QB 1B Ch07e F

Chapter 7 Gas exchange in humans
Multiple-choice questions
[1B07101]
Directions: The following two questions refer to the diagram below, which shows a
group of cells from the respiratory tract.
What is the function of structure X?

A To trap dust particles.
B To move the mucus.
C To provide a larger surface area for gas exchange.
D To warm up the incoming air.
[1B07102]
The correct label of Y is
A mucus-secreting cell.
B ciliated epithelial cell.
C capillary.
D muscle cell.
[1B07103]
* The diagram below shows a site of gas exchange in our body.
© Oxford University Press 2009 - 276 -

from organ X
to organ Y
Key:
direction of
gas flow
direction of blood flow
Which of the following shows the correct labels of X and Y?

X Y
A lungs heart
B all parts of the body lungs
C heart all parts of the body
D heart heart
[1B07104]
* The advantage of having many air sacs is that
A they give a smaller volume for gas exchange.
B they give a larger surface area for gas exchange.
C they produce more mucus for dissolving gases.
D they provide extra support to the lungs.
[1B07105]
* The efficiency of gas exchange in lungs is increased by
A increasing the length of the trachea.
B increasing the number of white blood cells flowing into the lungs.
C increasing the thickness of the walls of the bronchioles.
D increasing the surface area of the air sacs.
[1B07106]
* Which of the following is the correct match of the process and its description?
Process Description
A inhalation bringing fresh air to the lungs and removing carbon
dioxide from the lungs
B ventilation increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity
C breathing moving air into and out of the lungs
D gas exchange decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity
[1B07107]
Which of the following events occur during exhalation in humans?
(1) Diagram contracts.
(2) Intercostal muscles relax.
(3) Rib cage moves inwards and downwards.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
[1B07108]
The percentages of which of the following gases in exhaled and inhaled air differ?
(1) oxygen
(2) nitrogen
(3) water vapour
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
[1B07109]
* Mucus in the respiratory tract helps
(1) warm up the air.
(2) moisten the air.
(3) trap the dust particles in the air.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
[1B07110]
Which of the following structures is/are found in the nasal cavity?
(1) ciliated epithelium
(2) mucus-secreting cells
(3) hairs
A (1) only
B (1) and (2) only
C (1) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
[1B07111]
Coughing carries a lot of droplets from the respiratory tract to the air. Such droplets
help spread diseases because they may contain
A mucus.
B water.
C dissolved oxygen.
D bacteria.
[1B07112]
The trachea is supported by many C-shaped cartilages. These cartilages
A trap dust particles and bacteria.
B warm up the inhaled air.
C vibrate and produce sound.
D keep the trachea open for breathing.

[1B07113]
In humans, gas exchange occurs in
A the larynx.
B the air sacs.
C the trachea.
D the bronchi.
[1B07114]
Which of the following is/are true for air sacs?
(1) They have a thick epithelial wall.
(2) They are well-supplied with capillaries.
(3) They provide a large surface area.
A (1) only
B (2) and (3) only
C (1), (2) and (3)
D none of the above
[1B07115]
* Inside the thoracic cavity, the lungs are enclosed by
A the inner and outer pleural membranes.
B the inner and outer cell membranes.
C the inner and outer synovial membranes.
D the inner and outer plasma membranes.
[1B07116]
Which of the following is the correct pathway of air going into our body?
A nostril --> nasal cavity --> bronchus --> trachea --> air sac
B nasal cavity --> trachea --> air sac --> bronchus --> nostril
C nostril --> nasal cavity --> trachea --> bronchus --> air sac
D trachea --> nostril --> nasal cavity --> bronchus --> air sac
[1B07117]
* Which of the following pairs comparing inhaled and exhaled air is correct?
Inhaled air Exhaled air
A 21% oxygen 16% oxygen
B 4% carbon dioxide 0.03% carbon dioxide
C saturated with water vapour variable amount of water vapour
D about 37oC variable temperature
[1B07118]
* The diagram below shows some air sacs in the human lungs.
Which of the following features of the air sacs contribute to their high efficiency of gas
exchange?
A moist surface, thin lining and large surface area
B moist surface, supported by cartilage and large surface area
C thin lining, richly supplied with blood and ball-like structures
D thin lining, richly supplied with blood and supported by cartilage
[1B07119]
Directions: The following two questions refer to the diagram below, which shows an
experimental set-up used to study the effect of oxygen on citrated chicken blood.
** What will be the change in the colour of the blood?

A from bright red to purplish red
B from purplish red to bright red
C from bright red to blue
D no colour change

[1B07120]
** Which of the following statements are correct?
(1) The colour change is reversible if carbon dioxide is bubbled into the blood.
(2) Haemoglobin is purplish red.
(3) At high carbon dioxide concentration, oxyhaemoglobin forms.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
[1B07121]
Carbon dioxide is mainly carried in the blood in the form of
A carbon dioxide gas.
B carbonate ions.
C carboxyhaemoglobin.
D hydrogencarbonate ions.
[1B07122]
* C-shaped cartilages are present in
A the trachea.
B the nasal cavity and trachea.
C the trachea and bronchi.
D the bronchi and bronchioles.
[1B07123]
* Which of the following is the correct pathway of air leaving the lungs during
exhalation?
A air sac --> bronchiole --> bronchus --> trachea
B bronchiole --> air sac --> trachea --> bronchus
C bronchiole --> air sac --> bronchus --> trachea
D air sac --> bronchiole --> trachea --> bronchus

[1B07124]
* The diagram below shows the human breathing system. Where can the ciliated
epithelial cells and mucus-secreting cells be found?
A S
B S and T
C S, T and U
D S, T, U and V
[1B07125]
Which of the following is not an adaptive feature of an air sac?
A It is lined with cilia to trap dust particles and bacteria.
B Its moist inner surface allows gases to dissolve.
C Its thin epithelium decreases the distance of gas diffusion.
D It is richly supplied with blood for rapid transport of gases.
[1B07126]
In the blood, oxygen is carried in the form of (1) while carbon
dioxide is carried in the form of (2) .
(1) (2)
A oxyhaemoglobin carbonate ions
B oxyhaemoglobin hydrogencarbonate ions
C oxygen gas hydrogencarbonate ions
D oxygen gas carbon dioxide gas

[1B07127]
Directions: The following two questions refer to the bell-jar model below, which
shows the process of inhalation in humans.
air rushes into Y

W
Y inflates
X
Which structure of the human breathing system does X represent?

A the lungs
B the thoracic wall
C the sternum
D the intercostal muscles
[1B07128]
What happens if Z is pushed upwards?
A X would move upwards and air would be forced out from W.
B X would move downwards and Y would deflate.
C Y would deflate and air would be forced out from W.
D Y would inflate and air would rush in through W.

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology Chapter 7
Question Bank Short questions
Short questions
[1B07201]
a Explain how the structures in the chest help us to breathe in. (3 marks)
b The air we breathe in enters air sacs in the lungs. These are surrounded by a
network of blood vessels as shown in the diagram below. Name and explain
the process of gas exchange that occurs here. (3 marks)
WJEC GCSE Applied Science Unit 2 Higher Tier Jun 2007 Q11
-- ans --

a The diaphragm lowers. 1m

The intercostal muscles contract. 1m
The rib cage expands. 1m
b Diffusion 1m
Oxygen diffuses into the blood from the air sacs. 1m
Carbon dioxide diffuses into the air sacs from the blood. 1m
-- ans end --
[1B07202]
Explain why small, unicellular organisms do not require a specialized gaseous
exchange surface and transport system. (4 marks)
WJEC GCE (A/AS) Biology Module BI2 Jan 2007 Q2
-- ans --
They have a large surface area to volume ratio.

1m
The substances / oxygen / carbon dioxide move(s) across the cell membrane
through a short diffusion pathway.
1m
They have low metabolic rate.
1m
Diffusion supplies sufficient quantities of substances to the organisms.
1m
-- ans end --
[1B07203]
* The graph below shows a modified spirometer trace of a normal human adult over a
period of time.

volume of air in respiratory tract (cm )

3
time (second)
a Using the graph, calculate the volume of air which would enter the lungs
per minute if the person continued to breathe at the rate shown between
A–B and C–D. Show your working in each case.
i Between A and B. (1 mark)
ii Between C and D. (1 mark)
b Fully describe and compare the spirometer traces in regions X and Y.
(3 marks)
c How would you expect the tidal volume in X to differ if the person suffered
from asthma? (1 mark)
WJEC GCE (A/AS) Biology Module BI2 Jun 2007 Q5
-- ans --
a i 400 x 4 x 3 = 4800 cm3 1m
ii 1000 x 10 x 3 = 30 000 cm3 1m
b In Y, the number of breaths per minute / unit time increases. 1m
The volume of each breath increases. 1m
Any use of figure. 1m
c Volume of air breathed in / out per breath decreases. /
The time taken for each breath is longer. (any 1) 1m
-- ans end --
[1B07204]
The diagram below shows a section through the human thorax during breathing in
(inspiration).

position of diaphragm
a i Name the structures labelled A, B, C and D. (4 marks)
ii State one difference that you would see if the diagram had been drawn
after breathing out (expiration). (1 mark)
b The table below shows some differences between inspired and expired air.
Gas % in inspired air % in expired air
Oxygen 20.7 14.69
Water vapour 1.25 6.27
Carbon dioxide 0.04 3.88
Explain the decrease of oxygen in the expired air. (1 mark)
WJEC GCSE Biology Foundation Tier 2006 Q15
-- ans --
a i A: trachea 1m
B: bronchus 1m
C: rib 1m
D: intercostal muscle 1m
ii Diaphragm becomes domed or moves up / lungs become deflated / rib
cage moves inwards or downwards / thoracic volume becomes less or
lungs get smaller.
1m
b Some of the oxygen has been absorbed into the blood / used for respiration.
1m
-- ans end --
[1B07205]
The diagram below, shows the head and thorax with the ribs removed.

oesophagus
trachea
tongue
B
ribs
C left lung
a Name the structures labelled A, B, C and D. (4 marks)

b Explain the features of structures A, B and C. (3 marks)
-- ans --
a A: epiglottis 1m
B: cartilage 1m
C: diaphragm 1m
D: bronchioles
1m
b A: To close the entrance to trachea to prevent inhalation of food.
1m
B: To prevent collapse of air passages as pressure falls to draw in air.
1m
C: Lowered by muscles to increase the volume of thorax / lower pressure.
1m
-- ans end --
[1B07206]
a What kind of living organisms has the highest surface area to volume
ratios? (1 mark)
b Apart from surface area, give two features of gaseous exchange surfaces.
(2 marks)
-- ans --
a Unicellular organisms / single-celled organisms 1m
b Thin and moist 1m
x2

-- ans end --
[1B07207]
* The surface area and volume of a unicellular organism, such as Amoeba proteus, was
calculated for organisms each with a different radius. The surface area to volume ratio was
determined, as shown in the table below.
Radius of Surface area of Volume of
Ratio of surface
Amoeba proteus Amoeba proteus Amoeba proteus
area to volume
(arbitrary unit) (arbitrary unit) (arbitrary unit)
1 12 4 3:1
3 108 108
4 192 256
a Complete the table above giving the surface area to volume ratios for
Amoeba proteus cells with radii of 3 and 4 arbitrary units. (2 marks)
b With reference to the table, explain why a small unicellular organism, such
as Amoeba proteus does not require a specialized gaseous exchange surface,
but larger multicellular organisms do require an exchange surface.
(3 marks)
WJEC GCE (A/AS) Biology Module BI2 Jun 2005 Q2
-- ans --
a 1:1 1m
0.75:1 / 3:4 / 1:1.3 1m
b Any three from: 1m x 3
A unicellular organism has a larger ratio of surface area to volume.
The rate of diffusion is sufficient to meet metabolic requirements. / It has a
shorter diffusion path.
It obtains enough oxygen for respiration. / It removes carbon dioxide
produced.
As cells / organisms become larger, the surface area to volume ratio is
smaller.
The rate of diffusion is not fast enough to supply oxygen / nutrients / remove
carbon dioxide.
-- ans end --
[1B07208]
a Explain what is meant by the term diffusion. (2 marks)
b Explain the role of diffusion in the process of gas exchange between the
blood and the air inside the lungs. (3 marks)
WJEC GCSE Applied Science Unit 2 Higher Tier Jun 2005 Q7
-- ans --

a It is the net movement of particles

1m
from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration.
1m
b Oxygen diffuses into red blood cell.
1m
CO2 diffuses out of plasma
1m
from blood. 1m
-- ans end --
[1B07209]
The diagram below shows a section of lung tissue observed under a microscope.
space inside an air sac
cell layer X
a Explain the adaptation of cell layer X to its functions in gas exchange.

(4 marks)
b How is carbon dioxide transported in the blood? (3 marks)
-- ans --
a The cells in cell layer X are thin / flattened.

1m
This decreases the diffusion distance for gases.
1m
Cell layer X has a large surface area.
1m
This increases the diffusion rate.

1m
b Most carbon dioxide enters the red blood cells
1m
and reacts with water to form hydrogencarbonate ions.
1m
The ions dissolve in the plasma.
1m
-- ans end --
[1B07210]
* a A large amount of small air sacs is more efficient in gas exchange than a
smaller number of larger air sacs. Why is it so? (2 marks)
b Below shows a simplified diagram of an air sac and a capillary.
red blood cell in capillary
cell layer X
space between cell layers
cell layer Y
i Name the type of cells in layer Y. (1 mark)

ii What is Z? Explain its function in gas exchange. (2 marks)
c At the moment before exhalation, the composition of the air in air sacs
differs from that of the air in the trachea.
i How does the composition differ? (1 mark)
ii Explain why there is a difference in composition. (1 mark)
-- ans --

a Small air sacs have a much larger surface area to volume ratio than large
air sacs.
1m
This facilitates diffusion of gases. 1m
b i Epithelial cells 1m
ii Water film
1m
To keep the surface of the air sac moist for gas diffusion.
1m
c i The air in air sacs contains less oxygen / more carbon dioxide / more
water vapour. (any 2)
1m
ii There is gas exchange in air sacs but not in trachea.
1m
-- ans end --
[1B07211]
* The diagram below shows the approximate concentrations of substances inside an air
sac and a capillary in lungs.
14% oxygen
4% carbon dioxide air sac
7% oxygen
capillary
8% carbon dioxide
a State and explain in which direction oxygen and carbon dioxide will move
between the capillary and the air sac. (2 marks)
b What are the adaptations of lungs to efficient gas exchange? State three of
them. (3 marks)
c Patients with a certain genetic disease produce a large amount of sticky
mucus in their lungs. They are often short of breath.
Explain why they are often short of breath. (2 marks)
-- ans --
a Oxygen moves from the air sac to the capillary because its concentration in the
air sac is higher than that in the capillary.
1m
Carbon dioxide moves from the capillary to the air sac because its concentration
in the capillary is higher than that in the air sac.
1m
b There are a lot of air sacs in lungs. /

The walls of the air sacs are only one-cell thick. /

The walls of the capillaries are very thin. /
The blood flow in the capillaries maintains a steep concentration gradient. (any
3)
1m x 3
c The mucus blocks the bronchioles.
1m
It reduces the amount of fresh air moving into the air sacs for gas exchange.
1m
-- ans end --
[1B07212]
a In the human lungs, there are more than 150 million air sacs. Explain how
this makes gas exchange efficient. (1 mark)
b The capillaries in the air sacs are very small in diameter. As a result, blood
flows through the capillaries at a very low rate. Explain one way in which the
small diameter of the capillaries results in the efficient transfer of oxygen
from the air sacs to the red blood cells. (2 marks)
c In the lungs of some patients who suffer from respiratory diseases, very
little of the air in the air sacs is replaced in each breath. Explain how this
lowers the efficiency of gas exchange in the air sacs. (2 marks)
-- ans --
a This increases the surface area for diffusion of gases.

1m
b Red blood cells are close to the capillary wall.
1m
This shortens the diffusion path / distance.
1m
c The concentration gradient of oxygen / carbon dioxide is lower.
1m
Therefore, the rate of diffusion decreases.
1m
-- ans end --

[1B07213]
* The diagram below shows an experimental set-up used by Maggie to compare the
carbon dioxide content of inhaled and exhaled air.
W
S V
T U
lime water
X Y
a Maggie intended to breathe through tube S but her teacher stopped her.
Why? What should she do? (2 marks)
b Maggie corrected the mistake and repeated the experiment. What were then
observed in flasks X and Y? (2 marks)
c What did the result tell Maggie about the carbon dioxide content of inhaled
and exhaled air? (1 mark)
d Suggest another indicator that could be used in this experiment. (1 mark)
-- ans --
a She would suck up the lime water. 1m

She should breathe in and out gently through tube W.
1m
b The lime water in flask X remained colourless
1m
while that in flask Y turned milky.
1m
c The exhaled air, which flowed through flask Y, contained more carbon
dioxide than the inhaled air did.
1m
d Hydrogencarbonate indicator 1m
-- ans end --

Question Bank Structured questions
Structured questions
[1B07301]
** A spirometer can be used to measure the volumes of air breathed in and out by a person.
The movements of the spirometer are recorded on a revolving drum as a trace. An
example of such a trace is shown.
a i Calculate the total volume of air breathed in and out during the period
shown A to B on the trace. (1 mark)
ii State the name given to the volume of air shown as C–D on the trace.
(1 mark)
iii Describe what has happened to the breathing pattern of the person to
cause the trace between points X, Y and Z. (2 marks)
b The spirometer contains a fixed volume of oxygen. Suggest why the peaks
and troughs of the trace become lower between points A and B. (2 marks)
c The trace was made of a person who had been resting. State two ways in
which the appearance of the trace would have been different between points A
and B if the person had carried out vigorous exercise immediately prior to breathing
into the spirometer. (2 marks)
d Explain why the spirometer cannot be used to measure the total capacity of
the lungs. (2 marks)
-- ans --
a i 8 dm3 (+/- 0.5)
1m
ii Tidal volume 1m
iii The person breathed in / inhaled deeply as far as he could
1m
and then exhaled / breathed out as much as possible.
1m
b Oxygen is taken in by the person. / Exhaled carbon dioxide is absorbed.
1m
Overall volume of air / gas in spirometer falls.
1m

c The distance between points A and B is shorter.

1m
The amplitude of the wave is larger.
1m
d There is some air remaining in the lungs.
1m
Thus the total capacity cannot be recorded on the trace. / The spirometer
can only measure air taken in and out.
1m
-- ans end --
[1B07302]
An athlete is being tested by her physiotherapist to see how her breathing is
affected by exercise.
a Her breathing rate was monitored by the physiotherapist before, during, and
after exercise.
The results are shown in the table.
When breathing Before During 1 minute after 3 minutes 5 minutes
rate was exercise exercise exercise after exercise after exercise
measured
Breathing rate 17 72 35 22 17
(breaths/minute)
Use the information in the table to complete the following sentences:
i Exercise caused the athlete’s breathing rate to . (1 mark)
ii After exercise, the athlete’s breathing rate returned to normal in
minutes. (1 mark)
b The contents of the air breathed in, and breathed out, by the athlete were
also measured.
This information is shown below.
Gas % in air breathed in % in air breathed out
Nitrogen 79 79
Oxygen 20.97 17
Carbon dioxide 0.03
Fill in the gap in the table. (1 mark)
c Use a suitable word or words from the box to complete each sentence
correctly.

breathing, oxygen, respiration, carbon dioxide, glucose

i The athlete’s body makes energy by the process of .
(1 mark)
ii To make energy, the body needs oxygen and . (1 mark)
iii When energy is produced, one of the waste products is .
(1 mark)
iv Air breathed out contains less than air breathed in.
(1 mark)
d Glucose has the chemical formula C6H12O6.
Name the three elements present in a molecule of glucose. (3 marks)
WJEC GCSE Applied Science Unit 2 Foundation Tier Jun 2007 Q5
-- ans --
a i increase / rise 1m
ii 5 1m
b 4% 1m
c i respiration
1m
ii glucose 1m
iii carbon dioxide 1m
iv oxygen 1m
d Carbon, oxygen and hydrogen
1m x 3
-- ans end --
[1B07303]
The diagram below shows a section through the chest.
a Label the parts A to E on the diagram. (5 marks)
b Fill in the blank spaces by using the following words to complete the
sentences about the mechanism of breathing: (4 marks)
up, down, increases, decreases, inflate, deflate.
During inspiration the diaphragm moves __________ and the rib cage
moves up and out. This __________ the volume of the chest cavity and

__________ the pressure. This causes the lungs to __________.

WJEC GCSE Biology Foundation Tier Jun 2007 Q14
-- ans --
a A: trachea 1m
B: bronchiole 1m
C: ribs 1m
D: air sac 1m
E: bronchus 1m
b down 1m
increases
1m
decreases 1m
inflate 1m
-- ans end --
[1B07304]
** The diagram represents the mammalian respiratory system.
B left lung
C D
a Label structures A–D on the diagram. (4 marks)

b A spirometer can be used to give data about various aspects of breathing and
respiration. The following diagram shows readings taken from a spirometer
which was initially filled with oxygen.

i What is the tidal volume of this person at point X? (1 mark)

ii How much oxygen is used by this person from point A to point B?
(1 mark)
c Carbon dioxide in the exhaled gases is removed by passing the gases
through soda lime before they are returned to the spirometer. Explain why the
carbon dioxide levels in the blood would rise if the carbon dioxide in the exhaled
gases was not removed. (2 marks)
-- ans --
a A: trachea
1m
B: bronchioles 1m
C: pleural membranes 1m
D: diaphragm 1m
b i 450 cm3 (440–460 accepted) 1m
ii 1075 cm3 (1050–1150 accepted) 1m
c There is a high / an increased level of carbon dioxide in inhaled air. /
There is a lower concentration gradient between blood and air in the air sacs.
/
This causes a slower diffusion of carbon dioxide from blood to the air sacs.
(any 2)
1m x 2
-- ans end --
[1B07305]
Students of Sports Science are finding out how the body produces energy.
They find out that energy is produced in body cells, using oxygen and glucose.
a Oxygen is taken into the body through the lungs.
The diagram below shows the structure of the chest.

E ribs
C
Use the words from the boxes below to label parts A, B, C, D and E on the
diagram. (5 marks)
lung muscles diaphragm heart trachea
b The students find out that as air enters and leaves the lungs, some gases
are exchanged (swapped).
The table shows the gas content of the air as it enters the lungs and as it
leaves.
Air entering lungs contains Air leaving lungs contains
0.03 % carbon dioxide 3% carbon dioxide
79 % nitrogen 79 % nitrogen
21% oxygen 18% oxygen
i Which gas is not exchanged (swapped) in the lungs? (1 mark)
ii How much does the oxygen content of the air drop inside the lungs?
(1 mark)
The gas exchange takes place in air sacs.

iii Name the two gases exchanged (swapped) in the air sacs. (2 marks)
c i Name the part of the blood that carries oxygen. (1 mark)
ii Name the part of the blood that carries carbon dioxide. (1 mark)
d When the oxygen and glucose arrive in body cells, a reaction takes place to
produce energy.
i What is the name of this reaction? (1 mark)
ii Apart from energy, name one other product of this reaction. (1 mark)
WJEC GCSE Applied Science Unit 2 Foundation Tier Jun 2006 Q6
-- ans --
a A: trachea 1m
B: muscles 1m
C: diaphragm 1m
D: heart 1m
E: lung 1m
b i Nitrogen 1m
ii 3% 1m
iii Oxygen and carbon dioxide 1m x 2
c i Red blood cells 1m
ii Plasma 1m
d i Respiration 1m
ii Water / carbon dioxide 1m
-- ans end --
[1B07306]
Sports science students are learning about the parts of the body found in the chest
of humans.
The diagram below shows some of these parts.

a Name the parts labelled A to E. (5 marks)

b Explain how parts C, D and E change when we breathe in. (3 marks)
c Two students, John and Beth, studied the effect of exercise on breathing
rate.
They recorded their breathing rate before exercising.
Then they exercised for 2 minutes.
Then they measured their breathing rates again.
They kept taking measurements every minute for 12 minutes.
The results are shown on the graph below.

i What is the effect of exercise on breathing rate? (1 mark)

ii What is the difference between the breathing rates of John and Beth, 4
minutes after exercise began? (Give your answer in breaths/minute)
(1 mark)
iii How long does it take for John’s breathing rate to return to normal,
after exercise stopped? (1 mark)
WJEC GCSE Applied Science Unit 2 Higher Tier Jan 2005 Q5
-- ans --
a A: trachea
1m
B: intercostal muscles 1m
C: lung 1m
D: diaphragm 1m
E: rib 1m
b The diaphragm is pulled flat. 1m
The ribs push / move up / out.
1m
The lungs expand. 1m
c i Exercise increases the breathing rate. 1m
ii 2 breaths/minute 1m
iii 7 minutes 1m

-- ans end --
[1B07307]
* The diagram below shows a set-up used to investigate gas exchange in humans. The
inhaled air passed through tube P while the exhaled air passed through tube Q.
air in breathe in and out air out
glass tube
boiling tube
red
hydrogencarbonate
indicator
Tube P Tube Q
a State the observations in tubes P and Q. (2 marks)

b Explain the observation in a. (3 marks)
c The experiment was repeated several times with the same set-up. Name two
factors that have to be kept constant to make sure that the results were valid.
(2 marks)
d i Besides oxygen and carbon dioxide, name another gas whose
percentage in inhaled and exhaled air differs. (1 mark)
ii Explain why there is such a difference in percentage. (2 marks)
-- ans --
a Tube P: The indicator stays red.

1m
Tube Q: The indicator changes from red to yellow.
1m
b The inhaled air contains about 0.03% of carbon dioxide.
1m
The exhaled air contains a much higher concentration of carbon dioxide
1m

due to the diffusion of carbon dioxide from the blood into the air sacs.
1m
c Volume of the indicator /
Temperature /
The person breathing in and out the air /
Rate of breathing (any 2)
1m x 2
d i Water vapour 1m
ii Air is moistened by the mucus lining the air passage
1m
and the water film lining the air sacs.
1m
-- ans end --
[1B07308]
* The surface area to volume ratio of an organism varies according to its size. The table
below shows two spheres X and Y as models of organisms of different sizes.The
surface area and volume of each sphere are given.
Sphere X Sphere Y
Diameter (cm) 2.5 7

Surface area (cm2) 78.5 615.8
Volume (cm3) 65.4 1436.8
a i The surface area to volume ratio of sphere Y is 0.43. Calculate the ratio
of sphere X. Show your working. (2 marks)
ii Describe how the ratio changes as the size of the sphere increases.
(2 marks)
b i According to a, explain why large organisms like humans need a
breathing system but unicellular organisms like Amoeba do not?
(3 marks)
ii State the name of the organ that is necessary for gas exchange in
humans. (1 mark)

-- ans --
a i 78.5 / 65.4
1m
= 1.20 1m
ii The ratio of sphere Y is smaller than that of sphere X.
1m
Volume increases more rapidly than surface area as the size increases.
1m
b i Unicellular organisms have a larger surface area to volume ratio.
1m
The rate of diffusion of gases is fast enough to meet their requirements.
1m
But large organisms with larger volume have a much lower surface area
to volume ratio so the rate of diffusion is too slow for metabolism.
1m
ii Lungs 1m
-- ans end --
[1B07309]
* The graph shows the air pressure in the thoracic cavity during normal ventilation.
Inhalation Exhalation
air pressure in
the thoracic
cavity
atmospheric
pressure
X Y
time
a i How does the concentration of carbon dioxide in the airflow differ at

times X and Y? (1 mark)
ii Describe how the diffusion in air sacs is responsible for this difference.
(2 marks)
b Use the information in the above graph, sketch a curve below to show how
the volume of the lungs changes during inhalation. (2 marks)

Inhalation
volume of
lungs
time
c Describe the actions of intercostal muscles

i during inhalation. (2 marks)
ii during exhalation. (2 marks)
-- ans --
a i The concentration of carbon dioxide at time Y is higher than that at

time X.
1m
ii Carbon dioxide diffuses from blood into air sacs
1m
as the concentration of carbon dioxide in blood is higher than that in
air sacs.
1m
b
volume of Inhalation
lungs
time
2m
c i The intercostal muscles contract to move the ribs upwards and
outwards.

1m
This increases the lung volume to let air rush into the lungs.
1m
ii The intercostal muscles relax to move the ribs downwards and
inwards.
1m
This decreases the lung volume and pushes air out of the lungs.
1m
-- ans end --
[1B07310]
** a Describe the actions of the diaphragm when a person is inhaling.
(3 marks)
b When a person dives in the water, he/she cannot obtain oxygen from the air.
An investigation was done to find out the amount of blood flowing into the organs
related to breathing. The table below shows the flow of blood to the lungs and to the
diaphragm in a person when he is on land and when he is under water.
Blood flow (arbitrary unit)

Organ
On land Under water
Lungs 0.92 0.50
Diaphragm 0.18 0.01
Calculate the percentage change of the blood flow to the lungs when the
person is under water. (2 marks)
c Explain the advantage of the following to the person in the water.
i Blood flowing to the lungs continually (1 mark)
ii A great decrease in blood flow to the diaphragm (2 marks)
-- ans --

a The diaphragm contracts

1m
and becomes flattened to increase the volume of the lungs.
1m
The air pressure in the lungs decreases, and air rushes into the lungs.
1m
b [(0.92 – 0.50) / 0.92] x 100% 1m
= 45.7% 1m
c i To support the cellular activities in the lungs. 1m
ii As the diaphragm needs not to contract during diving,
1m
it does not require so much glucose and oxygen.
1m
-- ans end --
[1B07311]
The following diagram is a magnified part of the human lung, showing the site of
gas exchange.
a Name structure X. State two ways in which it is adapted to efficient gas

exchange. (3 marks)
b What gases are exchanged between structure X and blood? State the
directions of the net movement of the gases. (4 marks)

-- ans --
a Air sac 1m
It has a large surface area / thin wall / moist surface. / It is richly supplied
with blood. (any 2)
2m
b Carbon dioxide diffuses from blood to the air sacs.
2m
Oxygen diffuses from the air sacs to blood.
2m
-- ans end --
[1B07312]
* The following diagram shows a model demonstrating breathing movement in the
human body.
P R
a Which parts of the breathing system are represented by P, Q, R and S?

(3 marks)
b Sketch the appearance of the model to represent the state during inhalation.
Describe the changes in the various structures of the breathing system and the
results of these changes. (5 marks)
c Draw a curve on the following graph to show the change in lung pressure
during inhalation and exhalation. (2 marks)

-- ans --
a P: vertebral column 1m
Q, S: ribs 1m
R: sternum 1m
b Diagram showing horizontal position of ribs
1m
Intercostal muscles contract. 1m
Ribs rise upwards and outwards. 1m
Volume of thoracic cavity and lungs increases.
1m
Decreased pressure causes air to rush into lungs.
1m
c Curve showing increased pressure during exhalation and decreased
pressure during inhalation.
2m
-- ans end --
[1B07313]
** The diagram below shows a model for illustrating the breathing process of humans.
balloon hole X
hole in cork
plunger space Y syringe barrel
a Which structures of the human respiratory system do the following parts of

the model represent?
i The plunger (1 mark)
ii The balloon (1 mark)
iii The syringe barrel (1 mark)
iv The hole in the cork (1 mark)
b i What happens to the balloon when hole X is closed and the plunger is
pulled out at the same time? (1 mark)
ii What breathing action in humans does the process described in b i
represent? (1 mark)
iii Explain the mechanism of the breathing action involved in b ii in terms

of the pressure in space Y. (3 marks)

c State one feature of breathing that cannot be shown by the model.
(1 mark)
d Hole X can represent a damage to the body, for example, gun shoot.
Describe how it will affect the breathing process. (2 marks)
-- ans --
a i Diaphragm 1m
ii Lungs 1m
iii Thoracic wall / ribs / rib cage 1m
iv Trachea / mouth / nose 1m
b i The balloon inflates.
1m
ii Inhalation 1m
iii During inhalation, diaphragm muscles contract and the diaphragm
flattens.
0.5m
Volume of the thoracic cavity (space Y) increases.
0.5m
Pressure inside the thoracic cavity (space Y) decreases.
0.5m
Lungs expand.
0.5m
Air pressure in the lungs is lower than the atmospheric pressure.
0.5m
Air rushes into the lungs.
0.5m
c The small space between the lungs and the thoracic wall is filled with
pleural fluid instead of air. /
The syringe barrel is rigid while the thoracic wall can be moved by the
actions of intercostal muscles. /
At rest, the bottom of the plunger is flat while the diaphragm is
dome-shaped. /
The diaphragm is flattened by muscle contraction instead of being pulled
out by hand. (any 1)
1m
d The pressure inside the thoracic cavity (space Y) will be the same as the
atmospheric pressure even when the diaphragm flattens.
1m
Air will not rush into the lungs.
1m
-- ans end --

[1B07314]
The diagram below shows an air sac in the human breathing system.
P
X
Q
R
Y
a Name P, Q and R. (3 marks)

b Name the gas that diffuses in the directions of X and Y respectively.
(2 marks)
c State three adaptive features of the air sacs to gas exchange. (3 marks)
-- ans --
a P: wall of capillary 1m
Q: red blood cell 1m
R: plasma
1m
b X: oxygen
1m
Y: carbon dioxide 1m
c The air sacs provide a very large surface area for gas exchange. /
The epithelium of the air sacs is very thin. /
The inner surface of the air sacs is kept moist. /
The air sacs are richly supplied with blood. (any 3)
1m x 3
-- ans end --
[1B07315]
The diagram below shows a human thorax model.

glass tube
bell jar
P
Q
R
S balloon
T
rubber sheet
U
a Which parts of the human thorax do parts P to U represent? (3 marks)

b The air entering the human part represented by Q is clean and moist. How
can this be done? (3 marks)
c What happens to the balloons when the rubber sheet is pulled downwards?
Which part of the breathing process does this represent? (2 marks)
d In what way does this demonstration inaccurate in representing the
breathing in and out of humans? (2 marks)
-- ans --
a P: thoracic cavity 0.5m
Q: trachea 0.5m
R: bronchus 0.5m
S: thoracic wall 0.5m
T: lung 0.5m
U: diaphragm 0.5m
b Hair in the nostrils filters out small particles from the incoming air. 1m
Mucus secreted in the nasal cavity traps dust and bacteria 1m
which will be removed by the beating of cilia on the ciliated epithelial cells.
1m
c The balloons inflate / increase in size. 1m
This represents inhalation / breathing in. 1m
d The small space between the lungs and the thoracic walls is filled with
pleural fluid instead of air. /
When at rest, the diaphragm is dome-shaped while the rubber sheet is lying
flat. /
The diaphragm is flattened by muscle contraction instead of being pulled
down by hand. /
The size of the thoracic cavity can be changed by muscle action that moves
the ribs while the bell jar is rigid. (any 2) 1m x 2
-- ans end --
Essays
[1B07401]
* Explain why oxygen in the air sac can enter the blood in the capillary efficiently.
(8 marks)
-- ans --
Any five from:
1m x 5
There are many air sacs so that the surface area for diffusion of oxygen is very
large.
Walls of air sacs and capillaries are one-cell thick so the diffusion distance is very
short.

Question Bank Essays
Red blood cells have biconcave disc shape so as to increase the surface area to
cytoplasmic volume ratio.
Red blood cells have haemoglobin to combine with oxygen.
Mature red blood cells have no nucleus so as to allow more room for holding
haemoglobin.
The network of capillaries provides a steep concentration gradient of oxygen.
The inner surface of the air sacs is covered by water film so that oxygen is allowed
to dissolve into it.
Effective communication 3m
-- ans end --
[1B07402]
Describe how inhalation is achieved during ventilation . (9 marks)
-- ans --
The intercostal muscles and diaphragm muscles contract at the same time.
1m
Contraction of the intercostal muscles pulls the rib cage upwards and outwards.
1m
Contraction of the diaphragm muscles causes the diaphragm to become
flattened.
1m
The actions lead to an increase in the volume of the thoracic cavity and the lungs
expand.
1m
The air pressure in the lungs decreases and becomes lower than the atmospheric
pressure.
1m
Air therefore rushes into the lungs through the respiratory tract.
1m
Effective communication 3m
-- ans end --

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Chapter 7 Gas exchange in humans

What is the function of structure X?

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 276 -

direction of blood flow

Which of the following shows the correct labels of X and Y?

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 278 -

** What will be the change in the colour of the blood?

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 280 -

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 281 -

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 282 -

air rushes into Y

Which structure of the human breathing system does X represent?

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 283 -

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 284 -

a The diaphragm lowers. 1m

They have a large surface area to volume ratio.

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 285 -

volume of air in respiratory tract (cm )

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 286 -

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 287 -

a Name the structures labelled A, B, C and D. (4 marks)

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 288 -

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 289 -

a It is the net movement of particles

space inside an air sac

a Explain the adaptation of cell layer X to its functions in gas exchange.

a The cells in cell layer X are thin / flattened.

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 290 -

red blood cell in capillary

space between cell layers

i Name the type of cells in layer Y. (1 mark)

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 291 -

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 292 -

The walls of the air sacs are only one-cell thick. /

a This increases the surface area for diffusion of gases.

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 293 -

a She would suck up the lime water. 1m

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 294 -

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 295 -

c The distance between points A and B is shorter.

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 296 -

breathing, oxygen, respiration, carbon dioxide, glucose

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 297 -

__________ the pressure. This causes the lungs to __________.

a Label structures A–D on the diagram. (4 marks)

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 298 -

i What is the tidal volume of this person at point X? (1 mark)

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 299 -

lung muscles diaphragm heart trachea

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 300 -

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 301 -

a Name the parts labelled A to E. (5 marks)

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 302 -

i What is the effect of exercise on breathing rate? (1 mark)

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 303 -

air in breathe in and out air out

a State the observations in tubes P and Q. (2 marks)

a Tube P: The indicator stays red.

© Oxford University Press 2009 - 304 -

the pressure. This causes the lungs to .