plumiEndocrine communication and the adrenal glands: OCR A‑Level Biology A questions
OCR A-Level Biology A past-paper questions on 5.1.4.1 Endocrine communication and the adrenal glands, 2016–2025, with mark schemes and examiner’s reports where available.
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All 16 questions on Endocrine communication and the adrenal glands, as a list
- June 2025, Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): Which option describes endocrine communication? A Endocrine glands release hormones into ducts such as the pancreatic duct. B Hormones are all lipid soluble and
- June 2025, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Which option describes a role of the adrenal glands within the endocrine system? A Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal cortex. B Glucocorticoids help to regul
- June 2025, Paper 3, Q2(a)(ii) (2 marks): Suggest how the binding of beta blockers to adrenaline receptors prevents the conversion of ATP to cAMP. [2]
- June 2022, Paper 1, Q21(a)(i) (2 marks): Describe what is meant by an endocrine gland. [2]
- June 2022, Paper 1, Q21(a)(ii) (1 mark): The pancreas contains endocrine glands such as the Islets of Langerhans. It also contains cells that produce digestive enzymes. Suggest why the cells that produ
- June 2022, Paper 1, Q21(b) (2 marks): Hormones can be classed as either steroid or non-steroid. Steroids are lipid soluble. Suggest the location of the receptors for steroid hormones and state a rea
- June 2022, Paper 1, Q21(c)(i) (2 marks): Explain the symptoms of adrenal failure. [2]
- June 2022, Paper 1, Q21(c)(ii) (3 marks): Explain why patients with a pituitary tumour have adrenal failure but still respond normally to situations of danger or excitement. [3]
- June 2022, Paper 3, Q1(d)(i) (2 marks): Suggest how using gene therapy to increase levels of the AC6 gene in heart cells may improve heart function. [2]
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q16(b)(iii) (2 marks): Injury to the parts of the brain labelled G and H in Fig. 16.2 can lead to a range of symptoms including: • fatigue • weight gain • menstrual irregularities • l
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q16(b)(iv) (1 mark): Suggest why it can be difficult for a doctor to conclude that the symptoms described in part (iii) are definitely caused by damage to parts of the brain. [1]
- June 2019, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): The hormone aldosterone is produced by the adrenal cortex. Excess production of aldosterone can result in high blood pressure. The following statements describe
- June 2019, Paper 1, Q18(b) (2 marks): Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter in mammals. Studies have suggested that it also functions as a hormone in some invertebrate species, such as squid. Wh
- June 2019, Paper 1, Q21(a)(i) (2 marks): The table below describes the functions of some hormones produced by different regions of the adrenal gland. Complete the table using Fig. 21.1 and your own kno
- June 2019, Paper 1, Q21(a)(ii) (1 mark): Using Fig. 21.1, identify the letter and name of the region of the adrenal gland that secretes adrenaline. [1]
- June 2017, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): The hormone ecdysone is synthesised in the prothoracic glands found in the upper thorax of some invertebrates and is released into haemolymph. It is then transp
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