Diseases and immunity — Paper 2 · IGCSE Biology (9-1) 0970

19 A child is vaccinated against measles. After a period of time the child is infected with the measles virus. The graph shows the concentration of measles antibodies in the child’s bloodstream during this time. antibody concentration in the blood time Which statement is consistent with the information in the graph? A After the vaccination, the child produced memory cells. B The child had passive immunity against measles. C The measles virus contains antibodies. D The vaccination failed to protect the child against measles.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2018

19 The diagram with the structure labelled X shows a bacterium with proteins on its surface. The diagram labelled Y shows proteins made by the human body. X Y Which row shows the correct combination for destroying the bacterium? correct name of X name of Y shape of Y A antigen antibody B antibody antigen C antigen antibody D antibody antigen

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2018

14 The cholera bacterium produces toxins that cause chloride ions to be secreted into the small intestine. How does this affect the water potential of blood in the intestinal capillaries and the intestinal contents? water potential blood in contents of capillaries small intestine A lowered lowered B lowered raised C raised lowered D raised raised

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2019

20 The diagram shows one way the body defends itself against pathogens. bacteria white blood cell What is the name of this defence mechanism? A antibody production B egestion C phagocytosis D vaccination

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2019

31 Which statement about HIV is correct? A It causes an increase in the number of lymphocytes. B It is caused by bacteria. C It increases the ability to produce antibodies. D It is transmitted through sexual contact.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2019

14 The cholera bacterium produces toxins that cause chloride ions to be secreted into the small intestine. How does this affect the water potential of blood in the intestinal capillaries and the intestinal contents? water potential blood in contents of capillaries small intestine A lowered lowered B lowered raised C raised lowered D raised raised

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/22 May/June 2019

20 Which disease is transmissible? A cholera B coronary heart disease C lung cancer D scurvy

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0970/22 May/June 2019

13 The cholera bacterium produces a toxin that results in water entering the alimentary canal and causing diarrhoea. The diagram shows the human alimentary canal. Into which region are chloride ions secreted as a result of the toxin? A D B C

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2019

18 Which row describes the features of passive immunity? antibodies involves effective made memory cells period A no no short term B no yes short term C yes no long term D yes yes long term

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2019

19 When a pathogen enters the blood, the immune system uses different mechanisms to destroy the pathogen. The diagram shows one of these mechanisms. X Y pathogen Which row describes the structures involved? structure X X is made by structure Y A antigen lymphocytes antibody B antigen phagocytes antibody C antibody lymphocytes antigen D antibody phagocytes antigen

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2020

19 The following are statements about immunity. 1 The transfer of antibodies from mother to baby in breast milk is an example of passive immunity. 2 Passive immunity results in long term immunity because of the production of memory cells. 3 Active immunity is gained after vaccination with antigens. Which statements are correct? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/22 May/June 2020

18 The diagrams show four components of blood. Which component produces antibodies? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2020

19 A patient was injected with antibodies after being bitten by a poisonous snake. The patient recovered and survived. What describes the effect in the patient's body? active passive memory cells immunity immunity produced A J x Jv B v x x Cc x Jv Jv D x Jv x key /= yes X= no

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2020

15 Statements 1 to 4 describe stages in the development of cholera. 1 Chloride ions are secreted into the gut. 2 Osmosis causes water to move into the gut. 3 The infected person becomes dehydrated. 4 Toxins are produced by the pathogenic bacteria. What is the correct sequence of the four stages? A 1  2  3  4 B 1  4  3  2 C 4  1  2  3 D 4  1  3  2

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2021

20 The photomicrograph shows human blood. Which blood component makes antibodies? B A C D

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2021

21 A child is vaccinated against measles. After a period of time the child is infected with the measles virus. The graph shows the concentration of measles antibodies in the child’s bloodstream during this time. antibody concentration in the blood time Which statement is consistent with the information in the graph? A After the vaccination, the child produced memory cells. B The child had passive immunity against measles. C The measles virus contains antibodies. D The vaccination failed to protect the child against measles.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2021

29 Scientists carried out a survey on the effect of giving up smoking on the risk of developing lung cancer. The results are shown in the graph. continued smoking 15 percentage 10 cumulative risk of developing lung cancer stopped smoking at 60 years of age 5 stopped smoking at 30 years of age never smoked 0 45 55 65 75 age, in years, of people surveyed The scientists made three conclusions: 1 Stopping smoking reduces the risk of developing lung cancer. 2 Age increases the risk of lung cancer for smokers and non-smokers. 3 The earlier people stop smoking, the lower the risk. Which conclusions are correct? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2021

15 Statements 1 to 4 describe stages in the development of cholera. 1 Chloride ions are secreted into the gut. 2 Osmosis causes water to move into the gut. 3 The infected person becomes dehydrated. 4 Toxins are produced by the pathogenic bacteria. What is the correct sequence of the four stages? A 1  2  3  4 B 1  4  3  2 C 4  1  2  3 D 4  1  3  2

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/22 May/June 2021

21 A child is vaccinated against measles. After a period of time the child is infected with the measles virus. The graph shows the concentration of measles antibodies in the child’s bloodstream during this time. antibody concentration in the blood time Which statement is consistent with the information in the graph? A After the vaccination, the child produced memory cells. B The child had passive immunity against measles. C The measles virus contains antibodies. D The vaccination failed to protect the child against measles.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0970/22 May/June 2021

29 The graph shows how smoking different numbers of cigarettes for different lengths of time affects the risk of lung cancer. 45 key 40 smoking less than 20 cigarettes per day 35 smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day 30 risk of lung cancer 25 / arbitrary units 20 15 10 5 0 < 20 20–29 30–39 40–49 > 50 number of years smoking Which conclusions are supported by the data in the graph? 1 Smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day always increases the risk of lung cancer more than smoking less than 20 cigarettes per day. 2 Smoking cigarettes for more years increases the risk of lung cancer. 3 Smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day for more than 50 years has the highest risk of lung cancer. A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0970/22 May/June 2021

18 Which component of blood produces antibodies? A lymphocytes B phagocytes C plasma D red blood cells

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2021

21 Some features that help to defend the body against pathogens are listed. 1 mucus 2 skin 3 stomach acid 4 phagocytosis Which features can prevent pathogens entering body tissues? A 1, 2, 3 and 4 B 1, 2 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 4 only

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2021

30 Which statement about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is correct? A Antibodies cannot be made. B HIV infections can be treated with antibiotics. C HIV destroys lymphocytes. D HIV is spread by coughing and sneezing.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2021

19 The graph shows the response of the body to vaccination. X concentration in the blood time vaccination Which word should be used to replace the letter X, to complete the label on the y-axis? A antibody B antigen C pathogen D platelet

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2022

19 What is an example of passive immunity? A immunity against influenza after an individual has been infected with the influenza virus B the formation of memory cells in response to a cholera infection C giving chickenpox antibodies to people at risk of developing a severe infection D vaccination against measles where a harmless version of the virus is given

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/22 May/June 2022

13 The cholera bacterium produces toxins that cause chloride ions to be secreted into the small intestine. What is the immediate effect of this on the water potential of blood in the intestinal capillaries, and on the water potential of the contents of the small intestine? water potential blood in contents of capillaries small intestine A lowered lowered B lowered raised C raised lowered D raised raised

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2022

18 The photomicrograph shows some different types of blood cell. X What is the function of the cell labelled X? A clotting blood B phagocytosis C producing antibodies D transporting oxygen

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2022

19 Campylobacter is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning. Which word describes Campylobacter? A antibody B disease C pathogen D symptom

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2022

29 Which statement describes passive immunity? A the process of antigen production in the body B defence against pathogens by antibodies acquired from another individual C the type of immunity that results from vaccination D immunity that results in the production of memory cells

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2022

34 What is an example of evolution? A the genetic engineering of bacteria to produce human insulin B the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria C the changes made to livestock as a result of artificial selection D the production of lactose-free milk

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2022

19 The cholera bacterium toxin causes dehydration and loss of salts from the blood in humans. Which statement explains the reason for this? A Chloride ions are secreted into the small intestine where they increase the water potential. B Chloride ions are secreted into the small intestine which causes water to move into the intestine by osmosis. C Chloride ions are secreted into the small intestine which causes water to move out of the intestine by osmosis. D Chloride ions are secreted into the small intestine which causes the water potential of the blood to decrease.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2023

27 What is a correct statement about antibiotics? A Bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics as a result of artificial selection. B Bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics as a result of natural selection. C Viruses may become resistant to antibiotics as a result of artificial selection. D Viruses may become resistant to antibiotics as a result of natural selection.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2023

19 Cholera bacteria in the gut cause secretion of chloride ions which leads to diarrhoea. Which diagram shows the correct movement of chloride ions (Cl –) and water (H2O)? A B gut small intestine gut small intestine epithelial cell epithelial cell Cl – Cl – H2O H2O C D gut small intestine gut small intestine epithelial cell epithelial cell Cl – Cl – H2O H2O

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/22 May/June 2023

20 When a pathogen enters the blood, the immune system uses different mechanisms to destroy the pathogen. The diagram shows one of these mechanisms. X Y pathogen Which row describes the structures involved? structure X X is made by structure Y A antigen lymphocytes antibody B antigen phagocytes antibody C antibody lymphocytes antigen D antibody phagocytes antigen

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2023

21 One of the symptoms of the disease cholera is diarrhoea. This is due to water loss by osmosis caused by the cholera toxin. What is the effect of cholera toxins that results in diarrhoea? A secretion of chloride ions out of the small intestine lowering the water potential B secretion of chloride ions out of the small intestine raising the water potential C secretion of chloride ions into the small intestine lowering the water potential D secretion of chloride ions into the small intestine raising the water potential

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2024

22 Which statement about immunity is correct? A A part of the antibody molecule has the same shape as the antigen it acts on. B Babies develop passive immunity from the antibodies they receive in breast milk. C Phagocytes produce antibodies. D Vaccines contain weakened antibodies.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2024

29 Which statement about antibiotics is correct? A Antibiotics do not affect bacteria but kill viruses. B Antibiotics do not affect bacteria or viruses. C Antibiotics kill bacteria and kill viruses. D Antibiotics kill bacteria but do not affect viruses.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2024

20 Which features of the human body protect against pathogens in food? red blood cells stomach acid white blood cells A yes yes no B yes no no C no yes yes D no no yes

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2024

9 The table shows the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of some nutrients for young children. The table also shows the masses of these nutrients eaten by a child in one day. mass of mass of mass of mass of vitamin C vitamin D iron calcium / mg / g / mg / mg RDA 50 10 11 260 mass eaten in one day 54 5 11 150 Which conditions will the child be at risk of developing if they consume the same diet for a long period of time? 1 anaemia (not having enough red blood cells) 2 rickets 3 scurvy A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 only

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2025

16 The diagram shows what happens in the body during active immunity. pathogens enter the body W are detected lymphocytes become active X destroy marking of pathogens Z are produced for pathogens directly occurs so that they long-term immunity can be destroyed by Y Which structures or cells represent W, X, Y and Z? antibodies antigens memory cells phagocytes A W X Y Z B W X Z Y C X W Y Z D X W Z Y

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2025

17 Cholera is a disease caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae which produces a toxin in the infected person’s gut. What is the effect of this toxin? A The toxin causes loss of water from the gut into the blood. B The toxin causes loss of water from the gall bladder into the blood. C The toxin causes water to enter the gut from the blood. D The toxin causes water to enter the gall bladder from the blood.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2025

26 Which statement describes the effect of antibiotics? A Antibiotics do not affect bacteria or viruses. B Antibiotics kill bacteria but do not affect viruses. C Antibiotics kill both bacteria and viruses. D Antibiotics kill viruses but do not affect bacteria.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/21 May/June 2025

19 Three statements about immunity are listed. 1 The transfer of antibodies from mother to baby in breast milk is an example of passive immunity. 2 Passive immunity results in long-term immunity because of the production of memory cells. 3 Active immunity is gained after vaccination with antigens. Which statements are correct? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0970/22 May/June 2025

27 Clostridium difficile is a species of bacterium that is resistant to many antibiotics. From 2002 to 2006, the number of people in one country infected with Clostridium difficile increased from 1300 to 6200 people. What was the percentage increase in the number of people infected with Clostridium difficile from 2002 to 2006 to the nearest whole number? A 21% B 27% C 79% D 377%

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0970/22 May/June 2025

15 The diagram shows the human digestive system. Where do cholera bacteria cause the secretion of chloride ions? mouth A B D C anus

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2025

22 Which action would help to limit the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria? A Use antibiotics frequently to prevent infection by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. B Use antibiotics only to treat bacterial infections. C Use antibiotics to treat all types of infections. D Use antibiotics to treat only viral infections.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2025

28 Which methods can transmit HIV? 1 hugging a person infected with HIV 2 sharing a needle with a person infected with HIV 3 using a plate that a person infected with HIV has used A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 only C 2 and 3 only D 2 only

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2025

30 Why are lymphocytes the only cells that produce antibody proteins? A Lymphocytes express all the genes in the nucleus. B Lymphocytes have twice as many genes as other cells. C Other cells do not have the genes for antibodies. D The genes for antibodies are only expressed in lymphocytes.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0970/22 Oct/Nov 2025