Reproductive hormones, contraception, infertility and negative feedback – GCSE Biology exam questions with mark scheme

1Grade 4–54 marks

The oral contraceptive pill is one method of preventing pregnancy.

(a) Explain how the oral contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy. [2]

(b) A condom is a non-hormonal method of contraception. Give one advantage of using a condom rather than the pill. [1]

(a) (pill) contains hormones / oestrogen / progesterone(1)
(a) which inhibit FSH (production) so no eggs mature / so no ovulation
allow prevents eggs being released(1)
(b) protects against sexually transmitted infections / STIs
allow named STI eg HIV; allow no (hormonal) side effects / does not contain hormones; allow only needs to be used at the time of intercourse / no need to remember a daily pill(1)
(c) any one from: diaphragm / cap; spermicide / spermicidal agent; abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct; surgical sterilisation / vasectomy; copper IUD / copper coil
allow female condom; allow IUD / coil unqualified; do not accept condom(1)
Answer: (a) Hormones (oestrogen) inhibit FSH so eggs do not mature (b) Protects against STIs (c) e.g. diaphragm.
Examiner tip: 'Stops you getting pregnant' just repeats the question – name the hormone and what it inhibits.

2Grade 8–9Higher6 marks

Four hormones interact to control the menstrual cycle: FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone.

(a) Name the gland that secretes FSH and LH. [1]

(b) Explain how FSH, oestrogen and LH interact to bring about ovulation. [5]

(a) pituitary (gland)(1)
(b) FSH causes an egg to mature in the ovary(1)
(b) FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen(1)
(b) oestrogen inhibits the release of FSH (from the pituitary)(1)
(b) oestrogen stimulates the release of LH (from the pituitary)(1)
(b) LH stimulates ovulation / the release of the egg (from the ovary)(1)
Answer: (a) Pituitary (b) FSH matures an egg and stimulates the ovaries to make oestrogen; oestrogen inhibits FSH and stimulates LH release; LH triggers ovulation.
Examiner tip: Say which hormone acts on which organ – 'hormones control ovulation' scores nothing.

3Grade 4–56 marks

A study recorded how many women became pregnant within one year when using different methods of contraception in everyday life.

Method of contraception	Percentage of women who became pregnant within one year
Progesterone implant	0.1
Progesterone injection	4
Oral contraceptive pill	7
Condom	13
Diaphragm	17
Abstaining around the time of ovulation	24

(a) Which method in the table was the most effective at preventing pregnancy? [1]

(b) In the study, 3500 women relied on condoms for one year.

Calculate how many of these women would be expected to become pregnant. [2]

(i) Explain how the progesterone released by the implant prevents pregnancy. [2]

(ii) Both the implant and the oral pill work in a similar way.

Suggest why the implant is much more effective than the pill in everyday use. [1]

(a) progesterone implant(1)
(b) 13 ÷ 100 × 3500 or 0.13 × 3500(1)
(b) 455 (women) award both marks for correct answer with no working(1)
(c)(i) progesterone inhibits the maturation of eggs allow stops eggs maturing / developing(1)
(c)(i) and inhibits the release of eggs / ovulation allow (so) no egg is available to be fertilised; allow makes the mucus at the cervix thicker so sperm cannot pass for 1 mark max if neither point above given(1)
(c)(ii) the woman does not need to remember to take it every day allow pill may be forgotten / taken late / not absorbed if the woman is sick; ignore 'it lasts longer' unqualified(1)
Answer: (a) Progesterone implant (b) 455 (c)(i) Progesterone inhibits egg maturation and release (ii) No need to remember a daily pill, so fewer missed doses.
Examiner tip: In (b) the table gives a percentage, not a number of women: multiply 3500 by 13/100, and give a whole number of women.

4Grade 8–9Higher7 marks

The graph shows the concentrations of three hormones, A, B and C, in a woman's blood during one 28-day menstrual cycle.

Hormone B is LH and hormone C is oestrogen.

(a) Name hormone A. [1]

(b) On which day was an egg most likely to have been released?

Give a reason for your answer using information from the graph. [2]

Use the graph to explain why. [2]

(d) The woman's period started again on day 28.

Use the graph to explain why. [2]

(a) progesterone(1)
(b) day 14 allow day 14–15(1)
(b) (because) LH concentration peaks / is highest on this day and LH stimulates ovulation / the release of an egg(1)
(c) concentrations of oestrogen and / or progesterone are high allow hormone A / C high(1)
(c) (these) inhibit (the release of) FSH (from the pituitary) so no egg is stimulated to mature; allow 'stop FSH being made'; do not accept 'inhibit LH' alone(1)
(d) (concentration of) progesterone / hormone A falls allow oestrogen and progesterone fall(1)
(d) (so) the lining of the uterus is no longer maintained and breaks down / is shed allow womb lining for uterus lining(1)
Answer: (a) Progesterone (b) Day 14 – LH peaks then, and LH triggers ovulation (c) Oestrogen and progesterone are high and inhibit FSH, so no egg matures (d) Progesterone falls, so the uterus lining is not maintained and breaks down.
Examiner tip: In (b) you must say what the graph shows (the LH peak) AND link it to LH causing ovulation – a day number alone scores only 1 mark.

5Grade 6–7Higher7 marks

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) can be used to treat infertility.

The table shows data from one fertility clinic.

Age of woman in years	Number of IVF cycles	Number of live births	Percentage of cycles giving a live birth
under 35	1250	400	32.0
35–37	1100	297	27.0
38–39	720	151	21.0
40–42	860	103	X

(a) Calculate value X.

Give your answer to 1 decimal place. [2]

(b) Describe the trend shown by the data. [1]

Explain why. [2]

(d) Doctors usually place only one or two embryos into the woman's uterus.

Give one reason why doctors do not place more embryos into the uterus. [1]

(e) IVF was not possible until certain technologies had been developed.

Suggest how developments in microscopy made IVF possible. [1]

(a) 103 ÷ 860 × 100(1)
(a) 12.0 (%) award both marks for correct answer with no working; allow 12 for 1 mark only(1)
(b) as age increases, the percentage of cycles giving a live birth decreases allow older women are less likely to have a baby from IVF; ignore references to number of cycles(1)
(c) (FSH and LH) stimulate the maturation of eggs allow make eggs develop(1)
(c) so that several eggs can be collected (and fertilised) allow more than one egg; allow increases the chance of producing a healthy embryo(1)
(d) (to reduce the risk of) multiple births / twins / triplets, which are a risk to the health of the mother and / or the babies allow more chance of miscarriage / premature birth / low birth weight; ignore 'too expensive'(1)
(e) allowed eggs / sperm / embryos to be seen (clearly) allow allowed sperm to be injected into an egg / allowed embryos to be checked (for development / defects) before transfer(1)
Answer: (a) 12.0 (b) Success rate decreases with increasing age (c) To make several eggs mature so several can be collected (d) Risk of multiple births, dangerous to mother and babies (e) Eggs, sperm and embryos could be seen and handled under the microscope.
Examiner tip: In (a) the question asks for 1 decimal place, so 12 on its own drops a mark – write 12.0.

6Grade 8–9Higher6 marks

A woman aged 31 has been trying to become pregnant for two years.

Tests show that her pituitary gland does not release enough FSH, so her eggs do not mature. Her oviducts (fallopian tubes) and her partner's sperm are normal.

Her doctor suggests two possible treatments:

Treatment 1: a fertility drug containing FSH and LH, after which the couple try to conceive naturally.
Treatment 2: IVF.

Evaluate the two treatments for this couple.

You should consider the points of view of both the patient and the doctor.

Give a justified conclusion. [6]

Treatment 1: FSH makes eggs mature; LH stimulates the release of an egg (ovulation)(1)
Treatment 1 directly treats her cause of infertility (low FSH), and her tubes and partner's sperm are normal, so natural fertilisation is likely to be possible(1)
Treatment 1 is simpler / less invasive: no egg collection, no surgery / procedure in a clinic; cheaper(1)
Treatment 1 does not always work; may need several months of treatment(1)
Treatment 1 may cause several eggs to be released, risking multiple births (doctor cannot control how many embryos form)(1)
Treatment 2: eggs are collected, fertilised by sperm in the lab, and one or two embryos are inserted into the uterus(1)
Treatment 2 lets the doctor choose / limit the number of embryos transferred, so lower risk of multiple births than uncontrolled ovulation(1)
Treatment 2 is emotionally and physically stressful (injections, egg collection); success rates are low (most cycles do not result in a birth)(1)
Treatment 2 is expensive / may not be funded; needs specialist staff and equipment(1)
Treatment 2 may produce spare embryos – ethical issues over destroying or storing them(1)
Her age (31) is in favour of success with either treatment(1)
Conclusion, e.g. Treatment 1 should be tried first because it treats the specific cause, is less invasive / cheaper; IVF can be used if it fails(1)

Level	Marks	What it looks like
Level 3	5–6	A balanced evaluation that weighs advantages and disadvantages of both treatments, linked to the woman's low FSH, from both the patient's and doctor's points of view. Reaches a conclusion that is justified by the points made.
Level 2	3–4	Some advantages and/or disadvantages of both treatments are given, or one treatment is evaluated in detail. Some linking to the scenario. A conclusion may be given but is only partly supported.
Level 1	1–2	Isolated, simple points about either treatment, e.g. 'IVF is expensive' or 'fertility drugs can cause twins'. No conclusion, or a conclusion with no supporting reasons.
No relevant content	0	Nothing worthy of credit.

Answer: Treatment 1 (FSH + LH) treats her actual problem, is cheaper and less invasive, but may cause multiple births and may not work. IVF is stressful, expensive, has low success rates and raises ethical issues over spare embryos, but the doctor controls how many embryos are transferred. Conclusion: try Treatment 1 first, IVF if it fails.
Examiner tip: To reach Level 3 you must give advantages AND disadvantages of BOTH treatments, linked to this woman's specific problem, and finish with a conclusion that follows from your points.

7Grade 6–7Higher6 marks

The diagram shows how the concentration of a hormone, X, is controlled in the body.

TSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to release hormone X.

(a) Name hormone X. [1]

(b) Hormone X controls the basal metabolic rate.

What is meant by 'basal metabolic rate'? [1]

Use the diagram to explain how the concentration of hormone X returns to normal. [2]

(d) The thyroid gland needs iodine to make hormone X. A person whose diet contains too little iodine has a higher concentration of TSH in the blood than normal.

Use the diagram to explain why. [2]

(a) thyroxine(1)
(b) the rate at which chemical reactions / metabolism happen in the body at rest allow rate of energy use / respiration at rest; ignore 'how fast you burn calories' unqualified(1)
(c) (high thyroxine) inhibits the pituitary gland so less TSH is released(1)
(c) (so) the thyroid gland is stimulated less and releases less thyroxine allow 'X' for thyroxine throughout(1)
(d) the thyroid gland makes little / less thyroxine (so thyroxine concentration in the blood is low)(1)
(d) (so) the pituitary gland is not inhibited / less inhibited and releases more TSH; ignore 'TSH builds up' without reference to inhibition(1)
Answer: (a) Thyroxine (b) Rate of chemical reactions in the body at rest (c) High thyroxine inhibits the pituitary, less TSH is released, so the thyroid releases less thyroxine (d) Less thyroxine is made, so the pituitary is not inhibited and releases more TSH.
Examiner tip: Negative feedback answers need the full chain: change detected, less TSH, less thyroxine – 'it goes back to normal' scores nothing.

8Grade 4–5Higher6 marks

A cyclist is about to start a race. As she waits on the start line her body releases adrenaline.

(a) Name the gland that releases adrenaline. [1]

(b) Her resting heart rate was 68 beats per minute. On the start line it was 119 beats per minute.

Calculate the percentage increase in her heart rate. [2]

(a) adrenal gland(s) do not accept 'adrenaline gland' or 'renal gland'(1)
(b) (119 − 68) ÷ 68 × 100 allow 51 ÷ 68 × 100(1)
(b) 75 (%) award both marks for correct answer with no working(1)
(c) more blood is pumped to the muscles (per minute)(1)
(c) (so) more oxygen and (more) glucose are delivered to the muscle cells(1)
(c) (so) the rate of (aerobic) respiration increases, releasing more energy for muscle contraction do not accept 'produces / makes energy'(1)
Answer: (a) Adrenal gland (b) 75% (c) More blood pumped to muscles, delivering more oxygen and glucose, so faster respiration releases more energy for contraction.
Examiner tip: Energy is released by respiration, never 'produced' or 'made' – that wording costs the final mark in (c).

9Grade 1–3Foundation5 marks

Some methods of contraception do not use hormones.

(a) Draw one line from each method to how it prevents pregnancy. [3]

Method		How it prevents pregnancy
Diaphragm		kills or disables sperm
Spermicide		stops sperm reaching the egg by blocking the cervix
Intrauterine device (IUD)		stops eggs being made
		prevents an embryo implanting in the uterus

(b) A man has surgical sterilisation.

Explain why this prevents pregnancy. [1]

Give one reason why this method is less reliable than using a diaphragm. [1]

(a) diaphragm → stops sperm reaching the egg by blocking the cervix(1)
(a) spermicide → kills or disables sperm(1)
(a) IUD → prevents an embryo implanting in the uterus more than one line from a method: no mark for that method(1)
(b) the sperm ducts are cut / tied so sperm cannot leave the body / cannot reach the egg allow no sperm in semen; ignore 'he cannot have sex'(1)
(c) the date of ovulation can vary / is hard to predict allow sperm can survive (several days) in the woman's body; allow periods may be irregular(1)
Answer: (a) Diaphragm – blocks cervix; spermicide – kills/disables sperm; IUD – prevents implantation (b) Sperm ducts cut/tied so no sperm released (c) Ovulation date varies / sperm survive for days.
Examiner tip: One option in the matching question is a distractor ("stops eggs being made") – none of these non-hormonal methods affects eggs.

10Grade 1–3Foundation6 marks

During puberty, reproductive hormones cause secondary sex characteristics to develop.

(a) Testosterone is the main male reproductive hormone.

(i) Name the organ that produces testosterone. [1]

(ii) Give one function of testosterone. [1]

(b) After puberty, a woman's ovaries begin to mature and release eggs.

About how often is an egg released?

Tick (✓) one box. [1]

☐ every day ☐ every 7 days ☐ every 28 days ☐ every 365 days

Hormone	Function
FSH
LH
Progesterone

Complete the table by giving the function of each hormone. [3]

(a)(i) testes allow testis / testicles(1)
(a)(ii) stimulates sperm production allow causes (male) secondary sexual characteristics, e.g. growth of facial hair / deepening of voice; ignore 'makes the boy grow'(1)
(b) every 28 days (only)(1)
(c) FSH: causes an egg to mature (in the ovary) allow causes follicle / egg to develop; allow stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen; ignore 'makes eggs'(1)
(c) LH: stimulates release of an egg allow ovulation(1)
(c) progesterone: maintains the lining of the uterus allow keeps the womb lining thick; allow inhibits (the release of) FSH and LH; do not accept 'builds up / repairs the lining' (that is oestrogen)(1)
Answer: (a)(i) Testes (ii) Stimulates sperm production (b) Every 28 days (c) FSH – egg maturation; LH – ovulation; progesterone – maintains uterus lining.
Examiner tip: In (c), FSH matures the egg but LH releases it: students often swap these two, which loses both marks.

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