Human ReproductionOxford AQA IGCSE Biology: Subtopic test

1. 1
   During a school health education class, students learn about the structures of the male and female reproductive systems and the journey an egg cell takes after it is released from the ovary.

   (a)

   Which structure is mainly responsible for producing sperm cells?

   [1 mark]

   • AProstate gland
   • BTestes
   • CSperm duct
   • DUrethra

   (b)

   In the female reproductive system, in which structure does fertilisation normally take place?

   [1 mark]

   • AThe vagina
   • BThe cervix
   • CThe uterus
   • DThe fallopian tube (oviduct)

   (c)

   Describe the role of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 1: 4 marks

2. 2
   A pregnant woman attends her 12-week ultrasound scan appointment, where the midwife explains how the developing foetus receives oxygen and nutrients from her body.

   (a)

   A pregnant woman attends a 12-week ultrasound scan. Her midwife explains what happened at fertilisation, several weeks earlier. What occurs during fertilisation?

   [1 mark]

   • AThe nucleus of a sperm cell fuses with the nucleus of an egg cell
   • BAn egg cell divides by mitosis to form an embryo
   • CThe uterus lining breaks down and is shed
   • DFSH is released to stimulate ovulation

   (b)

   Which structure exchanges substances such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and nutrients between the mother's blood and the foetus's blood?

   [1 mark]

   • AThe cervix
   • BThe prostate gland
   • CThe placenta
   • DThe fallopian tube

   (c)

   Explain how the placenta and umbilical cord work together to supply the foetus with the oxygen and nutrients it needs.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 2: 4 marks

3. 3
   A doctor is counselling a newly pregnant patient about lifestyle choices that could affect her developing foetus, including smoking, drinking alcohol and taking recreational drugs.

   (a)

   A doctor advises a newly pregnant patient to stop smoking immediately. Describe the effects that smoking during pregnancy can have on the developing foetus.

   [3 marks]

   (b)

   Explain why the placenta does not fully protect the foetus from harmful substances, and describe the effects that alcohol and other drugs can have on a developing foetus.

   [4 marks]

   Total for question 3: 7 marks

4. 4
   A midwife runs an antenatal class for expectant parents, covering how the menstrual cycle prepares the body for pregnancy each month, and what happens once fertilisation and implantation have occurred.

   (a)

   A midwife runs an antenatal class explaining how the menstrual cycle prepares the body for a possible pregnancy each month. Describe the main stages of the menstrual cycle, including ovulation and the preparation of the uterus lining.

   [6 marks]

   (b)

   Describe the processes of fertilisation and implantation, and explain the roles of the placenta and umbilical cord in supporting the developing foetus throughout pregnancy.

   [6 marks]

   Total for question 4: 12 marks

End of questions