plumiHormonal communication: OCR A‑Level Biology A questions
Every OCR A-Level Biology A exam question on 5.1.4 Hormonal communication, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.
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Q2(a)(ii)
The whole paper ↗![June 2025 Paper 3, question 2(a)(ii): Suggest how the binding of beta blockers to adrenaline receptors prevents the conversion of ATP to cAMP. [2]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h42003-jun25-02-aii-qp.webp?v=3)
Q5(a)
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Q5(b)
The whole paper ↗![June 2024 Paper 3, question 5(b): Insulin is secreted from cells in the pancreas. This is a photomicrograph of pancreatic tissue. C B A Identify the structures labelled A, B and C. A B C [3]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h42003-jun24-05-b-qp.webp?v=3)
Q5(c)
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Q5(f)(ii)
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Q21(a)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2022 Paper 1, question 21(a)(i): Describe what is meant by an endocrine gland. [2]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h42001-jun22-21-ai-qp.webp?v=3)
Q21(a)(ii)
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Q21(b)
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Q21(c)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2022 Paper 1, question 21(c)(i): Explain the symptoms of adrenal failure. [2]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h42001-jun22-21-ci-qp.webp?v=3)
Q21(c)(ii)
The whole paper ↗![June 2022 Paper 1, question 21(c)(ii): Explain why patients with a pituitary tumour have adrenal failure but still respond normally to situations of danger or excitement. [3]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h42001-jun22-21-cii-qp.webp?v=3)
Q1(d)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2022 Paper 3, question 1(d)(i): Suggest how using gene therapy to increase levels of the AC6 gene in heart cells may improve heart function. [2]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h42003-jun22-01-di-qp.webp?v=3)
Q16(b)(iii)
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Q16(b)(iv)
The whole paper ↗![November 2021 Paper 1, question 16(b)(iv): 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]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h42001-nov21-16-biv-qp.webp?v=3)
Q17(a)
The whole paper ↗![November 2021 Paper 1, question 17(a): Fig. 17, in the insert, shows a light micrograph of a section of mouse pancreas. Identify the structures labelled K and L in Fig. 17. K L [2]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h42001-nov21-17-a-qp.webp?v=3)
Q17(b)(i)
The whole paper ↗![November 2021 Paper 1, question 17(b)(i): Name the cells that secrete insulin. [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h42001-nov21-17-bi-qp.webp?v=3)
Q17(b)(ii)
The whole paper ↗![November 2021 Paper 1, question 17(b)(ii): Explain why it was necessary to increase the concentration of glucose surrounding the cells before they measured insulin secretion. [2]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h42001-nov21-17-bii-qp.webp?v=3)
All 34 questions on Hormonal communication, 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 2024, Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): The adrenaline receptor is one of a class of receptors known as GPCRs. The glucagon receptor on liver cells is another type of GPCR. Glucagon stimulates convers
- June 2024, Paper 3, Q5(a) (6 marks): Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterised by a lack of insulin production. Type 2 diabetes mellitus can involve reduced production of insulin and a decreased re
- June 2024, Paper 3, Q5(b) (3 marks): Insulin is secreted from cells in the pancreas. This is a photomicrograph of pancreatic tissue. C B A Identify the structures labelled A, B and C. A B C [3]
- June 2024, Paper 3, Q5(c) (2 marks): The graph shows the changes in the rate of insulin secretion in a person with type 2 diabetes after consuming glucose. 500 Key: = Normal glucose 450 tolerance =
- June 2024, Paper 3, Q5(f)(ii) (1 mark): Future treatments for type 1 diabetes may be able to use stem cells from a patient’s body to produce new β-cells. Explain why patients receiving these new β-cel
- 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, Q2 (1 mark): Which of the statements about the control of blood glucose is correct? A Pancreas cells increase their release of glucagon when blood glucose concentration rise
- 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]
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q17(a) (2 marks): Fig. 17, in the insert, shows a light micrograph of a section of mouse pancreas. Identify the structures labelled K and L in Fig. 17. K L [2]
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q17(b)(i) (1 mark): Name the cells that secrete insulin. [1]
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q17(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why it was necessary to increase the concentration of glucose surrounding the cells before they measured insulin secretion. [2]
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q17(b)(iii) (2 marks): Suggest and explain which statistical test the researchers would have used to analyse their data. [2]
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q17(b)(iv) (2 marks): The statistical test gave a value of p < 0.001. Use the words ‘chance’ and ‘probability’ to draw a conclusion from the result of the statistical test. [2]
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q17(b)(v) (2 marks): Nifedipine blocks Ca2+-channels. Explain how blocking calcium channels could inhibit insulin secretion. [2]
- November 2021, Paper 1, Q17(c) (6 marks): The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and is also involved in the regulation of blood glucose concentration. (c)* Type 1 diabetes has been treatable for many
- 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 2018, Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Banting and Best pioneered experiments into the functions of the pancreas. In one experiment, they removed the pancreas of dogs. Shortly afterwards, the dogs de
- June 2018, Paper 1, Q16(a)(i) (2 marks): Gestational diabetes is most similar to which other type of diabetes? Explain your answer. [2]
- June 2018, Paper 1, Q16(a)(ii) (2 marks): Suggest two ways a woman with gestational diabetes can manage her condition. 1 2 [2]
- June 2018, Paper 1, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): Skeletal muscle is one of the main tissues where glucose is removed from the blood in response to insulin. Name the other tissue. [1]
- June 2018, Paper 1, Q23(a) (3 marks): A student looked at slides of different tissues under a light microscope. The four viewed images are labelled W, X, Y and Z in Fig. 23.1, on the insert. Identif
- 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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