AQA GCSE Biology

Non-communicable diseases

AQA GCSE Biology revision on Non-communicable diseases. Aligned to the AQA GCSE Biology 8461 specification. This bank has 25 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 25)

  1. Question 1

    Which component of cigarette smoke binds irreversibly to haemoglobin, reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood?

    • A) Nitrogen dioxide
    • B) Carbon monoxide
    • C) Sulphur dioxide
    • D) Nicotine vapour
    Show answer

    Answer: Carbon monoxide

    Carbon monoxide binds much more tightly to haemoglobin than oxygen does. This prevents red blood cells from transporting sufficient oxygen to tissues, which can lead to increased heart rate and cardiovascular strain.

  2. Question 2

    What is the primary biological mechanism by which Type 2 diabetes develops in patients?

    • A) Pancreas fails to create insulin
    • B) Body cells stop responding to insulin
    • C) Excess glucose damages the pancreas
    • D) Liver stops storing excess glycogen
    Show answer

    Answer: Body cells stop responding to insulin

    In Type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, meaning glucose is not effectively moved from the blood into cells. This is often linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of exercise, distinguishing it from Type 1 diabetes where the pancreas produces no insulin.

  3. Question 3

    Which term describes a malignant tumour that has spread to secondary sites through the circulatory system?

    • A) Benign growth
    • B) Metastasis
    • C) Carcinogen
    • D) Hyperplasia
    Show answer

    Answer: Metastasis

    Malignant tumours are cancerous because they invade healthy tissues. When these cells break off and travel through the blood or lymph, they can form secondary tumours elsewhere, a process known as metastasis.

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