Coordination and control – the endocrine system: OCR GCSE Biology A questions

Every OCR GCSE Biology A exam question on B3.2 Coordination and control – the endocrine system, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 107 questions on Coordination and control – the endocrine system, as a list

June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q1 (1 mark): Which of these is a plant hormone? A Auxin B FSH C Insulin D Testosterone Your answer [1]
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): Which system in the human body releases hormones from glands? A Circulatory system B Endocrine system C Nervous system D Respiratory system Your answer [1]
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): The diagram shows a plant shoot and a source of light. Light source Which effect will this light source have on the plant shoot? A The plant shoot will continue
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(a)(i) (1 mark): A hormone that maintains the lining of the uterus. [1]
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(a)(ii) (1 mark): A hormone that causes the lining of the uterus to thicken. [1]
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(b)(i) (1 mark): Which three months are least likely to result in pregnancy for the sheep in Idaho? [1]
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(b)(ii) (1 mark): Which two months would be most likely to result in pregnancy for sheep in both Idaho and Texas? [1]
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(b)(iii) (2 marks): Texas is closer to the equator than Idaho. Sheep that live closer to the equator tend to ovulate all year round. Explain how the data supports this statement. [
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(b)(iv) (1 mark): Pregnancy in sheep lasts 5 months. Suggest why sheep in colder climates do not ovulate in the summer months. [1]
June 2025, Paper 3 Higher, Q21(e)(i) (1 mark): Give one function of oestrogen in the female menstrual cycle. [1]
June 2025, Paper 3 Higher, Q21(e)(ii) (2 marks): Large numbers of pregnant female horses are bred to collect enough oestrogen. The horses are kept in stables and have a bag attached to them to collect the urin
June 2025, Paper 4 Higher, Q20(d) (6 marks): The diagram shows a food web from a lake in North America. trout shrimp dragonfly carp microscopic animals microscopic plants (d)* Carp embryos develop into mal
June 2024, Paper 1 Foundation, Q6 (1 mark): Which sentence describes the effect of gravity on the roots and shoots of a plant? A Both the roots and shoots grow downwards. B Both the roots and shoots grow
June 2024, Paper 1 Foundation, Q20(a) (6 marks): (a)* A female is trying to get pregnant. To help improve her chances of pregnancy her doctor tells her: • to monitor her level of a hormone that causes ovulatio
June 2024, Paper 1 Foundation, Q20(b) (4 marks): The table lists some of the different contraceptives available to males and females. For each method of contraception, tick (3) all the boxes that describe how
June 2024, Paper 3 Higher, Q10 (1 mark): Which hormones are used in the female contraceptive pill? A FSH and LH B LH only C Oestrogen only D Progesterone and oestrogen Your answer [1]
June 2024, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(a) (4 marks): Plant hormones control many processes in plants. Complete these sentences by writing the correct plant hormones in the gaps. Each hormone can be used more than
June 2024, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(c) (2 marks): Fig. 20.1 shows buds growing on a plant. Fig. 20.1 Apical bud Lateral bud The apical bud affects the growth of the lateral buds. This effect is called apical do
June 2024, Paper 3 Higher, Q23(a) (3 marks): Explain the processes involved in negative feedback and how they are used in the control of thyroxine. [3]
June 2024, Paper 3 Higher, Q23(b) (2 marks): This diagram shows the position of different endocrine glands in the body. A B C D E Identify the letter on the diagram that shows the position of: • the pituit
June 2024, Paper 3 Higher, Q23(c) (2 marks): Describe how hormones are transported around the body to their targeted organs. [2]
June 2024, Paper 4 Higher, Q18(c)(iii) (1 mark): Scientists are using a new method of contraception to try and restrict the numbers of elephants. This involves injecting antibodies which block the sperm recept
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q1 (1 mark): A plant is placed near a window. The plant grows towards the light. Which hormone is responsible for this growth movement? A Auxin B Insulin C Oestrogen D Testo
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q17(a) (5 marks): The table lists some structures in the human body. Identify whether each structure is: • part of the nervous system • part of the endocrine (hormonal) system •
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q22(a) (4 marks): Compare the effectiveness of the different types of contraception in preventing pregnancies. Include data from the graph. [4]
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q22(b) (2 marks): A female is trying to get pregnant. High levels of a hormone called LH stimulate ovulation. The graph shows the levels of LH throughout the female’s menstrual c
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q22(c) (1 mark): Some females produce low levels of progesterone after an egg has been fertilised. Suggest how this may affect the uterus lining. [1]
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q6 (1 mark): Which hormone can be used as a selective weedkiller? A Auxin B Ethene C Gibberellin D Thyroxine Your answer [1]
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q21(a) (2 marks): Complete the table to identify the hormone that should be used at each stage of this procedure. One has been filled in for you. Stage in IVF procedure Hormone t
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q21(b)(i) (2 marks): Write down two conclusions about the number of eggs produced by females in this process. 1 2 [2]
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q21(b)(ii) (2 marks): Only 60–80% of the eggs collected from a female will be mature and therefore able to be used for IVF. Of the mature eggs collected, only 70–80% will be fertilis
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q21(c) (2 marks): The graph shows the birth rate per embryo transferred for some different age groups of females between 1990 and 2017. under 35 30 25 20 Birth rate 38–39 per emb
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q23(a) (4 marks): Hormones are released when an athlete is preparing for and running a marathon. Complete the sentences below to describe the hormones involved before and during
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q23(b) (2 marks): Hormones are part of the endocrine system. Describe two differences between the endocrine system and the nervous system. 1 2 [2]
June 2022, Paper 1 Foundation, Q12 (1 mark): The diagram below shows the distribution of auxin in a shoot. Shoot Auxin Left Right What will happen to the shoot? A The shoot will bend to the left. B The sho
June 2022, Paper 1 Foundation, Q24(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete the bar chart for the remaining values from the table. Finish the scales for both axes. FSH level (ml U / mL) 0 Jan Feb Mar Month [2]
June 2022, Paper 1 Foundation, Q24(a)(ii) (1 mark): What evidence is there to suggest this patient may have started menopause? [1]
June 2022, Paper 1 Foundation, Q24(a)(iii) (2 marks): The doctor decides they need more evidence to confirm if the patient has started menopause. Suggest what further evidence the doctor should collect. [2]
June 2022, Paper 1 Foundation, Q24(b) (3 marks): The doctor discusses a treatment called hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with the patient. The doctor gives the patient a leaflet about HRT. Information about
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q6 (1 mark): Which hormone should be used to ripen fruit? A Ethene B FSH C Gibberellins D Thyroxine Your answer [1]
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q10 (1 mark): Farmers can control a cow’s menstrual cycle using hormones. Hormones controlling the menstrual cycle of a cow are the same as those in humans. Which hormone wou
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q17(a)(i) (2 marks): Complete the bar chart for the remaining values from the table. Finish the scales for both axes. FSH level (ml U / mL) 0 Jan Feb Mar Month [2]
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q17(a)(ii) (1 mark): What evidence is there to suggest this patient may have started menopause? [1]
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q17(a)(iii) (2 marks): The doctor decides they need more evidence to confirm if the patient has started menopause. Suggest what further evidence the doctor should collect. [2]
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q17(b) (3 marks): The doctor discusses a treatment called hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with the patient. The doctor gives the patient a leaflet about HRT. Information about
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q18(a) (4 marks): Describe and explain the results of this experiment. Use ideas about hormones. [4]
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q18(b) (2 marks): The student is asked how long it took for the stem to reach an angle of 90°. Their answer was 6 hours. How could the student alter their investigation to provid
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q18(c) (1 mark): Give one effect of the hormone gibberellin in plants. [1]
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(a) (2 marks): Explain why people with hypothyroidism can have less tolerance to cold conditions. [2]
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(d) (2 marks): The UK population is 68 million. It is estimated that 2% of the UK population has hypothyroidism. Calculate how many million people in the UK have hypothyroidis
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(e) (1 mark): Thyroxine can cause changes in heart rate and breathing rate. Name another hormone that causes an increase in heart rate and breathing rate. [1]
June 2022, Paper 4 Higher, Q19(b) (4 marks): Allele (A) codes for the production of a protein called amyloid. Amyloid can block the blood vessels that leave the pancreas and the thyroid gland, preventing t
November 2021, Paper 1 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): Which part of the brain functions as an endocrine gland? A Cerebellum B Cerebrum C Medulla D Pituitary [1] Your answer
November 2021, Paper 1 Foundation, Q18(d) (2 marks): Growth in plants is controlled by plant hormones. Write down two other processes in plants that are controlled by plant hormones. 1 2 [2]
November 2021, Paper 1 Foundation, Q20(a)(ii) (2 marks): The endocrine system is also involved in sending messages. Describe how the endocrine system sends messages. [2]
November 2021, Paper 1 Foundation, Q21(a)(i) (1 mark): What is the name of the hormone that could treat the symptoms of this condition? Tick (3) one box. FSH Oestrogen Progesterone Testosterone [1]
November 2021, Paper 1 Foundation, Q21(a)(ii) (1 mark): Describe how the hormone chosen in part (a)(i) would help. [1]
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q18(b) (2 marks): Cancer can occur in the cells of the breast. This type of cancer is often caused by the hormone oestrogen. Explain why the removal of ovaries may be used as a t
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q21(e)(iii) (2 marks): The scientists found that smaller eggs have a higher concentration of testosterone. Explain how this can account for the results shown in the graph. [2]
November 2021, Paper 3 Higher, Q13 (1 mark): Which description is not a use of plant hormones by people? A As a selective herbicide. B To control the translocation of sugars in phloem. C To produce roots o
November 2021, Paper 3 Higher, Q16(a)(i) (1 mark): What is the name of the hormone that could treat the symptoms of this condition? Tick (3) one box. FSH Oestrogen Progesterone Testosterone [1]
November 2021, Paper 3 Higher, Q16(a)(ii) (1 mark): Describe how the hormone chosen in part (a)(i) would help. [1]
November 2021, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(a)(i) (2 marks): Adrenaline is produced by the body and prepares it for vigorous exercise. Complete the sentences about adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone made by glands. Hormo
November 2021, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how two changes caused by adrenaline prepare muscles for exercise. 1 2 [2]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q9 (1 mark): When a woman reaches the age of about 50, eggs are released less often from her ovaries. To try and correct this, her body increases the production of one hormo
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q11 (1 mark): Plants growing in swamps have special roots that grow upwards through waterlogged soil to get oxygen from air. What type of response do these roots show? A Nega
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(a)(i) (1 mark): Which two hormones are found in the most commonly used contraceptive pills? Put a ring around the two correct answers. FSH Insulin Oestrogen Progesterone Testos
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(a)(ii) (1 mark): How does the contraceptive pill containing the two hormones prevent pregnancy? [1]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(b) (2 marks): Contraceptive hormones can be used by women in different ways. Method 1 One contraceptive pill is taken every day at around the same time of day for 21 days. Th
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(c)(i) (2 marks): Write down two conclusions from the graph about success rates. 1 2 [2]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(c)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest one reason why sterilisation is not widely used in couples without children. [1]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(c)(iii) (1 mark): The diaphragm is a circular dome made of thin soft latex with a flexible rim. It fits inside the vagina forming a seal. Suggest how a diaphragm acts as a contra
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(c)(iv) (2 marks): The cervical cap is like the diaphragm but smaller. It fits over the cervix. Explain the difference in success rates between the cervical cap and diaphragm. [2]
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q12 (1 mark): A side effect of some antibiotics is to inhibit the release of thyroxine into the blood. What will these antibiotics do to levels of TSH and TRH? A Both decreas
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(a)(i) (2 marks): Describe how a selective herbicide works. [2]
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(a)(ii) (4 marks): Fig. 20.1 and Table 20.1 show information about four different herbicides A, B, C and D. 100 90 80 70 60 Percentage death of Carolina horsenettle 50 90–120 days
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(b)(i) (1 mark): Describe one effect that gibberellin hormones have on plants. [1]
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(b)(ii) (2 marks): A student investigates ripening in bananas. The student keeps bananas in different conditions. After 1 week he decides if each banana was ripe or not ripe. The
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(c) (2 marks): A process in cells is involved in producing a chemical that causes ripening of fruit. Look at Fig. 20.2. Key CO2 Fruit ripening chemical Production of Productio
June 2019, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(a) (3 marks): Which processes in plants are controlled by plant hormones? Tick (✓) three boxes. Flower opening Germination Photosynthesis Pollination Respiration Shedding of
June 2019, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain why the sister has given the better conclusion. [2]
June 2019, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(b)(ii) (1 mark): Name the hormone that causes phototropism. [1]
June 2019, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(c)(i) (3 marks): Different hormones control the human menstrual cycle. Complete the sentences to describe how the menstrual cycle is controlled. Use words from the list. Each wo
June 2019, Paper 1 Foundation, Q19(c)(ii) (1 mark): The table shows the concentration of oestrogen in the blood during the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle. Oestrogen Time in days (mg/100 cm3 of blood) 1 20 2
June 2019, Paper 1 Foundation, Q20(a)(ii) (2 marks): Hormones are produced in endocrine glands. Describe how hormones control different parts of the body. [2]
June 2019, Paper 3 Higher, Q14 (1 mark): Why are plant hormones used to cause parthenocarpic fruit development? A To delay dormancy B To selectively kill weeds C To produce seedless fruit D To shed lea
June 2019, Paper 3 Higher, Q15 (1 mark): Thyroxine is a hormone controlled by negative feedback. – hypothalamus TRH + – anterior TSH pituitary + thyroid thyroxine gland target cells throughout body The
June 2019, Paper 3 Higher, Q19(a)(i) (1 mark): Which hormone would peak at point X? [1]
June 2019, Paper 3 Higher, Q19(a)(ii) (1 mark): Name two hormones that peak immediately before ovulation. 1 2 [1]
June 2019, Paper 3 Higher, Q19(b) (4 marks): Explain how hormones can be used by women for contraception. [4]
June 2019, Paper 3 Higher, Q19(f) (2 marks): Plant development is also controlled by hormones. Describe one effect of gibberellins and one effect of ethene on plant development. gibberellins ethene [2]
June 2018, Paper 1 Foundation, Q9 (1 mark): Seedlings were grown with a light-proof cap over the tip. The seedlings had light from one direction only. At start After two days Light-proof cap Light A B C D
June 2018, Paper 1 Foundation, Q14 (1 mark): Plant roots respond to gravity by growing downwards. What is this response called? A Negative gravitropism B Negative phototropism C Positive gravitropism D Pos
June 2018, Paper 1 Foundation, Q20(a) (1 mark): How are hormones transported around the body? [1]
June 2018, Paper 1 Foundation, Q20(b) (4 marks): Finish these sentences to explain what is happening in the body of a female during the menstrual cycle. The pituitary gland in the releases the hormone FSH. FSH
June 2018, Paper 1 Foundation, Q20(c)(i) (1 mark): Mark on the diagram with the letter E the most likely point when ovulation occurs. [1]
June 2018, Paper 1 Foundation, Q20(c)(ii) (1 mark): If a fertilised egg is not present, a change happens to the uterus lining after 28 days. How does the uterus lining change? [1]
June 2018, Paper 1 Foundation, Q20(d) (6 marks): (d)* The table shows the effectiveness of some different forms of contraception. Percentage pregnancies Form of contraception per year (%) Hormonal Injection <1
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q2 (1 mark): The diagram shows apparatus used in experiments on tropisms. Germinating Direction seed of rotation Moist Root cotton wool Electric motor Cork Clear plastic bas
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q9 (1 mark): The level of thyroxine in the body is controlled by negative feedback. The diagram shows how this takes place. hypothalamus 1 pituitary gland 4 2 thyroid gland
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q11 (1 mark): Which hormone is important in the fruit ripening process in plants? A Ethene B Gibberellin C Progesterone D Thyroxine Your answer [1]
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(b) (2 marks): Adrenaline is an important hormone in the body. It helps to prepare the body for a ‘fight or flight’ response. Sports injuries which involve cuts and bleeding a
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(c)(i) (1 mark): Where in the ovary is progesterone produced? [1]
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(c)(ii) (2 marks): Draw a line to continue the graph to show the levels of progesterone until day 28 (assume that an egg has not been fertilised). [2]
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(d)(i) (3 marks): An egg develops in a follicle before ovulation. The follicle has a diameter of 25 × 10–3 mm at the start. This follicle grows to 20 mm in diameter just before t
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(d)(ii) (1 mark): The failure of a follicle to increase in size can result in less production of oestrogen. Explain what effect this may have on the uterus. [1]
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q20(d)(iii) (3 marks): Explain how hormones can be used to treat infertility in women. [3]

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