Higher Human Biology: Homework Questions
Topic 1: Health and Physiology
Mark
Sub-Topic 2a: Reproduction
Name ____________________________________________
Class ____________________________________________
Sub-Unit 1: REPRODUCTION
1. A function of the interstitial cells in the
testes is to produce
A
B
C
D
sperm
testosterone
seminal fluid
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
2. The sperm counts of a sample of men
taken between 1940 and 2000 are shown in
the graph below.
What is the average reduction in sperm count
per year?
A
B
C
D
0.67 million/cm3/year
0.75 million/cm3/year
0.92 million/cm3/year
45 million/cm3/year
3. From which structure in the female
reproductive system does a corpus luteum
develop?
A
B
C
D
Endometrium
Graafian follicle
Fertilised ovum
Unfertilised ovum
4. Which of the following forms of
contraception causes thickening of
cervical mucus?
A
B
C
D
Mini-pill
Barrier methods
Morning-after pill
Intra-uterine device
5. The graph below shows the growth in
length of a human fetus before birth.
What is the percentage increase in length
of the fetus during the final 4 months of
pregnancy?
A
B
C
D
33.3
60.0
62.5
150.0
6. The table below contains information
about four semen samples
Semen Sample
A
B
C
D
Number of sperm in
sample (millions/cm3 )
Active sperm (percent)
Abnormal sperm
(percent)
40
30
20
60
50
0
75
40
30
65
10
70
Which semen sample has the highest
number of active sperm per cm3
7. The diagram refers to human reproduction.
OVARY
TESTIS
gamete mother
cells
gamete mother
cells
Process X
Process X
Ovum
9. One function of the seminal vesicles is to
A
B
C
D
produce testosterone
allow sperm to mature
store sperm temporarily
produce nutrients for sperm
10. The graph below shows changes in the
concentration of hormones X and Y in
the blood during the menstrual cycle.
Sperm
Process Y
Zygote
Which of the following correctly identifies
hormones X and Y?
Process Z
Embryo cells
Which of the following correctly identifies
processes X, Y and Z?
A
B
C
D
X
mitosis
meiosis
meiosis
mitosis
Y
meiosis
fertilisation
mitosis
fertilisation
Z
fertilisation
mitosis
fertilisation
meiosis
8. The diagram below shows a section
through seminiferous tubules in a testis.
Which cell produces testosterone?
Hormone X
LH
Oestrogen
Oestrogen
Progesterone
A
B
C
D
Hormone Y
Oestrogen
FSH
Progesterone
Oestrogen
11. Changes in the ovary during the
menstrual cycle are described below.
1
2
3
4
5
Corpus luteum forms
Ovulation occurs
Progesterone is produced
Corpus luteum degenerates
Graafian follicle develops
The sequence in which these changes
occur following menstruation is
A
B
C
D
2, 3, 1, 5, 4
2, 1, 3, 4, 5
5, 3, 2, 1, 4
5, 2, 1, 3, 4
12. The graph below shows the growth in
length of a human fetus before birth.
14. The diagram below shows the blood flow
in the umbilical cord.
Which line in the table below identifies
correctly blood vessel X and the blood it
carries?
What is the percentage increase in length
of the fetus during the final 4 months of
pregnancy?
A
B
C
D
33.3
60.0
62.5
150.0
A
B
C
D
The diagram shows the stages of
development when major and minor
malformations of organs may occur if
there is exposure to nicotine.
Key
A
B
C
D
0.67 million/cm3/year
0.75 million/cm3/year
0.92 million/cm3/year
45 million/cm3/year
Blood carried in X
deoxygenated
oxygenated
deoxygenated
oxygenated
15. Nicotine is a chemical which may affect
pre-natal development.
13. The sperm counts of a sample of men
taken between 1940 and 2000 are shown in
the graph below.
What is the average reduction in sperm
count per year?
Blood vessel X
vein
vein
artery
artery
major malformation
minor malformation
For how many weeks during pregnancy is there a
possibility of major malformations to organs during
development?
A
B
C
D
6
7
9
13
16. The diagram below represents part of the mechanism which controls ovulation.
Pituitary
Stimulating
hormone
Inhibiting
hormone
Ovaries
The hormones indicated above are
A
B
C
D
Stimulating hormone
Inhibiting hormone
FSH
Progesterone
Oestrogen
LH
Oestrogen
FSH
LH
testosterone
17. On which day in the following menstrual cycle could fertilisation occur?
A
B
C
D
Day 30
Day 17
Day 14
Day 2
18. The diagram shows a section through the reproductive organs of a man.
(a)
(i)
State he site of sperm production within the testis.
__________________________________
(ii)
1
State one function of the secretions from the seminal vesicles and
prostrate gland.
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
(b)
(i)
(ii)
During a male sterilisation operation (vasectomy), a tube is cut.
Draw a letter X on the diagram to indicate the likely position of the cut.
1
Why is the transport of testosterone from the testes unaffected by this
operation?
______________________________________________________
1
19. The diagram shows stages in the development of a human embryo from fertilisation to
implantation.
(a) Name the parts labelled A and B.
A ___________________________
B _________________________
1
(b) What term is used to describe he first few divisions of the zygote?
_______________________________________
1
(c) Name a hormone which is involved in preparing the endometrium for implantation and
state where it is produced.
Hormone ______________________ Produced by ___________________
1
(d) What organ will develop from the tissue labelled C?
_________________________________________
(e) Sometimes twins develop in the uterus. Distinguish between the formation of
monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
1
20
The diagram shows part of the reproductive system of a woman in
early pregnancy.
(a) Place an X on the diagram to show where fertilisation occurred.
1
(b) Structure P produces progesterone at this stage in pregnancy.
(i)
Name structure P.
_______________________________
(ii)
1
State one function of progesterone during early pregnancy.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
1
(c) Structure Q will develop into the placenta.
Name the processes involved in the transfer of oxyen, glucose and
antibodies across the placenta.
Oxygen
___________________
Glucose
___________________
Antibodies
___________________
2
(d) In the early stages of pregnancy the cells of the embryo are
starting to differentiate.
Describe what happens during differentiation.
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
1
(continued)
21
(e) Name a stage of embryo development that comes between fertilisation
and differentiation.
________________________________
1
(e) A woman gives birth to monozygotic twins.
State whether monozygotic twins are identical or non-identical and give
a reason for your answer.
Monozygotic twins ___________________________
Reason ________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________ 1
Questions 22 and 23 refer to the following list of hormones.
A Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
B Luteinising Hormone (LH)
C Oestrogen
D Progesterone
22
Which hormone stimulates the production of testosterone by the testes?
23
Which hormone is produced by the corpus luteum?
24
Which of the following will not normally pass through the placenta between
the mother and fetus?
A
B
C
D
Oxygen
Minerals
Glucose
Red blood cells
25
The flowchart summarises the processes involved in the production of semen.
Hormone X
LH
Tissue Y
Testosterone
Sperm
Mother
Cells
Structure Z
Mature
sperm
cells
Semen
SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES
(a) Name Hormone X and tissue Y.
Hormone X _________________
Tissue Y ________________________
(b) Semen contains substances secreted by structure Z.
(i)
Identify structure Z.
__________________________________
1
(ii) Describe how a named substance from structure Z aids fertilisation.
Substance __________________________
Description ______________________________________________
________________________________________________________
1
(c) Complete the table to show the percentage of each type of cell which would contain a
Y chromosome.
Cells
Sperm mother cells
Mature sperm cells
Percentage of cells containing
A Y chromosome
26
The diagrams represented gamete production in an ovary and part of a testis.
(a) (i) Which letter represents a mature ovum?
1
(ii) Identify one labelled part of each organ which is affected by FSH.
Letter
Name
(iii) Describes the effect of testosterone on the testes of an adult.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
(b)
1
Oxytocin is a hormone which is secreted during and after childbirth.
(i)
State where oxytocin is produced in the body
__________________________________
1
(ii) Synthetic oxytocin can be used to induce labour
Describe how it brings about birth.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
1
The diagram below shows a section of a woman’s breast shortly after
she has given birth.
27
(a) (i)
Name the hormone that stimulates the secretory glands to start
producing milk.
____________________________
1
(iii) The cells lining the secretory glands are particularly rich in ribosomes.
Suggest a reason for this.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
(b)
1
Fluid is not usually released from the breast until the baby suckles.
(i)
What name is given to the first fluid that the baby receives from the
breast?
(ii) Describe one way in which this first fluid differs from the breast milk
Produced a few days later.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
1
(iii) Suckling and crying are examples of non-verbal communication used by
a baby. Why is non-verbal communication important to both the mother
and baby?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
1
28
The graphs below show that plasma concentrations of certain hormones
throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Graph 1 shows the concentration so FSH and LH.
Graph 2 shows that concentration of two other hormones, X and Y.
29
(a)
Where in the body are FSH and LH produced?
__________________________________________________
(b)
1
Name hormones X and Y.
X _______________________
Y _______________________
(c)
What is the maximum concentration of hormone Y?
_______________ Units
(d)
1
On which day did ovulation occur? Give a reason for your answer.
Day ______________
Reason ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________
(e)
1
During her next cycle, the woman became pregnant.
Describe any differences which would occur in the concentrations
of FSH and hormone Y after day 25.
FSH ______________________________________________
___________________________________________________
1
Hormone Y _________________________________________
___________________________________________________
1
30
The graph below shows the concentration of two ovarian hormones in a
woman’s blood during her menstrual cycle.
(a) Name hormone X.
________________________________________________________
1
(b) What effect does oestrogen have on the following structures?
(i)
The uterus between days 4 and 12 in the cycle.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
(ii)
1
The pituitary gland on day 12 of the cycle.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
1
(c) Describe one way in which the graph would be different if the woman
became pregnant during this cycle.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
1
30 (continued)
(d) The diagrams below show sections through two structures found in the
ovary at different times in the menstrual cycle.
P
(i)
Q
Name structures P and Q
P ______________________ Q ___________________
(ii)
1
What key event in the menstrual cycle occurs before P develops
Into Q?
__________________________________________________
1
31
The graph below shows the relative concentrations of three hormones in the
Plasma of a woman during a normal 28-day menstrual cycle.
Hormone A
Luteinising
Hormone (LH)
Increasing
Hormone
concentration
Follicle stimulating
Hormone (FSH)
2
(a)
4
6
8
10 12 14 16 18 20 22
Days of cycle
24 26 28
Name hormone A.
__________________________
(b)
1
What is the effect of the sudden increase in concentration of luteinising
hormone?
________________________________________________
(c)
During which time period is the endometrium likely to reach
maximum thickness?
Underline the correct answer.
0 – 4 days
(d)
1
12 – 16 days
22-26 days
1
In what way would the line showing the concentration of FSH be different if
fertilisation took place during this cycle? Give an explanation for your answer.
Difference ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________
1
Explanation _________________________________________
___________________________________________________
1
32.
The graphs below show changes in the volume and composition of milk
produced by a woman in the first week following the birth of her child.
Graph 1 – changes in the volume of milk produced
Graph 2 – Changes in the concentration of lactose sugar and IgA antibody in
milk
32.
(continued)
(a)
(i)
What name is given to milk produced in the first few days after birth?
______________________________________________
(ii)
1
from Graph 2, describe two ways in which the composition of
milk produced in the first three days after birth differs from milk
produced later
1.______________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________
(b)
What was the volume of milk produced on day 3?
_________________
(c)
1
(i)
1
Between days 2 and 3 this woman produced a constant mass
of IgA.
Explain why the concentration of IgA in her milk decreased
during this time.
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
(ii)
1
Express, as a simple whole number ratio, the concentration of IgA
Compared to the concentration of lactose produced on day 6.
(1g = 1000mg)
Space for calculation
_______:_______
IgA
Lactose
(d)
1
Using Graphs 1 and 2, calculate the mass of lactose produced on day 5.
Space for calculation
__________g
1
33.
The concentration of progesterone in the blood of a woman over a
40 week period of time during which she became pregnant is shown
on the graph below.
(a)
Draw a vertical line on the graph to indicated the time of ovulation. 1
(b)
Describe the changes in progesterone concentration during the
first 32 weeks.
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
(c)
(d)
2
Where is progesterone produced
(i)
during the first weeks of pregnancy? _________________
1
(ii)
during the later stages of pregnancy? ________________
1
The decrease in the level of progesterone shown on the graph
stimulates the production of prolactin.
What is the effect of prolactin?
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
1
34.
The sperm counts of 30 men taken between 1940 and 2000 are
shown in the graph below. A line of best-fit has been drawn, to
indicate the trend over the 60 year period.
(a)
Using the line of best-fit, calculate the percentage decline in
sperm count over the 60 year period.
Space for calculation
___________ %
(b)
1
From the graph, what is the maximum sperm count for any
one individual recorded during this period?
__________million/cm3
(c)
Some insecticides are thought to influence sperm production.
Explain why animals at the end of food chains are more likely
to be affected by insecticides.
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________ 1
(d)
Name the pituitary hormone which stimulates the production
of sperm.
________________________________________________ 1
34.
(continued)
(e)
Name a gland which adds fluid to sperm during ejaculation and
describe one function of this fluid.
Gland _____________________________
1
Function of fluid ____________________________________
_________________________________________________
(f)
1
Two treatments sometimes used for infertility are artificial insemination
and in vitro fertilisation. Describe briefly what is meant by these terms.
Artificial insemination ________________________________
_________________________________________________
In vitro fertilisation __________________________________
_________________________________________________
35.
The diagram below shows the influence of the pituitary gland on
testosterone production.
Pituitary gland
Hormone X produced
Testes stimulated
Testosterone produced
What is hormone X?
A.
Luteinising hormone
B.
Follicle stimulating hormone
C.
Oestrogen
D.
Progesterone
2
36.
Which of the following changes indicate ovulation is likely to have
taken place?
Cervical mucus
A
B
C
D
37.
Which of the following describes correctly the exchange of materials
between maternal and fetal circulations?
A
B
C
D
38.
Becomes sticky
Becomes sticky
Becomes watery
Becomes watery
Body
Temperature
Rises
Falls
Rises
falls
Glucose
In to fetus by active
transport
In to fetus by active
transport
In to fetus by
pinocytosis
In to fetus by diffusion
Antibodies
In to fetus by active
transport
In to fetus by pinocytosis
In to fetus by active
transport
Into mother by
pinocytosis
The diagram below presents the appearance of a testis when viewed
under a microscope.
(a) Name Structure X: ____________________________________
(b) State which cells are produced in structure X: _______________
(c) What is the name of cells labelled Y? _____________________
(d) Explain the role of cells labelled Y in the production of male sex cells.
___________________________________________________
39.
Luteinising hormone is involved in the control of the menstrual cycle
in female mammals.
(a) Name the gland which produces luteinising hormone
___________________________________________________
(b) Name another hormone produced by this gland which controls the
menstrual cycle
____________________________________________________
(c) Progesterone is a hormone produced from within the ovary.
(i)
Name the structure from within the ovary which produces
progesterone.
_______________________________________________
(ii)
State one function of progesterone during the menstrual cycle.
_______________________________________________
(iii)
As the menstrual cycle continues, progesterone levels decrease.
State the effect this will have on the uterus.
________________________________________________
40.
(a)
Decide if each of the following statements about treatments for
infertility is TRUE or FALSE and tick () the correct box.
If the answer is FALSE, write the correct word(s) in the Correction box to
replace the word(s) underlined in the statement.
Statement
If mature sperm
are defective or
very low in
number IVF can
be used
Ovulation can be
stimulated by
drugs that prevent
the negative
feedback effect of
progesterone on
FSH secretion
Donor sperm can
be used in artificial
insemination of
the male partner is
sterile.
True

False

Correction
ICSI Intracytoplasmic
sperm
injection

oestrogen
¶
(b) the table below refers to semen samples take from five men.
Semen Sample
Number of sperm
in sample
(millions/cm3)
Number of
normal sperm in
sample
(millions/cm3)
(i)
A
B
C
D
E
Identify which man has the lowest percentage of normal sperm.
Letter: _________________________________________________
(ii)
A man is fertile if at least 60% of his sperm are normal
Identify which man/men is/are infertile.
Letter(s): _______________________________________________
41.
(a)
(b)
A variety of techniques can be used to monitor the health of the mother
and the developing foetus. State what each of the following is used for:
(i)
Ultrasound imaging _________________________________
(ii)
Dating scans ______________________________________
A sample of fluid which surrounds the embryo can be extracted from
the mother using a syringe.
What is the name given to this technique?
______________________________________________________
Give ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage in using this technique.
Advantage: _____________________________________________
Disadvantage: ___________________________________________
Postnatal screening can be carried out involving diagnostic testing for
metabolic disorders.
Name a metabolic disorder which can be tested for using postnatal screening
techniques.
Name: __________________________________________________
End of Sub-Unit 1 : REPRODUCTION