Practise 30 exam-style questions on Viral diseases 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.
30 questions
2–30 marks each
Instant marking
No sign-up needed
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
Measles is a viral disease. Explain why antibiotics should not be used to treat measles.
Model answer
Antibiotics target bacteria-specific structures/processes and are ineffective against viruses; measles is viral so antibiotics won't kill the virus.
Explanation
Viruses lack the targets of antibiotics (like bacterial cell walls), so antibiotics do not cure viral infections such as measles.
Mark scheme
1 mark
measles is caused by a virus
1 mark
antibiotics act on bacteria not viruses (so ineffective)
Question 2
3 marks
HIV initially causes flu-like symptoms. Explain what happens to the immune system in late-stage HIV (AIDS).
Model answer
HIV infects and destroys CD4+ T helper (white blood) cells causing loss of immune response; immune system becomes so damaged it cannot fight opportunistic infections and certain cancers.
Explanation
HIV reduces CD4+ counts and impairs adaptive immunity; as numbers fall, the body cannot mount effective responses so opportunistic pathogens cause severe disease.
Mark scheme
1 mark
HIV attacks immune cells (particularly CD4+ / T helper cells)
1 mark
immune system becomes weakened / damaged
1 mark
la?te-stage AIDS: cannot deal with other infections / cancers (opportunistic infections occur)
Question 3
3 marks
Describe one ethical issue associated with compulsory vaccination policies.
Model answer
Compulsory vaccination raises issues of individual autonomy/choice vs public good; forcing vaccination may infringe personal or religious beliefs.
Explanation
Compulsory programmes must balance protecting public health with respecting individual rights and beliefs; this raises ethical debates.
Mark scheme
1 mark
conflict between individual autonomy/choice and public health
1 mark
infringement of personal / religious beliefs
1 mark
ethical tension between rights of individuals and protection of wider community
Question 4
4 marks
Design a simple control measure plan for preventing a measles outbreak in a school after one case is confirmed. Give four actions and brief reasons.
Model answer
Isolate the infected pupil to reduce spread; identify and inform close contacts and exclude unimmunised pupils temporarily; review vaccination records and offer MMR to unvaccinated; inform public health authorities for contact tracing and advice.
Explanation
Immediate isolation, vaccination checks and contact management limit transmission; public health involvement coordinates wider control measures.
Mark scheme
1 mark
isolate infected pupil
reason: prevents further droplet spread
1 mark
identify and inform close contacts / exclude unimmunised pupils
reason: reduces risk from susceptible contacts
1 mark
offer / check MMR vaccination for unvaccinated people
reason: increases immunity and prevents further cases
1 mark
notify public health / contact tracing
reason: professional guidance and outbreak control
Ready to try the rest? Every answer you write is marked against the mark scheme, so you can see exactly where the marks are.
Ctrl + Enter to check
AI TutorHints first, answers after you try
Hi! Stuck? Ask me for a hint and I’ll help you work it out. Once you’ve checked your answer I can explain exactly where the marks are.
