
water, which are produced during aerobic respiration in cells. The skin excretes
excess mineral ions and water in the form of sweat, while the liver produces urea
when it breaks down excess amino acids.
(1 mark)

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(c) Separate: Biology Only
Explain the role of the nephron in osmoregulation.

Answer

The role of the nephron in osmoregulation includes...

Any five of the following:

As the blood concentration increases osmoreceptors/hypothalamus detects the

change; [1 mark]
The pituitary gland release ADH; [1 mark]
(This will) increase the permeability of the collecting duct; [1 mark]
(Which results in more water being) reabsorbed from the collecting duct / into the
blood; [1 mark]
(This leads to) less urine / more concentrated urine (being produced); [1 mark]
(Reabsorption of water) increases water level (of the blood) / reduces blood
concentration; [1 mark]
(So that the) hypothalamus is not stimulated / pituitary releases less ADH OR (the
control of the water content of the body is an example of) negative feedback; [1
mark]
Allow the converse throughout if mention is made that the blood concentration decreases /
blood water content increases at marking point 1.

[Total: 5 marks]

For this question ensure that you write about the role of the nephron in
osmoregulation in detail and that you use the correct biological terminology in your
answer. It is important to note that it is the hormone ADH that controls the
permeability of the collecting duct, which in turn will determine the amount of water
that is reabsorbed back into the blood.
(5 marks)

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