Practise 37 exam-style questions on Human endocrine system 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.
37 questions
2–5 marks each
Instant marking
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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
3 marks
Explain the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and a typical hormonal treatment for each.
Model answer
Type 1 — autoimmune loss of insulin-producing ß-cells so little/no insulin; treat with insulin injections. Type 2 — insulin resistance or reduced insulin production; treat with diet/exercise, oral drugs and sometimes insulin.
Explanation
Type 1 requires replacement insulin because the body cannot make it. Type 2 often responds to diet and drugs that improve sensitivity or reduce glucose production, but advanced cases may need insulin.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Type 1: no/very little insulin due to destroyed ß-cells
Accept autoimmune cause.
1 mark
Type 1 treatment: insulin injections/pump
1 mark
Type 2: cells resistant to insulin or reduced insulin production; treatment: lifestyle changes, drugs (metformin) or insulin if needed
Award if either lifestyle or drugs described.
Question 2
3 marks
A patient has low ADH secretion. Predict the effects on urine volume and blood osmolarity and explain why.
Model answer
Low ADH ? less water reabsorbed in kidneys ? high urine volume (polyuria) and increased blood osmolarity (blood becomes more concentrated).
Explanation
ADH normally conserves water; without it the body loses water in urine and the remaining blood becomes more concentrated, raising osmolarity.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Urine volume increases (polyuria)
1 mark
Blood osmolarity increases / blood becomes more concentrated
1 mark
Cause: less water reabsorbed from kidney tubules due to absence of ADH action
Question 3
4 marks
A patient with an overactive thyroid produces too much thyroxine. Explain two likely symptoms and why they occur.
Model answer
Weight loss (despite appetite) due to increased metabolic rate; rapid heartbeat/palpitations due to raised metabolism and increased sensitivity to adrenaline.
Explanation
Thyroxine increases metabolic activity in cells. Too much causes excessive energy use (weight loss) and makes the body react as if stressed, causing fast heart rate, sweating and tremor.
Mark scheme
2 marks
Weight loss (or increased appetite) due to raised metabolic rate / increased breakdown of molecules
Explain link to increased metabolism for 2 marks.
2 marks
Increased heart rate / tremor / heat intolerance due to raised metabolism and increased response to sympathetic hormones (like adrenaline)
Explain physiological reason for symptom for full 2 marks.
Question 4
4 marks
Explain how the use of growth hormone (GH) in short children differs therapeutically from misuse by athletes, and one risk of GH misuse.
Model answer
Therapeutic GH is given to children with GH deficiency to allow normal growth under medical supervision; athletes may misuse GH to increase muscle mass and performance (unapproved). Misuse risks include abnormal bone/joint growth, diabetes, heart enlargement and other metabolic effects.
Explanation
GH replacement aims to correct genuine deficiency; non-therapeutic use disturbs endocrine balance and causes serious side effects affecting multiple organ systems.
Mark scheme
2 marks
Difference: therapeutic GH is prescribed for deficiency to reach normal growth, administered under supervision; athletes abuse GH for performance/muscle gain
Clear distinction between medical indication and misuse required.
