Skip to content
Try on iPad

Respiratory diseases and treatment: OCR A‑Level Biology B questions

Every OCR A-Level Biology B exam question on 3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

Find questions1,889
Calculations

1,889 questions

  1. Q15

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 15: Which disease is not an example of a chronic condition? A Asthma attack B Bowel cancer C Emphysema D Lung cancer Your answer [1]

  2. Q16

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 16: What medicine is derived from Salix alba? A Aspirin B Quinine C Theophylline D Topotecan Your answer [1]

  3. Q21(a)(i)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    4 marks3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 21(a)(i): Describe how the features labelled X and Y on the healthy bronchus have changed in the diseased bronchus and suggest how these changes could have occurred. [4]

  4. Q21(a)(ii)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 21(a)(ii): Bronchitis is also a disease that affects the airways of the lungs. Using your knowledge and the diagram, state one similarity and one difference between the ef

  5. Q21(a)(iii)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 21(a)(iii): Bronchiectasis and bronchitis are both examples of chronic diseases. Explain what is meant by the term chronic disease. [1]

  6. Q3(b)(i)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 2

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    No published mark scheme
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 2, question 3(b)(i): State why the scientists used a placebo in this investigation. [1]

  7. Q27

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 27: The following statements describe features of a respiratory disease: • Alveoli are damaged and enlarged. • Elastin in alveolar walls is broken down. • Normal el

  8. Q30

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 30: The table shows details of what takes place during different phases of a clinical trial in the development of a new medicinal drug. Details of what takes place

  9. Q4(b)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    3 marks3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 4(b): Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of plants as sources of anti-cancer drugs. [3]

  10. Q4(c)(i)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    2 marks3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 4(c)(i): Describe how patients would be assigned to the two treatment groups and explain why they were assigned in this way. [2]

  11. Q4(c)(ii)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    3 marks3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 4(c)(ii): The results of the clinical trial are shown in the table. Paclitaxel Topotecan Statistical group group significance Median time to progression of 14 23 p = 0.00

  12. Q2(d)

    June 2024 · Paper 3

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3, question 2(d): Suggest why few clinical trials are carried out to test treatments for rare diseases. [1]

  13. Q19

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 19: What is an example of an acute condition? A Asthma attack B Breast cancer C Emphysema D Lung cancer Your answer [1]

  14. Q21(c)(iii)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 21(c)(iii): Explain how the function of the cells in Fig. 21.2 is affected by exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke. [2]

  15. Q22(c)(iv)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    4 marks3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 22(c)(iv): One of the outcomes of a study was to recommend randomised controlled trials (RCTs) be carried out. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of carrying out RCT

  16. Q23

    June 2022 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 1, question 23: The table shows drugs used to treat asthma and the mechanisms of action. Type of drug Mechanism of action Use A Beta-agonist Bronchodilator Before exercise or f

  17. Q4(b)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    2 marks3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 4(b): A section of lung tissue was prepared from a patient with emphysema. Describe and explain how this would appear different to the lung tissue in Fig. 4.2. [2]

  18. Q4(c)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    6 marks3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 4(c): (c)* Asthma is a chronic condition, but an asthma attack involves severe acute symptoms. Discuss the causes of asthma and how treatments target both the long-te

  19. Q1

    June 2022 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 AS Paper 1, question 1: Which option is a short-term effect of a pollutant on the respiratory system? A Asthma attack B Chronic bronchitis C Emphysema D Lung cancer Your answer [1]

  20. Q11

    November 2021 · Paper 1

    1 mark3.3.2 Respiratory diseases and treatment
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 1, question 11: Oils from the clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum, have been found to have antifungal properties and are a potential source of medicinal drugs. The graph shows the
All 56 questions on Respiratory diseases and treatment, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Which disease is not an example of a chronic condition? A Asthma attack B Bowel cancer C Emphysema D Lung cancer Your answer [1]
  2. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): What medicine is derived from Salix alba? A Aspirin B Quinine C Theophylline D Topotecan Your answer [1]
  3. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q21(a)(i) (4 marks): Describe how the features labelled X and Y on the healthy bronchus have changed in the diseased bronchus and suggest how these changes could have occurred. [4]
  4. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q21(a)(ii) (2 marks): Bronchitis is also a disease that affects the airways of the lungs. Using your knowledge and the diagram, state one similarity and one difference between the ef
  5. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q21(a)(iii) (1 mark): Bronchiectasis and bronchitis are both examples of chronic diseases. Explain what is meant by the term chronic disease. [1]
  6. June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (1 mark): State why the scientists used a placebo in this investigation. [1]
  7. June 2024, Paper 1, Q27 (1 mark): The following statements describe features of a respiratory disease: • Alveoli are damaged and enlarged. • Elastin in alveolar walls is broken down. • Normal el
  8. June 2024, Paper 1, Q30 (1 mark): The table shows details of what takes place during different phases of a clinical trial in the development of a new medicinal drug. Details of what takes place
  9. June 2024, Paper 2, Q4(b) (3 marks): Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of plants as sources of anti-cancer drugs. [3]
  10. June 2024, Paper 2, Q4(c)(i) (2 marks): Describe how patients would be assigned to the two treatment groups and explain why they were assigned in this way. [2]
  11. June 2024, Paper 2, Q4(c)(ii) (3 marks): The results of the clinical trial are shown in the table. Paclitaxel Topotecan Statistical group group significance Median time to progression of 14 23 p = 0.00
  12. June 2024, Paper 3, Q2(d) (1 mark): Suggest why few clinical trials are carried out to test treatments for rare diseases. [1]
  13. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q19 (1 mark): What is an example of an acute condition? A Asthma attack B Breast cancer C Emphysema D Lung cancer Your answer [1]
  14. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q21(c)(iii) (2 marks): Explain how the function of the cells in Fig. 21.2 is affected by exposure to pollutants such as cigarette smoke. [2]
  15. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q22(c)(iv) (4 marks): One of the outcomes of a study was to recommend randomised controlled trials (RCTs) be carried out. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of carrying out RCT
  16. June 2022, Paper 1, Q23 (1 mark): The table shows drugs used to treat asthma and the mechanisms of action. Type of drug Mechanism of action Use A Beta-agonist Bronchodilator Before exercise or f
  17. June 2022, Paper 2, Q4(b) (2 marks): A section of lung tissue was prepared from a patient with emphysema. Describe and explain how this would appear different to the lung tissue in Fig. 4.2. [2]
  18. June 2022, Paper 2, Q4(c) (6 marks): (c)* Asthma is a chronic condition, but an asthma attack involves severe acute symptoms. Discuss the causes of asthma and how treatments target both the long-te
  19. June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Which option is a short-term effect of a pollutant on the respiratory system? A Asthma attack B Chronic bronchitis C Emphysema D Lung cancer Your answer [1]
  20. November 2021, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): Oils from the clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum, have been found to have antifungal properties and are a potential source of medicinal drugs. The graph shows the
  21. November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(a) (1 mark): State one difference between an acute and a chronic disease. [1]
  22. November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): Suggest what is meant by a representative sample in this study. [1]
  23. November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): In 1971, the representative sample consisted of 511 670 individuals. However, 154 312 individuals were excluded from the results at the end of the study. Calcul
  24. November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(b)(iii) (1 mark): Suggest one reason why individuals may have been excluded from the results at the end of the study. [1]
  25. November 2021, Paper 3, Q4(b)(iv) (3 marks): The study concluded that: There was a positive correlation between the length of exposure to air pollution and the risk of mortality from respiratory diseases.
  26. November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): A clinical trial was being used to test a new drug. • 40 people applied to take part in the trial. • 30 of these people were randomly selected to receive either
  27. November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q1(b) (4 marks): During an asthma attack, drugs known as bronchodilators can be used to increase the lumen diameter of the bronchus and therefore increase the oxygen consumption
  28. November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q6(d) (1 mark): The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is responsible for issuing guidance on the use of drugs such as those with antimicrobial properties
  29. November 2020, Paper 2, Q2(b)(iii) (6 marks): (iii)* The doctors running the clinical trial concluded that lisinopril had beneficial effects on retinopathy caused by type 1 diabetes. Evaluate this conclusio
  30. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q22(c) (3 marks): Explain why asthma is a condition that can be chronic but also sometimes acute. [3]
  31. November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q4(b) (2 marks): What conclusions about the effect of pneumoconiosis can be made from the results in the table? [2]
  32. November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q4(d)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how the damage shown in the diagram could affect the physical activity of the patient. [2] for the next question
  33. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q19 (1 mark): Cromolyn is a medicinal drug derived from plants. It has properties that make it useful in the treatment of asthma. Which of the options, A to D, describes a pr
  34. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (6 marks): Lung cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the UK. Fig. 2 shows the incidence rate of lung cancer in male and female smokers from 1979 to 2007. '
  35. June 2018, Paper 1, Q35(a)(i) (1 mark): What are the features of a chronic disease? [1]
  36. June 2018, Paper 1, Q35(a)(ii) (1 mark): Over half of commonly-used drugs are similar or identical to chemicals found in plants. Name one such drug and state its medical use. Drug Medical use [1]
  37. June 2018, Paper 1, Q35(b)(i) (1 mark): State the phase of the clinical trial in which the data in Fig. 35 were obtained. [1]
  38. June 2018, Paper 1, Q35(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe what a placebo is and explain why it was used. [2]
  39. June 2018, Paper 1, Q35(b)(iii) (3 marks): Compare the results shown in Fig. 35 for the group receiving the placebo with the group receiving the drug. [3]
  40. June 2018, Paper 1, Q35(b)(iv) (2 marks): Suggest two reasons why this trial does not support the use of the drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 1 2 [2]
  41. June 2018, Paper 1, Q37(b)(i) (3 marks): The health campaign claimed that giving up cigarette smoking improves quality of life and prevents smoking-related death. Evaluate this claim using the data fro
  42. June 2018, Paper 1, Q37(b)(ii) (2 marks): During the campaign, doctors warned that the graph in Fig. 37.2 could not accurately predict the lung function of individual cigarette smokers over time. Sugges
  43. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q21(c)(i) (1 mark): Suggest a potential medicinal use for these chemicals. [1]
  44. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q25(b) (2 marks): The symptoms of asthma can be triggered by allergens. The table below shows information about two types of drug that are used in inhalers to treat the symptoms
  45. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q3(a)(i) (2 marks): Suggest why researchers concentrated on studying cinchona bark when looking for a treatment for malaria. [2]
  46. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(i) (1 mark): Explain what is meant by a placebo in this context. [1]
  47. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe how the volunteers could have been allocated to each group for this trial. [2]
  48. June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q3(c) (2 marks): The dose required to treat a patient with malaria using oral quinine is 10 mg kg−1 every eight hours. Calculate the mass of quinine required in the first four d
  49. June 2017, Paper 1, Q24 (1 mark): The statements below relate to the causes and effects of emphysema. Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 Ventilation is impaired due to the destr
  50. June 2017, Paper 3, Q5(a) (2 marks): Calculate the percentage of patients who were smokers. Give your answer to two decimal places. % [2]
  51. June 2017, Paper 3, Q5(b)(i) (3 marks): Analyse the data in this study and comment on the researchers’ hypothesis. In your answer you should use data to support your analysis. [3]
  52. June 2017, Paper 3, Q5(b)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one statistical test that could be used to analyse the data further.
  53. June 2017, Paper 3, Q5(b)(iii) (1 mark): Why would this statistical test be the most useful? [1]
  54. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): Which of the options, A to D, accurately describes a clinical trial in which neither the patients nor the scientists know which treatment is being issued? A pla
  55. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (1 mark): What is a chronic disease? [1]
  56. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q24(c) (2 marks): CML can be treated using the targeted therapy drug Imatinib, also known as Glivec®. During clinical tests, a phase 3 trial found that almost 90% of CML patients

Questions, mark schemes and examiner’s reports are © OCR, from their published past papers. Plumi isn’t affiliated with any exam board. Want whole papers? Every OCR A-Level Biology B paper.

Rather write your answers by hand on iPad? Plumi marks them against the same mark schemes.