Past Paper Questions - Exchange

1. The following spirometer trace shows the results of an experiment.
Soda lime was used to extract carbon dioxide

from exhaled air.
What is the rate of oxygen consumption in the experiment?
A 1.0 dm3
B 3.0 dm3 min−1
C 5.0 dm3 min−1
D 12 breaths min−1
Your answer
[1]
2. Which structure, A to D, is not an example of a surface that is specialised for the purpose of gas exchange?
A alveolus of a mammal
B plasma membrane of a unicellular protoctista
C leaf of a tobacco plant
D trachea of an insect
Your answer
[1]
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3. Air moves in and out of human lungs through the trachea, which is lined with cells. The diagram below shows a
section containing these cells.
Which of the following statements about tracheal cells is correct?
A Cells X, Y and Z are all columnar epithelial cells.

B Cells X and Y move mucus and trapped bacteria out of the trachea.
C Cell X releases mucus into the trachea.
D Cell Z is a goblet cell.
Your answer [1]

4. Bony fish absorb dissolved oxygen from the water using gills. Water is passed through the buccal cavity and
over the gill lamellae. The oxygen saturation of the blood and water changes as the water passes over the gills.
Which of the statements, A to D, correctly describes the way oxygen is transferred into the blood at the gills?
A Blood and water flow in a concurrent system with a constant concentration gradient between them.
B Blood and water flow in a countercurrent system with a constant concentration gradient between them.
C Blood and water flow in a concurrent system with a greater concentration gradient between them at the start
of the gill lamella.
D Blood and water flow in a countercurrent system with a greater concentration gradient between them at the
start of the gill lamella.
Your answer [1]

5. Different sized mammals have different surface area to volume ratios.
The table shows the surface areas and volumes of four different groups of mammals.
Which of the options, A to D, is the correct order of surface area to volume ratios for the different mammals,
arranged from the largest to the smallest?
A Oryctolagus, Rattus, Equus, Mus
B Mus, Rattus, Oryctolagus, Equus
C Mus, Oryctolagus, Rattus, Equus
D Equus, Mus, Oryctolagus, Rattus
Your answer [1]

6. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a measure of the maximum rate at which a person can exhale.
The graph below shows the typical PEF values for men of different ages and heights.
Which of the following is the percentage increase from the PEF of a 20 year old man of 175 cm to the PEF of a
45 year old man of 183 cm?
A 19.4%
B 10.9%
C 12.3%
D 8.1%
Your answer [1]

7. Which of the following statements, A to D, correctly explains a feature of an efficient gaseous exchange surface?
A The layers are thin for a short diffusion distance.
B There is a good blood supply, so the system reaches equilibrium quickly.
C There is an increased surface area to reduce surface area to volume ratio.
D Ventilation takes place to reduce concentration gradient of dissolved gases.
Your answer [1]

8. *Outline the structures involved in the mammalian gaseous exchange system.
For each structure, explain how it increases the efficiency of gaseous exchange.
[6]

9.
Alveoli are located in the lungs of mammals.
Explain how alveoli are adapted for efficient gas exchange.
[6]

10(a) Many teachers use models to demonstrate and explain breathing and lung function in mammals.
.
Fig. 2.1 is a model of the mammalian chest.
A teacher used the model in Fig. 2.1 to demonstrate the difference between tidal volume and vital capacity.
(i) Explain the meaning of the term tidal volume.
[2]
(ii) Suggest how the teacher may have used the model to demonstrate tidal volume.

[2]
(iii) Explain the meaning of the term vital capacity.
[2]
(iv) Suggest how the teacher may have used the model to demonstrate vital capacity.
[1]
(b). When the rubber sheet is pulled down the balloons expand.
Explain why the balloons expand.
[3]

11(a) Termites are highly social insects. They are thought to have evolved from earlier forms of insect at least 150
. million years ago, in the Jurassic geological period. They are related to cockroaches.
(i) How might scientists a century ago have known that termites evolved in the Jurassic geological period?
[1]
(ii) What new source of evidence might help today's scientists to find out how closely related termites are to
cockroaches?
[1]
(b). Fig. 5.1 shows a termite mound, the nest of approximately one million individuals. The photograph was taken in
Queensland Australia, about 3000 kilometres south of the equator.
(i) Fig. 5.1 shows that the interior of the termite mound is full of interconnecting chambers. At the top of the
mound some of these chambers open to the air outside.
Worker termites spend all their time working in brood chambers low in the mound, where eggs and larvae
develop.
Explain how carbon dioxide produced in the respiring body cells of worker termites is removed to the air
outside the termite mound.
[4]
(ii) In Africa, closer to the equator, the mounds built by some species of termite are blade-shaped, with the long
axis pointing North–South. Fig. 5.2 shows an example of a termite mound in Africa.
Suggest why the African termites need to build mounds in this shape and orientation.

[2]
Fig. 5.1
Fig. 5.2

12. Table 2.1 lists a number of specialised cells found in the gaseous exchange system of a mammal.
Complete the table to describe the function of each type of specialised cell.
Specialised cells Function of cells in the gaseous exchange system
Ciliated cells
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Goblet cells
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Smooth muscle cells ____________________________
____________________________
____________________________

____________________________
Squamous epithelial cells ____________________________
Table 2.1
____________________________
[4]
13. Gene sequencing can help us to understand how an individual's genome affects their body's response to drugs.
One research study has looked at the effectiveness of drugs used to treat asthma in children. Asthma is a
condition in which the bronchioles become reduced in diameter. This results in the child finding it difficult to
breathe.
(i) Using your knowledge of the structure of bronchioles, suggest how their diameter might become reduced.
[2]
(ii) Explain why it is difficult to expel air from the lungs if the bronchioles become reduced in diameter.
[1]

14(a) A student investigated the relationship between height and vital capacity.
.
The student used a spirometer to measure vital capacity of 10 boys and 10 girls in their year group at school.
List two variables the student should control to ensure validity in this investigation?
[2]
(b). Fig. 16 is a graph of the student's results.
Fig. 16
The student made the following comment about their results:

(i) Using Fig. 16, explain whether you agree with the conclusion the student made.
[2]
(ii) The student planned to measure tidal volume for the same 20 students.
Circle a region on Fig. 16 where you would see these data if the student plotted them on the same graph.
[Answer on Fig. 16]
[2]
END OF QUESTION PAPER

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance
1 B 1
Total 1
2 B✓ 1
Total 1
3 C✔ 1 Examiner’s Comments
This was answered quite well, the more

common incorrect answers being B and D.
Total 1
4 B✓ 1 Examiner’s Comments
This question was generally answered
well, with candidates being able to discern
the difference between correct and
incorrect descriptions of the countercurrent
process.
Total 1
5 C✓ 1 Examiner’s Comments
Candidates had to use values from a table
to perform simple calculations, some
involving standard form, and then process
this information to choose the correct order
of SA:V for a group of mammals. Many
candidates were able to perform the
calculations correctly to achieve the correct
response.
Total 1
6 C✓ 1 Examiner’s Comments
Candidates had to process the information

in the graph of PEF data and choose the
appropriate values to perform their
calculation. Candidates often struggle with
such percentage calculations in section B,
but this posed little problem for the majority
of candidates who were able to perform the
calculation and identify C as the correct
option.
Total 1
7 A✓ 1

Total 1

8 *Please refer to the marking instructions on 1

page 4 of this mark scheme for guidance
on how to mark this question.
Read through the whole answer. (Be

prepared to recognise and credit
unexpected approaches where they show
relevance.)
Using a ‘best–fit’ approach based on the
science content of the answer, first decide
which of the level descriptors, Level 1,
Level 2 or Level 3, best describes the
overall quality of the answer.
Then, award the higher or lower mark
within the level, according to the
Communication Statement (shown in
italics):
award the higher mark where the

Communication Statement has been
met.
award the lower mark where aspects of
the Communication Statement have
been missed.
In summary:
The science content determines the

level.
The Communication Statement
determines the mark within a level.
Level 3 (5–6 marks) 6 Indicative scientific points may include:

Full and detailed description and
explanation of the features of the Nasal cavity
mammalian respiratory system. Candidate
demonstrates a detailed understanding of
the different features and explains the large surface area and good blood
adaptations of each one to maximise the supply, warms air
efficiency of gaseous exchange. mucus secreting cells, trap dust and
microbes
There is a well-developed description and moist surfaces, increase humidity and
explanation of the majority of relevant reduce evaporation from surfaces in
features. The information presented is lung
relevant and clearly explained.
Trachea
Level 2 (3–4 marks)
Clear description and explanation of the

features of the mammalian respiratory cartilage rings, stop it from collapsing

system. Candidate demonstrates a ciliated epithelium and goblet cells
reasonable understanding of most of the secrete mucus, trap dust and microbes
different features and includes and move them towards stomach
explanations of the adaptations that
maximise the efficiency of gaseous
exchange.
There is a well-developed description and

explanation of some of the relevant Bronchi / bronchioles
features. The information presented is
relevant and for the most part clearly
explained. smooth muscle, allows air to move in
and out and maintains high
Level 1 (1–2 marks) concentration gradient of O2 / CO2
An attempt at description and explanation
of a limited number of the features of the Alveoli
mammalian respiratory system. Candidate
demonstrates a limited understanding of
the different features with some thin (epithelial) wall, reduces diffusion
explanation of the adaptations that distance
maximise the efficiency of gaseous collagen / elastic fibres, elastic recoil to
exchange. help squeeze air out during exhalation
large number / provide large surface
There is a logical structure to the answer. area, to increase rate of diffusion
The explanations, though basic, are clear. good blood supply / capillaries,
maintains high concentration gradient
0 marks surfactant, allows gases to dissolve
No response or no response worthy of
credit. Diaphragm / intercostal muscles
contract to increase volume in lungs,

reduce pressure and cause inspiration
NB: Many of the features listed above are

common to more than one structure and
should be credited where appropriate.
Total 6

9 For answers marked by levels of response: 6 For Level 3

need more than one correct adaptations of
Read through the whole answer from start alveoli
to finish, concentrating on features that AND
make it a stronger or weaker answer using an explanation of how more than one
the indicative scientific content as adaptation of
guidance. The indicative scientific content alveoli improves efficient gaseous
indicates the expected parameters for exchange.
candidates' answers, but be prepared to
recognise and credit unexpected IGNORE simply stating that the adaptation
approaches where they show relevance. increases efficiency
Using a 'best-fit' approach based on the IGNORE further ref to capillaries beyond
science content of the answer, first decide vascularisation
which set of level descriptors, Level 1,
Level 2 or Level 3, best describes the Indicative scientific points may include the
overall quality of the answer using the following:
guidelines described in the level
descriptors in the mark scheme. A - area
Adaptation -
Once the level is located, award the higher
or lower mark. large surface (in small volume)
detail -
The higher mark should be awarded where large numbers of (spherical) alveoli
the level descriptor has been evidenced surfactant
and all aspects of the communication detail -
statement (in italics) have been met. reduces, cohesive action between
water molecules / surface tension
The lower mark should be awarded where prevents alveoli from collapsing
the level descriptor has been evidenced elastic fibres
but aspects of the communication detail -
statement (in italics) are missing. stretch and recoil
stretch increases surface area
In summary: recoil helps force air out
The science content determines the Explanation -

level.
The communication statement more space for molecules to pass
determines the mark within a level. large volume of gas exchanged per
unit time / high rate of diffusion
Level 3 (5-6 marks)
Detail of more than one adaptation of the
alveoli
AND
scientific explanations of how more than
one adaptation improves the efficiency of
gas exchange.
There is a well-developed line of reasoning

which is clear and logically structured. The D - distance

information presented is relevant. Adaptation -
Level 2 (3-4 marks) thin walls

Identification of more than one adaptation detail -
of the alveoli alveolar wall one cell thick
AND (alveolar wall) made of squamous
scientific explanation of how one epithelium
adaptation improves the efficiency of gas (which consist of) flattened cells
exchange. capillaries close to alveolar wall
There is a line of reasoning presented with Explanation -

some structure. The information presented
is in the most-part relevant. short diffusion path / short distance for
diffusion
Level 1 (1-2 marks) high rate of diffusion
Identification of one adaptation of the
alveoli G - gradient
OR Adaptation -
scientific explanation of how the efficiency
of gas exchange is improved. ventilated
detail -
There is an attempt at a logical structure oxygen constantly replenished
with a line of reasoning. The information is carbon dioxide constantly removed
in the most part relevant.
good blood supply / well vascularised
0 marks detail -
No response or no response worthy of capillaries close to alveolar wall
credit. blood supply constantly
replenished
elastic fibres
(detail)
stretch and recoil
stretch increases surface area
recoil helps force air out
Explanation -
maintains, concentration / diffusion,

gradients
(keeps) O2 higher in alveolar air than
blood (from pulmonary artery)
(keeps) CO2 lower in alveolar air than
blood (from pulmonary artery)
T - temperature
Adaptation -
internal gas exchange surface

Explanation -
warm / higher / constant temperature,

so rate of diffusion stays high
Examiner’s Comments
Most candidates made a good attempt at
this question with the best responses
identifying clear adaptations and scientific
details and explaining how these resulted
in an improved rate of diffusion. The vast
majority were able to identify two or three
adaptations, most commonly large surface
area, one cell thick walls and a good blood
supply. Many also gave at least one
explanation of how an adaptation ensured
efficient gas exchange, such as providing a
shorter diffusion path or maintaining a high
concentration gradient.
Weaker candidates were able to identify
adaptations but found it difficult to
accurately link them to an explanation of
how the adaptation impacted on diffusion
of gases, only referring to making
exchange more efficient. A few candidates
made errors such as referring to ‘thin cell
walls’ or ‘thin cell membranes’ and
confused the speed of diffusion with the
diffusion rate.
Total 6

10 a i volume of air, inhaled / exhaled ; 2 max ACCEPT breathed / moved, in (and / or out
of lungs)
in, one / each, breath ; IGNORE amount
during, steady / regular, breathing ;

ACCEPT at rest / during steady exercise /
normal / quiet breathing
Examiner's Comments
Candidates were asked to explain the term

tidal volume. Most candidates successfully
scored one or two marks. Sometimes
these marks were achieved for the idea
that this volume is measured ‘at rest’ or
that it is the volume ‘in one breath’ rather
than for the idea that the tidal volume is a
‘volume of air inhaled or exhaled’.
Candidates must try to be more specific
with their terminology and use the term
‘volume’ rather than ‘amount’. Weaker
candidates should also move away from
the idea that oxygen is inhaled and carbon
dioxide is exhaled.
ii up / down, movements (of rubber sheet / 2 ACCEPT pull / push on rubber sheet /
band) ; band
ACCEPT pull / push and let go
idea of: small / steady / regular,
movements (of rubber sheet) ; ACCEPT rhythmically / in time with
breathing / repetitively
IGNORE gently
Note: pulled down slightly = 2 marks
Examiner's Comments
Candidates who were familiar with this

model were able to describe how it was
used by the teacher to demonstrate tidal
volume. Those who had not seen the
model before suggested blowing into the
glass tube or attaching it to a spirometer to
measure the volume of the air.

iii the maximum volume of air ; 2 ACCEPT tidal volume + inspiratory reserve
+ expiratory reserve = 2
ACCEPT total lung capacity – residual
volume = 1 mark
inhaled / exhaled, in one breath ; IGNORE total volume
ACCEPT breathed, in / out, in one breath

DO NOT CREDIT held in lungs or max vol
in lungs
DO NOT CREDIT breathed in and out in
one breath
Examiner's Comments
Candidates were asked to explain the term

vital capacity, and many were able to score
marks successfully. Again, the use of
inappropriate terms meant that some
responses were not sufficiently focussed to
gain full marks.
iv idea that pulled down on rubber, sheet / 1 ACCEPT pull / push in either order
band, as far as possible and pushed up as ACCEPT pull and push as hard as possible
far as possible ;
Examiner's Comments
When asked how the teacher could

demonstrate vital capacity most candidates
described how to demonstrate taking a
deep breath. Pulling the rubber sheet down
as far as possible (taking a deep breath)
must be followed by pushing it up as far as
possible to expel as much air as possible.
b DO NOT ALLOW marks for use of just

‘oxygen’ in place of ‘air’ throughout
question 2

1 volume, inside / of, jar increases ; 3 max IGNORE references to chest / lungs
2 pressure inside, jar / balloons, decreases

;
CREDIT idea of creating a pressure
3 to below pressure in atmosphere ; gradient (between balloon and exterior)
IGNORE hydrostatic
Note: ‘makes pressure in jar lower than
atmosphere’ = 2 marks
4 (therefore) air, moves / pushed / forced,
into, balloons / glass tube ; ACCEPT flows / enter / fills
DO NOT CREDIT suction / drawn / pulled
in / diffuse in / taken in
IGNORE just into bell jar
Examiner's Comments
Candidates were asked to explain why the

balloons expand when the rubber sheet is
pulled down. This question is answered by
very simple physics. Many candidates
were able to score all three marks within
two lines of clear succinct text. Other
candidates clearly need to gain a better
understanding of the simple physics and
consider their response before starting to
write. Some candidates described how air
is inhaled into the lungs rather than
applying their knowledge to the model.
These candidates must be encouraged to
read the question carefully.
Total 10

11 a i fossils in, known-age / Jurassic, strata / 1

rocks
ii DNA / cytochrome c 1
b i carbon dioxide diffuses down concentration 4

gradient out of the respiring cell (1)
carried through body from cell (to
tracheoles) by blood passing out via
tracheoles / trachea / spiracles (1)
respiration generates heat (1)
hot gases expand and are less dense so
rise up by convection through the mound to
vents at mound-top (1)
ii shape, large or increased surface area to 2 Response must be linked to context of

volume ratio (1) avoiding overheating / needing to get rid of
heat.
smallest area exposed to greatest heat (1)
Total 8

12 4 Mark the first answer. If the answer is

correct and an additional answer is given
that is incorrect or contradicts the correct
answer then = 0 marks
move / waft / sweep, mucus;
produce / release / secrete, mucus; DO NOT CREDIT excrete
constrict the (named) airways; CREDIT narrows lumen / reduces diameter

of airway
IGNORE controls, diameter / air flow
provide, thin barrier / short diffusion IGNORE smooth lining / reduces diffusion
distance; distance
IGNORE thin, surface / cells, for diffusion
Examiner's Comments
A familiar question in which many

candidates performed well. It was a little
disappointing to see that the common
errors were the same as those that have
been reported on in the past. There was
some confusion for weaker candidates
over the role of the smooth muscle with
‘provides a smooth surface for the blood
vessels/airways’ and ‘contracting or
relaxing the airways’ being common
responses that were not awarded credit.
Squamous epithelium ‘reducing the
diffusion pathway’ was also considered too
vague as it did not make clear that the
diffusion pathway is short.
Total 4

13 i contraction of smooth muscle; 2 max ACCEPT involuntary muscle / non-striated

circular (muscle); muscle
extra mucus production; ACCEPT blocked by mucus / build-up of

mucus
inflammation; ACCEPT swelling / oedema
IGNORE scarring
Examiner's Comments
Generally, a two mark question would

involve identifying two distinct marking
points, but very few candidates did this.
Many gained 1 mark for correctly stating
that smooth muscle contracts. However, a
common misconception was talking about
the muscles constricting, which gained no
credit. Few candidates mentioned
inflammation or excess mucus production
for a second mark.
A significant number talked about the long
term effects of smoking or bronchitis on the
bronchioles, and had clearly not read the
question properly, since it was asking
about the effects of asthma on bronchioles
in children.
ii (reduced diameter means) increased, 1 max ACCEPT ‘breathes harder’

resistance to air flow / friction;
Examiner's Comments
idea that exhalation is passive / no
(muscular) force behind exhalation / Very few candidates were awarded this
requires additional, force / pressure, to mark. Most candidates merely rephrased
exhale; the question stating 'that a decreased
diameter reduced the volume of air
expelled'. Examiners were looking for the
idea that the reduced diameter increased
resistance to air flow, and that this means
additional force is required to exhale, but
this was rarely seen.
Total 3

14 a 2 max DO NOT ALLOW age (because they are in

the same school year)
fitness ✓ ALLOW level of exercise
mass / weight ✓
ALLOW colds / asthma / allergies
idea of respiratory health ✓
ALLOW named build types e.g. ectomorph
build ✓ / endomorph
b i correct because: 2 max
no (clear) correlation from the graph ✓

ALLOW only if two pairs of data are
figures to support with units ✓ provided
incorrect because:
sample size (20) too small to make valid

conclusion ✓
students all the similar age so not

representative ✓
ii area circled between 1.32 ± 0.02 and 1.88 2

± 0.02 on x-axis ✓
area circled between 0.3 ± 0.1 and 0.7 0.1

± on y-axis ✓
Total 6
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1. The following spirometer trace shows the results of an experiment.

Soda lime was used to extract carbon dioxide

What is the rate of oxygen consumption in the experiment?

© OCR 2019. You may photocopy this page. 1 of 30 Created in ExamBuilder

Which of the following statements about tracheal cells is correct?

A Cells X, Y and Z are all columnar epithelial cells.

Your answer [1]

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Your answer [1]

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A Oryctolagus, Rattus, Equus, Mus

B Mus, Rattus, Oryctolagus, Equus

C Mus, Oryctolagus, Rattus, Equus

D Equus, Mus, Oryctolagus, Rattus

Your answer [1]

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Your answer [1]

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A The layers are thin for a short diffusion distance.

B There is a good blood supply, so the system reaches equilibrium quickly.

C There is an increased surface area to reduce surface area to volume ratio.

D Ventilation takes place to reduce concentration gradient of dissolved gases.

Your answer [1]

© OCR 2019. You may photocopy this page. 6 of 30 Created in ExamBuilder

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Alveoli are located in the lungs of mammals.

Explain how alveoli are adapted for efficient gas exchange.

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(i) Explain the meaning of the term tidal volume.

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(iii) Explain the meaning of the term vital capacity.

Explain why the balloons expand.

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Specialised cells Function of cells in the gaseous exchange system

Smooth muscle cells ____________________________

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Squamous epithelial cells ____________________________

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The student made the following comment about their results:

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[Answer on Fig. 16]

END OF QUESTION PAPER

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This was answered quite well, the more

Candidates had to process the information

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8 *Please refer to the marking instructions on 1

Read through the whole answer. (Be

award the higher mark where the

The science content determines the

Level 3 (5–6 marks) 6 Indicative scientific points may include:

© OCR 2019. You may photocopy this page. 19 of 30 Created in ExamBuilder

features of the mammalian respiratory cartilage rings, stop it from collapsing

There is a well-developed description and

contract to increase volume in lungs,

NB: Many of the features listed above are