Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) topic quiz
Communication and Homeostasis
Instructions and answers for teachers
These instructions cover the learner activity section which can be found on page 13.
This Lesson Element supports OCR AS and A Level Biology A (H020, H420) and Biology B
(Advancing Biology) (H022, H422).
When distributing the activity section to the learners either as a printed copy or as a
Word file you will need to remove the teacher instructions section.
The Activity
This Lesson Element is a teaching and learning resource containing 20 multiple choice
questions (MCQs) on the theme of photosynthesis. Some questions might require synoptic
thinking, using knowledge and ideas from various topics across the full A Level content.
This resource can be used to test and consolidate understanding at the end of a topic or to
revisit and refresh knowledge at a later point in the course.
Introduction
Multiple choice questions allow rapid coverage of a wide range of sub-topics.
Contrary to a widespread belief among students, multiple choice questions are not
necessarily easy – they can be easy, moderate or difficult.
The questions are written so that the incorrect answers are plausible distractors based on
common errors or misconceptions.
The questions in this quiz cover topics mainly from specification section:
Biology A
5.1 Communication and homeostasis
Biology B (Advancing Biology)
5.2 Nervous control
5.3 Homeostasis
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1
© OCR 2017
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) topic quiz - answers
1
The diagram shows a motor neurone
Which line of the table summarises the functions of the labelled parts of the cell?
P
Q
R
A
acetylcholine release
facilitating ion movement
acetylcholine synthesis
B
acetylcholine release
preventing ion movement
acetylcholine release
C
enzyme synthesis
facilitating ion movement
acetylcholine synthesis
D
enzyme synthesis
preventing ion movement
acetylcholine release
Your answer
Version 1
2
D
© OCR 2017
2.
The diagram shows some biochemical pathways in a liver cell, some of which are
reversible. Five reactions whose rate in a certain direction can be changed by the
presence of a hormone are labelled 1 – 5.
Each number relates to the direction of the arrow nearest to the number.
Which numbered reactions have their rate increased in the presence of insulin?
A
1, 2 and 3
B
1, 2 and 5
C
2, 3 and 4
D
3, 4 and 5
Your answer
Version 1
3
B
© OCR 2017
3.
A sudden movement close to the eyes causes a person to blink.
Which line of the table summarises the events involved in this response?
receptor
type of reflex
effector
A
photoreceptor
cranial
eyelid muscle
B
photoreceptor
spinal
iris muscle
C
touch receptor
cranial
eyelid muscle
D
touch receptor
spinal
iris muscle
Your answer
4.
A
The diagram shows part of a myofibril of skeletal muscle.
There are 4 000 identical sarcomeres in the myofibril and each one contracts until the
myosin filaments are just touching the Z lines.
By how much will the whole myofibril shorten during contraction?
A
1600 μm
B
3000 μm
C
3.2 mm
D
4.6 mm
Your answer
Version 1
4
C
© OCR 2017
5.
Glucose moves from the filtrate in the nephron into the bloodstream during normal
kidney function.
What part of the nephron allows this movement of glucose, and by what mechanism?
A
collecting duct by active secretion
B
distal convoluted tubule by facilitated diffusion
C
glomerulus by ultrafiltration
D
proximal convoluted tubule by selective reabsorption
Your answer
6.
D
A decrease in environmental temperature causes changes in the physiological
functioning of the skin.
Which line of the table identifies the changes that occur?
arterioles
erector pili muscles
sweat glands
A
constrict
contract
decrease secretion
B
constrict
relax
increase secretion
C
dilate
contract
decrease secretion
D
dilate
relax
increase secretion
Your answer
Version 1
5
A
© OCR 2017
7.
Homeostasis maintains optimum concentrations of chemicals in tissue fluid and
blood plasma, so that reactions can function optimally in cell cytoplasm.
The diagram shows the concentrations of three different ions and the concentration
of protein measured in these three constituents.
Which line of the table correctly identifies 1, 2 and 3?
1
2
3
A
cytoplasm
plasma
tissue fluid
B
blood plasma
tissue fluid
cytoplasm
C
tissue fluid
cytoplasm
plasma
D
tissue fluid
plasma
cytoplasm
Your answer
Version 1
6
B
© OCR 2017
8.
What will increase the secretion of anti-diuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary
gland?
A
decreasing the external temperature of the body
B
drinking a large volume of water
C
Injecting a concentrated salt solution with low water potential into the body
D
Injecting a dilute glucose solution with high water potential into the body
C
Your answer
9.
A glucose tolerance test can be used to investigate a person’s ability to
homeostatically adjust their blood glucose concentration. The concentration of
glucose in the blood plasma is measured before and after consuming 50 g glucose.
The table shows plasma blood glucose concentrations before and during a glucose
tolerance test that are diagnostic of different conditions.
plasma glucose concentration (mg 100 cm-3)
condition
fasting
1 hour after eating
hypoglycaemia
< 69
100 - 150
normal
70 - 100
170 - 200
pre-diabetes
101 - 125
190 - 230
diabetes
> 126
220 - 300
Results from glucose tolerance tests for three individuals are shown on the graph.
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7
© OCR 2017
Which line of the table correctly diagnoses each individual’s condition?
X
Y
Z
A
pre-diabetes
pre-diabetes
hypoglycaemia
B
diabetes
normal
hypoglycaemia
C
pre-diabetes
pre-diabetes
normal
D
diabetes
normal
normal
Your answer
Version 1
8
B
© OCR 2017
10.
Hepatocytes carry out a number of different functions.
Which statements describe functions that occur in hepatocytes?
Function 1: combining ammonia and carbon dioxide via the ornithine cycle
Function 2: storage of glycogen and some vitamins and minerals
Function 3: breakdown of drugs and alcohol
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
11.
A
Neurones are electrically excitable cells that experience changes in the electrical
potential differences across their membranes. Particular potential difference values or
changes are identified by the terms resting potential, threshold potential and action
potential.
Which statements are true of these terms?
Statement 1: Action potential describes a rapid reversal in potential difference.
Statement 2: Resting potential and threshold potential are negative values.
Statement 3: An action potential begins before threshold potential is reached.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
Version 1
9
B
© OCR 2017
12.
Which line of the table identifies a neurone that is at resting potential?
concentration of ions inside
neurone
cell surface
membrane
permeability to
Na+ ions
level of activity
of Na+ / K+
pump
sodium (Na+)
potassium (K+)
A
high
low
high
active
B
high
low
low
inactive
C
low
high
high
inactive
D
low
high
low
active
Your answer
13.
Version 1
D
The diagram shows the homeostatic control of the glucose concentration in the blood
of a mammal.
10
© OCR 2017
Which line of the table identifies the hormones W, X and Y?
W
X
Y
A
glucagon
insulin
adrenaline
B
glucagon
adrenaline
insulin
C
insulin
adrenaline
glucagon
D
insulin
glucagon
adrenaline
Your answer
14.
D
A certain poison kills by causing paralysis of the breathing muscles. When the poison
is present, the sarcolemma at the neuromuscular junctions cannot depolarise.
Which could explain the action of this poison?
Statement 1: It prevents the release of acetylcholine.
Statement 2: It blocks acetylcholine receptors on the sarcolemma.
Statement 3: It inhibits the action of acetylcholinesterase.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
Version 1
11
B
© OCR 2017
15.
Which statements are true of feedback systems in the body?
Statement 1: Negative feedback acts to reverse a change.
Statement 2: An example of negative feedback occurs when a high plasma
concentration of a hormone inhibits further secretion of that hormone.
Statement 3: Positive feedback occurs during the generation of an action potential.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
16.
A
Which statements describe commercial uses of plant hormones?
Statement 1: Auxin powder is placed on the cut stems of plants to help them root.
Statement 2: Ethylene gas is used to speed up the ripening of harvested green
bananas.
Statement 3: Gibberellin is produced by a seed during germination.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
Version 1
12
B
© OCR 2017
17.
Different regions of the kidney nephron have different functions.
Which line of the table identifies:

and

The region that reabsorbs the most water from the filtrate
A region that has receptors for the hormone ADH?
region that absorbs most water
from filtrate
region that has receptors for
ADH
A
ascending limb of loop of Henlé
descending limb of loop of Henlé
B
collecting duct
ascending limb of loop of Henlé
C
descending limb of loop of Henlé
distal convoluted tubule
D
proximal convoluted tubule
collecting duct
Your answer
18.
D
Motor neurones in the vagus nerve cause responses in the heart, lungs and digestive
organs.
In which divisions of the nervous system can the motor neurones of the vagus nerve
be classified?
Division 1: autonomic nervous system
Division 2: peripheral nervous system
Division 3: central nervous system
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
Version 1
13
B
© OCR 2017
19.
A synapse is a junction between two neurones, the presynaptic and postsynaptic
neurones.
Which statements identify correct combinations of presynaptic and postsynaptic
neurones at synapses?
Statement 1: A presynaptic sensory neurone synapses with a postsynaptic motor
neurone.
Statement 2: A presynaptic relay neurone synapses with a postsynaptic relay
neurone.
Statement 3: A presynaptic relay neurone synapses with a postsynaptic sensory
neurone.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
20.
B
The fight or flight response involves a large number of coordinated changes in the
functioning of the body of a mammal.
Which systems are involved in bringing about the fight or flight response?
System 1: The autonomic nervous system.
System 2: The endocrine system.
System 3: The cyclic AMP second messenger system.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
Version 1
14
A
© OCR 2017
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© OCR 2017
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) topic quiz
Communication and Homeostasis
Learner Activity
1
The diagram shows a motor neurone
Which line of the table summarises the functions of the labelled parts of the cell?
P
Q
R
A
acetylcholine release
facilitating ion movement
acetylcholine synthesis
B
acetylcholine release
preventing ion movement
acetylcholine release
C
enzyme synthesis
facilitating ion movement
acetylcholine synthesis
D
enzyme synthesis
preventing ion movement
acetylcholine release
Your answer
Version 1
16
© OCR 2017
2.
The diagram shows some biochemical pathways in a liver cell, some of which are
reversible. Five reactions whose rate in a certain direction can be changed by the
presence of a hormone are labelled 1 – 5.
Each number relates to the direction of the arrow nearest to the number.
Which numbered reactions have their rate increased in the presence of insulin?
A
1, 2 and 3
B
1, 2 and 5
C
2, 3 and 4
D
3, 4 and 5
Your answer
Version 1
17
© OCR 2017
3.
A sudden movement close to the eyes causes a person to blink.
Which line of the table summarises the events involved in this response?
receptor
type of reflex
effector
A
photoreceptor
cranial
eyelid muscle
B
photoreceptor
spinal
iris muscle
C
touch receptor
cranial
eyelid muscle
D
touch receptor
spinal
iris muscle
Your answer
4.
The diagram shows part of a myofibril of skeletal muscle.
There are 4 000 identical sarcomeres in the myofibril and each one contracts until the
myosin filaments are just touching the Z lines.
By how much will the whole myofibril shorten during contraction?
A
1600 μm
B
3000 μm
C
3.2 mm
D
4.6 mm
Your answer
Version 1
18
© OCR 2017
5.
Glucose moves from the filtrate in the nephron into the bloodstream during normal
kidney function.
What part of the nephron allows this movement of glucose, and by what mechanism?
A
collecting duct by active secretion
B
distal convoluted tubule by facilitated diffusion
C
glomerulus by ultrafiltration
D
proximal convoluted tubule by selective reabsorption
Your answer
6.
A decrease in environmental temperature causes changes in the physiological
functioning of the skin.
Which line of the table identifies the changes that occur?
arterioles
erector pili muscles
sweat glands
A
constrict
contract
decrease secretion
B
constrict
relax
increase secretion
C
dilate
contract
decrease secretion
D
dilate
relax
increase secretion
Your answer
Version 1
19
© OCR 2017
7.
Homeostasis maintains optimum concentrations of chemicals in tissue fluid and
blood plasma, so that reactions can function optimally in cell cytoplasm.
The diagram shows the concentrations of three different ions and the concentration
of protein measured in these three constituents.
Which line of the table correctly identifies 1, 2 and 3?
1
2
3
A
cytoplasm
plasma
tissue fluid
B
blood plasma
tissue fluid
cytoplasm
C
tissue fluid
cytoplasm
plasma
D
tissue fluid
plasma
cytoplasm
Your answer
Version 1
20
© OCR 2017
8.
What will increase the secretion of anti-diuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary
gland?
A
decreasing the external temperature of the body
B
drinking a large volume of water
C
Injecting a concentrated salt solution with low water potential into the body
D
Injecting a dilute glucose solution with high water potential into the body
Your answer
9.
A glucose tolerance test can be used to investigate a person’s ability to
homeostatically adjust their blood glucose concentration. The concentration of
glucose in the blood plasma is measured before and after consuming 50 g glucose.
The table shows plasma blood glucose concentrations before and during a glucose
tolerance test that are diagnostic of different conditions.
plasma glucose concentration (mg 100 cm-3)
condition
fasting
1 hour after eating
hypoglycaemia
< 69
100 - 150
normal
70 - 100
170 - 200
pre-diabetes
101 - 125
190 - 230
diabetes
> 126
220 - 300
Results from glucose tolerance tests for three individuals are shown on the graph.
Version 1
21
© OCR 2017
Which line of the table correctly diagnoses each individual’s condition?
X
Y
Z
A
pre-diabetes
pre-diabetes
hypoglycaemia
B
diabetes
normal
hypoglycaemia
C
pre-diabetes
pre-diabetes
normal
D
diabetes
normal
normal
Your answer
Version 1
22
© OCR 2017
10.
Hepatocytes carry out a number of different functions.
Which statements describe functions that occur in hepatocytes?
Function 1: combining ammonia and carbon dioxide via the ornithine cycle
Function 2: storage of glycogen and some vitamins and minerals
Function 3: breakdown of drugs and alcohol
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
11.
Neurones are electrically excitable cells that experience changes in the electrical
potential differences across their membranes. Particular potential difference values or
changes are identified by the terms resting potential, threshold potential and action
potential.
Which statements are true of these terms?
Statement 1: Action potential describes a rapid reversal in potential difference.
Statement 2: Resting potential and threshold potential are negative values.
Statement 3: An action potential begins before threshold potential is reached.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
Version 1
23
© OCR 2017
12.
Which line of the table identifies a neurone that is at resting potential?
concentration of ions inside
neurone
cell surface
membrane
permeability to
Na+ ions
level of activity
of Na+ / K+
pump
sodium (Na+)
potassium (K+)
A
high
low
high
active
B
high
low
low
inactive
C
low
high
high
inactive
D
low
high
low
active
Your answer
Version 1
24
© OCR 2017
13.
The diagram shows the homeostatic control of the glucose concentration in the blood
of a mammal.
Which line of the table identifies the hormones W, X and Y?
W
X
Y
A
glucagon
insulin
adrenaline
B
glucagon
adrenaline
insulin
C
insulin
adrenaline
glucagon
D
insulin
glucagon
adrenaline
Your answer
Version 1
25
© OCR 2017
14.
A certain poison kills by causing paralysis of the breathing muscles. When the poison
is present, the sarcolemma at the neuromuscular junctions cannot depolarise.
Which could explain the action of this poison?
Statement 1: It prevents the release of acetylcholine.
Statement 2: It blocks acetylcholine receptors on the sarcolemma.
Statement 3: It inhibits the action of acetylcholinesterase.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
15.
Which statements are true of feedback systems in the body?
Statement 1: Negative feedback acts to reverse a change.
Statement 2: An example of negative feedback occurs when a high plasma
concentration of a hormone inhibits further secretion of that hormone.
Statement 3: Positive feedback occurs during the generation of an action potential.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
Version 1
26
© OCR 2017
16.
Which statements describe commercial uses of plant hormones?
Statement 1: Auxin powder is placed on the cut stems of plants to help them root.
Statement 2: Ethylene gas is used to speed up the ripening of harvested green
bananas.
Statement 3: Gibberellin is produced by a seed during germination.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
17.
Different regions of the kidney nephron have different functions.
Which line of the table identifies:

and

The region that reabsorbs the most water from the filtrate
A region that has receptors for the hormone ADH?
region that absorbs most water
from filtrate
region that has receptors for
ADH
A
ascending limb of loop of Henlé
descending limb of loop of Henlé
B
collecting duct
ascending limb of loop of Henlé
C
descending limb of loop of Henlé
distal convoluted tubule
D
proximal convoluted tubule
collecting duct
Your answer
Version 1
27
© OCR 2017
18.
Motor neurones in the vagus nerve cause responses in the heart, lungs and digestive
organs.
In which divisions of the nervous system can the motor neurones of the vagus nerve
be classified?
Division 1: autonomic nervous system
Division 2: peripheral nervous system
Division 3: central nervous system
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
19.
A synapse is a junction between two neurones, the presynaptic and postsynaptic
neurones.
Which statements identify correct combinations of presynaptic and postsynaptic
neurones at synapses?
Statement 1: A presynaptic sensory neurone synapses with a postsynaptic motor
neurone.
Statement 2: A presynaptic relay neurone synapses with a postsynaptic relay
neurone.
Statement 3: A presynaptic relay neurone synapses with a postsynaptic sensory
neurone.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
Version 1
28
© OCR 2017
20.
The fight or flight response involves a large number of coordinated changes in the
functioning of the body of a mammal.
Which systems are involved in bringing about the fight or flight response?
System 1: The autonomic nervous system.
System 2: The endocrine system.
System 3: The cyclic AMP second messenger system.
A
1, 2 and 3
B
Only 1 and 2
C
Only 2 and 3
D
Only 1
Your answer
Version 1
29
© OCR 2017