Practise 33 exam-style questions on Hormones in human reproduction for AQA GCSE Biology. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.
33 questions
2–4 marks each
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20 questions, marked as you go
Sample questions with model answers
Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.
Question 1
2 marks
Explain why progesterone-only contraception is often recommended for breastfeeding women.
Model answer
Progesterone-only methods do not suppress milk production as much as combined oestrogen-containing pills and are safe for the infant; they still prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and sometimes suppressing ovulation.
Explanation
Oestrogen can inhibit lactation, so progesterone-only methods are preferred in breastfeeding mothers while providing effective contraception.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Progesterone-only methods do not reduce milk supply (as much) and are safe during breastfeeding
1 mark
They prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and can suppress ovulation
Question 2
3 marks
Give the names and roles of the four hormones involved in the human menstrual cycle: FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone.
Model answer
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) – matures an egg in the ovary; LH (luteinising hormone) – triggers ovulation (release of egg); Oestrogen – rebuilds/maintains uterus lining and stimulates LH surge; Progesterone – maintains the uterus lining after ovulation.
Explanation
FSH stimulates follicle/egg growth. A peak in LH causes ovulation. Oestrogen helps rebuild the endometrium and triggers the LH surge; progesterone maintains the endometrium to support a potential pregnancy.
Mark scheme
1 mark
FSH – matures an egg
Accept 'matures follicles/egg in the ovary'.
1 mark
LH – triggers ovulation
Accept 'stimulates release of egg'.
1 mark
Oestrogen and progesterone – maintain/regulate the uterus lining (oestrogen rebuilds it; progesterone maintains it)
Split mark for combined roles; allow either hormone role given separately and correct.
Question 3
3 marks
A student measures hormone levels during the cycle. They notice progesterone is high but no pregnancy occurs. Explain why the uterus lining would break down even if progesterone had been high for only a short while.
Model answer
Progesterone must be sustained over the luteal phase to maintain the endometrium; if progesterone falls (or was only briefly high and then declines) the lining loses support, blood vessels constrict, and the lining breaks down causing menstruation.
Explanation
Continuous progesterone maintains the secretory endometrium; a drop in progesterone (or short exposure then fall) signals the body to shed the lining.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Progesterone must be sustained to maintain endometrium
1 mark
If progesterone falls the lining is shed (menstruation)
1 mark
Short duration/high then fall leads to loss of support for lining
Question 4
4 marks
A graph shows FSH, oestrogen and progesterone levels over 14 days during fertility treatment with FSH injections. Explain why multiple follicles may develop and why clinicians monitor hormone levels and follicle volume (HT).
Model answer
FSH injections stimulate maturation of multiple follicles, producing many eggs which increases chance of success but also risk of multiple pregnancy; monitoring hormone levels and follicle volumes helps time ovulation/egg collection and prevents ovarian hyperstimulation/multiple pregnancy by adjusting treatment.
Explanation
Controlled ovarian stimulation yields multiple follicles. Monitoring prevents excessive response (OHSS) and allows accurate timing for procedures such as egg retrieval.
Mark scheme
2 marks
FSH stimulates maturation of multiple follicles ? multiple eggs (increases chance of success but increases risk of multiple pregnancy)
Award 2 marks for cause and consequence.
2 marks
Monitoring hormones/follicle volume times ovulation/egg collection and prevents complications (ovarian hyperstimulation, multiple pregnancy) by adjusting treatment
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