Edexcel GCSE Biology

Non-communicable diseases

Edexcel GCSE Biology revision on Non-communicable diseases. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0 specification. This bank has 25 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 25)

  1. Question 1

    Which biological mechanism is primarily responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes in the human body?

    • A) Increased insulin production
    • B) Body cells resisting insulin
    • C) Pancreas stops secreting bile
    • D) High rates of glucose storage
    Show answer

    Answer: Body cells resisting insulin

    In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas may still produce insulin, but the cells do not respond to it effectively. This insulin resistance prevents the efficient uptake of glucose from the blood into cells, leading to persistently high blood sugar levels.

  2. Question 2

    What is the primary physiological effect of a carcinogen on the genetic material within a cell?

    • A) It causes rapid mutation
    • B) It triggers DNA replication
    • C) It blocks protein synthesis
    • D) It damages the cell wall
    Show answer

    Answer: It causes rapid mutation

    Carcinogens act by altering the genetic sequence of DNA within the nucleus. If these mutations affect genes that regulate the cell cycle, the cell may begin to divide uncontrollably, which is the fundamental characteristic of cancer.

  3. Question 3

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

    Show answer

    Answer: carbon monoxide

    Carbon monoxide has a much higher affinity for haemoglobin than oxygen does. By binding to haemoglobin, it prevents oxygen from being transported to tissues, which places significant strain on the cardiovascular system.

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