The use of hormones to treat infertility (HT only)
Practise 38 exam-style questions on The use of hormones to treat infertility (HT only) 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.
38 questions
2–6 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
What is intrauterine insemination (IUI) and how does it differ from IVF?
Model answer
IUI places prepared sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation to increase chances of natural fertilisation in the body. IVF fertilises eggs in the laboratory outside the body and implants embryos.
Explanation
IUI is a less invasive procedure where sperm are deposited into the uterus to facilitate fertilisation within the woman. IVF involves egg collection, laboratory fertilisation and embryo transfer into the uterus.
Mark scheme
1 mark
IUI = placement of sperm into the uterus (at ovulation)
1 mark
difference: fertilisation occurs naturally in IUI but in lab (outside body) in IVF
Question 2
3 marks
State one practical laboratory aseptic technique that must be used when handling eggs and embryos in IVF and explain why it is important.
Model answer
Use sterile equipment and sterile laminar flow work area to prevent contamination by microorganisms; contamination can destroy embryos or cause harm.
Explanation
Aseptic working (sterile instruments, clean benches) is essential to avoid introducing bacteria or fungi to gametes or embryos, which can damage them and ruin the IVF cycle. Sterility helps ensure embryo viability.
Mark scheme
1 mark
use sterile equipment / disposable sterile tools / sterile dishes
2 marks
reason: prevent microbial contamination that would harm embryos / reduce success
Question 3
4 marks
Name two ways clinicians try to reduce the risk of multiple births when using hormonal stimulation and IVF.
Model answer
1) Transfer only one (single embryo transfer, SET) or at most two embryos. 2) Use careful ovarian stimulation protocols to avoid producing too many eggs and monitor response to dose adjust; freeze surplus embryos for later instead of transferring multiple.
Explanation
To lower the chance of multiples clinicians may transfer only one embryo (SET), use milder stimulation to limit eggs produced, freeze extra embryos for later use, and select the highest-quality single embryo to transfer.
Mark scheme
1 mark
single embryo transfer (SET) or transfer fewer embryos
1 mark
monitor and adjust hormone dose / milder stimulation
1 mark
freeze surplus embryos and transfer later rather than multiple at once
1 mark
select best-quality embryo(s) to transfer reducing need to transfer several
Question 4
5 marks
Discuss (give advantages and disadvantages) of using hormonal fertility drugs to treat infertility compared with IVF. Give two points for each side.
Model answer
Advantages of hormonal drugs: less invasive and cheaper than IVF; woman can conceive naturally without lab procedures. Disadvantages: success rates often lower; risk of OHSS and multiple pregnancy. Advantages of IVF: higher controlled success rates and ability to handle severe male-factor infertility (ICSI) and to use PGT. Disadvantages: physically and emotionally stressful, costly, and risks of multiple births if multiple embryos transferred.
Explanation
Hormonal drugs are simpler and less invasive but may have lower success and OHSS risk. IVF offers higher control and options for genetic testing or male infertility but is invasive, expensive and emotionally taxing. The best option depends on the infertility cause and patient circumstances.
