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Secondary 4 Pure Biology Human Physiology Quiz
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Questions
Secondary 4 Pure Biology Quiz - Human Physiology
Name: __________________________
Class: __________________________
Date: ___________________________
Score: ________ / 40
Duration: 45 minutes
Total Marks: 40
Instructions:
- Answer all questions.
- Write your answers in the spaces provided.
- The number of marks available for each question or part question is given in brackets [ ].
- This quiz covers Topic: Human Physiology (Nutrition, Transport, Respiration, Excretion, Homeostasis).
Section A: Nutrition and Digestion (Questions 1–4)
1. Fig. 1.1 shows a section of the human alimentary canal.
(Imagine a diagram showing the Stomach, Small Intestine, and Large Intestine)
(a) Identify the organ labelled X where protein digestion begins. [1]
(b) State the enzyme responsible for the initial breakdown of proteins in organ X. [1]
(c) Explain why the pH in organ X is suitable for this enzyme but not for the enzymes in the small intestine. [2]
2. The villi in the small intestine are adapted for absorption.
(a) State two structural features of a villus that increase the rate of absorption. [2]
(b) Glucose is absorbed into the blood capillaries of the villus. Describe the pathway taken by this glucose to reach the liver. [2]
3. A student investigated the effect of bile on the digestion of fats. Two test tubes were set up:
- Tube A: Fat + Lipase + Bile
- Tube B: Fat + Lipase + Water
The time taken for the pH to drop was recorded. Tube A showed a faster drop in pH than Tube B.
(a) Explain the role of bile in Tube A. [2]
(b) Why did the pH drop in both tubes? [1]
4. State the primary function of the hepatic portal vein. [1]
Section B: Transport and Respiration (Questions 5–10)
5. Fig. 5.1 shows a cross-section of a blood vessel.
(Imagine a diagram of a vein with a valve)
(a) Identify this blood vessel. [1]
(b) State one feature visible in the diagram that helps identify this vessel. [1]
(c) Explain the function of the structure identified in (b). [2]
6. Table 6.1 shows the composition of blood plasma, tissue fluid, and lymph.
| Component | Blood Plasma (%) | Tissue Fluid (%) | Lymph (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 7.0 | 0.5 | 2.0 |
| Glucose | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
(a) Explain why the protein concentration in tissue fluid is much lower than in blood plasma. [2]
(b) Describe how lymph is formed from tissue fluid. [2]
7. During vigorous exercise, the heart rate increases.
(a) Name the part of the brain that controls heart rate. [1]
(b) Explain how an increased heart rate benefits muscle cells during exercise. [2]
8. Fig. 8.1 shows the changes in air pressure in the lungs during breathing.
(Imagine a graph showing pressure dropping below atmospheric, then rising above)
(a) During which phase of breathing is the pressure in the lungs lower than atmospheric pressure? [1]
(b) Describe the movements of the diaphragm and rib cage during this phase. [3]
9. Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration in human muscle cells.
(a) State the end product of anaerobic respiration in humans. [1]
(b) Explain why anaerobic respiration releases less energy per glucose molecule than aerobic respiration. [2]
10. A sprinter experiences "oxygen debt" after a 100m race.
(a) Define oxygen debt. [1]
(b) Explain how the body repays this debt after the race stops. [2]
Section C: Excretion and Homeostasis (Questions 11–16)
11. Fig. 11.1 shows a nephron.
(Imagine a diagram of a nephron with labels A: Glomerulus, B: Bowman's Capsule, C: Proximal Convoluted Tubule, D: Loop of Henle, E: Collecting Duct)
(a) Name the process that occurs between structure A and B. [1]
(b) State two substances that are filtered out of the blood at this stage. [2]
12. Explain why glucose is present in the filtrate in the Bowman’s capsule but absent in the urine of a healthy person. [2]
13. A patient with kidney failure undergoes dialysis.
(a) State one similarity between dialysis and the function of a healthy kidney. [1]
(b) State one difference between dialysis and the function of a healthy kidney regarding selectivity. [1]
14. Homeostasis maintains a constant internal environment.
(a) Define homeostasis. [1]
(b) Explain why maintaining a constant body temperature is important for enzyme activity. [2]
15. Fig. 15.1 shows the regulation of blood glucose levels.
(Imagine a flowchart: High Blood Glucose -> Pancreas -> Hormone X -> Liver -> Glucose to Glycogen)
(a) Identify Hormone X. [1]
(b) Describe how Hormone X lowers blood glucose levels. [2]
16. A person moves from a cold room into a hot environment.
(a) Describe the change in the diameter of the arterioles supplying the skin capillaries. [1]
(b) Explain how this change helps to regulate body temperature. [2]
Section D: Coordination and Response (Questions 17–20)
17. Fig. 17.1 shows a reflex arc.
(Imagine a diagram: Receptor -> Sensory Neuron -> Relay Neuron -> Motor Neuron -> Effector)
(a) Identify the type of neuron labelled Y that connects the sensory and motor neurons. [1]
(b) State the advantage of a reflex action over a voluntary action. [1]
18. Compare nervous coordination and hormonal coordination.
(a) State one difference in the speed of response. [1]
(b) State one difference in the duration of the effect. [1]
19. The eye adjusts to changes in light intensity.
(a) Name the part of the eye that contains the light-sensitive cells. [1]
(b) Describe the pupil reflex when a person moves from a dark room into bright sunlight. Include the muscles involved. [3]
20. Insulin is produced using genetic engineering.
(a) Explain why human insulin produced by bacteria is identical to human insulin. [1]
(b) State one advantage of using genetically engineered insulin over insulin extracted from pigs. [1]
*** End of Quiz ***
Answers
Secondary 4 Pure Biology Quiz - Human Physiology (Answer Key)
Total Marks: 40
Section A: Nutrition and Digestion
1. (a) Stomach [1] (b) Pepsin [1] (c) The stomach contains hydrochloric acid which creates an acidic pH (pH 1.5-2.0) [1]. Pepsin works optimally in acidic conditions, whereas enzymes in the small intestine (e.g., trypsin) work best in alkaline conditions and would be denatured/inactive in acid [1].
2. (a) Any two of the following: [2]
- Thin wall (one cell thick) for short diffusion distance.
- Rich blood supply (capillaries) to maintain concentration gradient.
- Presence of microvilli to increase surface area.
- Lacteal for absorption of fatty acids/glycerol. (b) Glucose enters the capillaries of the villus [1]. It is transported via the hepatic portal vein to the liver [1].
3. (a) Bile emulsifies fats [1]. This breaks large fat droplets into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for lipase to act on [1]. (b) Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol [1]. Fatty acids are acidic, causing the pH to drop.
4. To transport absorbed nutrients (glucose, amino acids) from the small intestine to the liver [1].
Section B: Transport and Respiration
5. (a) Vein [1] (b) Presence of valves [1] OR Thin wall / Large lumen (if visible). (c) Valves prevent the backflow of blood [1], ensuring blood flows in one direction towards the heart, especially against gravity [1].
6. (a) Large protein molecules are too large to pass through the capillary walls [1]. They remain in the blood plasma, while smaller molecules filter out to form tissue fluid [1]. (b) Tissue fluid enters the blind-ended lymph capillaries [1]. The fluid is then called lymph [1].
7. (a) Medulla (of the brain stem) [1] (b) It increases the rate of blood flow to muscles [1]. This delivers more oxygen and glucose for respiration and removes carbon dioxide/lactic acid faster [1].
8. (a) Inhalation (Inspiration) [1] (b) Diaphragm contracts and flattens [1]. External intercostal muscles contract, pulling ribs up and out [1]. This increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, decreasing pressure [1].
9. (a) Lactic acid [1] (b) Glucose is not completely broken down/oxidized [1]. Much of the energy remains stored in the lactic acid molecule [1].
10. (a) The amount of oxygen required to oxidize the lactic acid accumulated during anaerobic respiration [1]. (b) The person continues to breathe heavily after stopping [1]. This oxygen is used to convert lactic acid back into glucose (in the liver) or oxidize it completely [1].
Section C: Excretion and Homeostasis
11. (a) Ultrafiltration [1] (b) Any two: Water, Glucose, Urea, Salts/Ions [2]. (Do not accept proteins or blood cells).
12. Glucose is small enough to be filtered into the Bowman’s capsule [1]. However, it is completely reabsorbed by active transport in the proximal convoluted tubule [1].
13. (a) Both remove urea/waste products from the blood [1] OR Both use diffusion across a semi-permeable membrane. (b) Dialysis is not selective; it removes small molecules based on concentration gradients only [1]. A healthy kidney selectively reabsorbs useful substances like glucose and adjusts water balance via hormones (ADH).
14. (a) The maintenance of a constant internal environment despite external changes [1]. (b) Enzymes have an optimum temperature (37°C) [1]. If temperature deviates significantly, enzymes may denature (change shape) and metabolic reactions will slow down or stop [1].
15. (a) Insulin [1] (b) Insulin causes the liver to convert glucose into glycogen [1]. This removes glucose from the blood, lowering the concentration [1].
16. (a) Vasodilation (Arterioles widen/dilate) [1]. (b) More blood flows to the skin surface/capillaries [1]. More heat is lost from the blood to the environment by radiation/convection [1].
Section D: Coordination and Response
17. (a) Relay neuron (or Intermediate neuron) [1] (b) Reflex actions are faster/automatic [1], providing immediate protection from harm without conscious thought.
18. (a) Nervous is fast / Hormonal is slow [1]. (b) Nervous is short-lived / Hormonal is long-lasting [1].
19. (a) Retina [1] (b) Circular muscles of the iris contract [1]. Radial muscles of the iris relax [1]. This causes the pupil to constrict (become smaller), reducing the amount of light entering the eye [1].
20. (a) The bacteria use the human gene/DNA code to produce the protein [1]. The genetic code is universal. (b) It is identical to human insulin (less likely to cause allergic reactions) [1] OR It is ethically acceptable (no animals killed) OR It can be produced in large quantities cheaply.
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