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Blood and the immune system: exam questions

5 questions, 14 marks. Write your answers on paper, then open each mark scheme.

Question 1

State the four components of blood.

[4 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 1
  • red blood cells (1)
  • white blood cells (1)
  • platelets (1)
  • plasma (1)

Question 2

Plasma transports many substances around the body. Give three substances that are transported by plasma.

[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 2
  • carbon dioxide (1)
  • digested food / glucose / amino acids (1)
  • urea (1)
  • hormones (1)
  • heat energy (1)
  • Max 3

Question 3

Which feature of a red blood cell increases the amount of oxygen it can carry?

  1. A large nucleus
  2. A thick cell wall
  3. Haemoglobin inside the cell
  4. Many mitochondria
[1 mark]
Show mark scheme for question 3

Answer: C (1)

Question 4

Explain how three adaptations of red blood cells make them suitable for transporting oxygen.

[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 4
  • biconcave shape gives a large surface area for oxygen to diffuse in and out (1)
  • no nucleus, so there is more room for haemoglobin (1)
  • contains haemoglobin which combines with oxygen (1) allow forms oxyhaemoglobin

Question 5

Lymphocytes release antibodies when a pathogen enters the body. Explain why an antibody that works against one pathogen does not work against a different pathogen.

[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 5
  • antibodies are specific (1)
  • the shape of the antibody fits the antigen on that pathogen only (1)
  • a different pathogen has different antigens, so a different antibody is needed (1)