Gas exchange in humans — Paper 2 · IGCSE Science - Combined 0653

9 The diagram shows apparatus at the start of a breathing experiment. mouthpiece limewater tube X tube Y A person breathes in and out through the mouthpiece for a short time. Which row shows the results? limewater in tube X limewater in tube Y A stays clear stays clear B stays clear turns cloudy C turns cloudy stays clear D turns cloudy turns cloudy

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2017

7 The diagram shows apparatus at the start of a breathing experiment. mouthpiece limewater tube X tube Y A person breathes in and out through the mouthpiece for a short time. Which row shows the results? limewater in tube X limewater in tube Y A stays clear stays clear B stays clear turns cloudy C turns cloudy stays clear D turns cloudy turns cloudy

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2017

8 How does mucus benefit the gas exchange system? A It absorbs carbon monoxide before it reaches the alveoli. B It prevents friction between the air and the trachea. C It removes the nicotine in cigarette smoke. D It traps pathogens.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2017

8 The diagram shows apparatus at the start of a breathing experiment. mouthpiece limewater tube X tube Y A person breathes in and out through the mouthpiece for a short time. Which row shows the results? limewater in tube X limewater in tube Y A stays clear stays clear B stays clear turns cloudy C turns cloudy stays clear D turns cloudy turns cloudy

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2017

9 The depth and rate of breathing can be measured by a spirometer, and recorded in the form of a graph. Graph X shows the depth and rate of breathing of a person at rest. graph X 4.0 3.5 volume of air in 3.0 lungs / dm3 2.5 2.0 0 30 time / s Which graph shows the depth and rate of breathing when the same person is running? A B 4.0 4.0 3.5 3.5 volume volume of air in 3.0 of air in 3.0 lungs / dm3 lungs / dm3 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 0 30 0 30 time / s time / s C D 4.0 4.0 3.5 3.5 volume volume of air in 3.0 of air in 3.0 lungs / dm3 lungs / dm3 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 0 30 0 30 time / s time / s

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2017

8 Dust particles and pathogens may be inhaled from the air. These can cause damage to the airways if they are not removed. Which features work together to remove them from the airways? A cilia and enzymes B mucus and cilia C mucus and saliva D saliva and enzymes

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2017

6 What is not a feature of a gas exchange surface in animals? A moist B permeable C small surface area D thin

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2018

9 What are the functions of the cilia and mucus in the gas exchange system? cilia mucus A make mucus trap pathogens B make mucus move cilia C move mucus trap pathogens D move mucus move cilia

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2018

9 The diagram shows structures called lamellae. They are found in the gills of fish. lamellae Lamellae increase the surface area of the gills. The gills are the site of gaseous exchange in fish. What is the effect of this increased surface area? A decreased rate of carbon dioxide diffusion into the blood B decreased rate of oxygen diffusion into the blood C increased rate of carbon dioxide diffusion into the blood D increased rate of oxygen diffusion into the blood

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2018

9 Which features will maximise the rate of gas exchange across the alveoli? large surface area small blood supply thin membrane v v x 0 0O WwW > v v v v Xx v x v v

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2018

8 The diagram shows two different types of cell which line the trachea in the gas exchange system. Y X What is the role of X and Y? X Y A produces mucus traps pathogens B produces mucus moves pathogens towards the mouth C moves pathogens towards the mouth traps pathogens D moves pathogens towards the mouth moves pathogens towards the mouth

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2018

6 The graphs P, Q and R show the changes in the volume of air in the lungs of the same person, measured after different levels of activities. P Q 2 2 volume volume of air in 1 of air in 1 lungs / dm3 lungs / dm3 0 0 0 10 20 0 10 20 time / s time / s R 2 volume of air in 1 lungs / dm3 0 0 10 20 time / s Which row shows the correct graph for each level of activity? immediately immediately at rest after 10 minutes after 10 minutes of running of walking A P Q R B P R Q C R Q P D R P Q

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2019

6 What is the route for carbon dioxide passing out of the body? A alveoli → capillaries → bronchioles → bronchi → trachea → larynx B alveoli → capillaries → bronchi → bronchioles → larynx → trachea C capillaries → alveoli → bronchi → bronchioles → trachea → larynx D capillaries → alveoli → bronchioles → bronchi → trachea → larynx

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2019

1 Which row has a correct structural adaptation for red blood cells and some of the cells lining the trachea? red blood cells cells lining the trachea A nucleus absent has cilia B nucleus present has cilia C nucleus absent large surface area D nucleus present large surface area

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2019

6 Physical activity affects our rate and depth of breathing. What happens during increased physical activity? rate of breathing depth of breathing A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2019

6 The concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen in expired air differ from the concentrations in inspired air. concentration in gas expired air 1 carbon dioxide higher 2 carbon dioxide lower 3 oxygen higher 4 oxygen lower Which rows correctly show the difference? A 1 and 3 B 1 and 4 C 2 and 3 D 2 and 4

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2019

6 The diagram shows an alveolus and a blood capillary. 2 1 4 3 Which two arrows represent gas exchange by diffusion only? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 2 and 4 D 3 and 4

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2019

2 The diagram shows a ciliated cell. cilia Which row shows where ciliated cells are found in the human gas exchange system and their correct function? location of ciliated cells function of ciliated cells bronchi trachea move mucus move mucus away from lungs towards lungs A Jv JV Jv x B J Jv x J Cc Jv x Jv x D x Jv x Jv

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2019

5 Which diagram is correctly labelled? A B trachea bronchus bronchus trachea rib rib diaphragm diaphragm C D trachea trachea bronchus rib diaphragm bronchus rib diaphragm

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2019

7 Which component of tobacco smoke reduces the ability of haemoglobin to carry oxygen? A carbon monoxide B nicotine C smoke particles D tar

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2020

2 What is the function of ciliated cells in the bronchi? A absorption of oxygen B movement of mucus C production of mucus D transport of oxygen

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2020

8 How does mucus benefit the gas exchange system? A It absorbs carbon monoxide before it reaches the alveoli. B It prevents friction between the air and the trachea. C It removes the nicotine in cigarette smoke. D It traps pathogens.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2020

6 How does mucus benefit the gas exchange system? A It absorbs carbon monoxide before it reaches the alveoli. B It prevents friction between the air and the trachea. C It removes the nicotine in cigarette smoke. D It traps pathogens.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2020

6 How does mucus benefit the gas exchange system? A It absorbs carbon monoxide before it reaches the alveoli. B It prevents friction between the air and the trachea. C It removes the nicotine in cigarette smoke. D It traps pathogens.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2020

9 What are the functions of the cilia and mucus in the gas exchange system of mammals? cilia mucus A make mucus trap pathogens B make mucus move cilia C move mucus trap pathogens D move mucus move cilia

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2021

1 Which row correctly identifies the function of a ciliated cell in the bronchus of a healthy human? substance being moved direction of movement A air towards bronchioles B air towards trachea C mucus towards bronchioles D mucus towards trachea

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2021

8 What causes the change in breathing seen at X? 3 X 2 volume / dm3 1 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 time / s A decreased oxygen in the blood B decreased lactic acid in the blood C increased carbon dioxide in the blood D increased sweating

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2021

8 The graph shows the rate and depth of breathing of a student at rest. volume of air in the lungs 0 time / s 15 Which graph shows the rate and depth of breathing of the student immediately after five minutes of physical activity? A B volume of air volume of air in the lungs in the lungs 0 time / s 15 0 time / s 15 C D volume of air volume of air in the lungs in the lungs 0 time / s 15 0 time / s 15

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2021

8 The diagram shows part of the gas exchange system in humans. X Y What are the structures labelled X and Y? X Y A bronchiole trachea B bronchus trachea C trachea bronchiole D trachea bronchus

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2021

7 The diagram shows two different types of cell which line the trachea in the gas exchange system. Y X Which row describes the roles of X and Y? X Y A produces mucus traps pathogens B produces mucus moves pathogens towards the mouth C moves pathogens towards the mouth traps pathogens D moves pathogens towards the mouth moves pathogens towards the mouth

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2022

7 Which row shows the features of an efficient gas exchange surface in mammals? alveoli wall blood supply surface area A thick low large B thick high small C thin high large D thin low small

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2022

8 Physical activity affects our rate and depth of breathing. What happens during increased physical activity? rate of breathing depth of breathing A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2022

8 Physical activity affects our rate and depth of breathing. What happens during increased physical activity? rate of breathing depth of breathing A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2022

8 Physical activity affects our rate and depth of breathing. What happens during increased physical activity? rate of breathing depth of breathing A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2022

2 Which row describes a correct structural adaptation for red blood cells and for cells lining the trachea? red blood cells cells lining the trachea A nucleus absent cilia present B nucleus present cilia present C nucleus absent small surface area D nucleus present small surface area

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2022

8 When at rest, a student measures his rate of breathing and the volume of air inspired. volume of air inspired number of breaths per minute per minute / dm3 12 6.0 He then runs 400 m and immediately measures his breathing again. Which set of results does he obtain? volume of air inspired number of breaths per minute per minute / dm3 A 12 6.0 B 12 12.5 C 30 6.0 D 30 12.5

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2022

7 A student tests her exhaled breath by blowing through a straw into some limewater. straw limewater Which statements are correct about this test? colour of limewater colour of limewater what the test shows at start of test at end of test A colourless milky white carbon dioxide is present in the exhaled breath B colourless milky white water vapour is present in the exhaled breath C milky white colourless carbon dioxide is present in the exhaled breath D milky white colourless water vapour is present in the exhaled breath

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2022

7 The table shows the differences in the composition of carbon dioxide, oxygen and water vapour for inspired and expired air. Which row shows the most likely composition for human inspired and expired air? carbon dioxide % oxygen % water vapour % inspired expired inspired expired inspired expired A 4 0.04 21 16 1 1 B 0.04 4 21 16 1 6 C 0.04 4 16 21 6 1 D 4 0.04 16 21 6 6

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2023

8 Which chemical is used to test for carbon dioxide in expired air? A Benedict’s solution B distilled water C iodine solution D limewater

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2023

7 Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, nicotine and tar. These substances are harmful to human health. Which row gives the correct information about the harmful effects? combines with causes haemoglobin lung cancer A carbon monoxide nicotine B carbon monoxide tar C tar carbon monoxide D nicotine carbon monoxide

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2023

8 A student is investigating the differences in composition of samples of inspired and expired air. What can he use to test for carbon dioxide? A biuret solution B limewater C ethanol D iodine solution

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2023

8 Some features of the human gas exchange system are listed. 1 has large surface area 2 contains goblet cells 3 has a good blood supply 4 has ciliated cells 5 inner surfaces are lined with mucus Which features are necessary for efficient diffusion of gases? A 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 B 1, 3 and 5 only C 1 and 3 only D 2, 4 and 5 only

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2023

8 Which row correctly lists the features of a gas exchange surface in animals? large thin good good surface blood ventilation surface tps area supply with air A v Jv x x key B Jv x Jv x / = present Cc x Jv Jv x X = absent D v v v v

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2024

2 The diagram shows a ciliated cell. cilia Which row shows where ciliated cells are found in the human gas exchange system and their correct function? location of ciliated cells function of ciliated cells bronchi trachea move mucus move mucus away from lungs towards lungs A J Jv Jv x B J Jv x J Cc Jv x Jv x D x Jv x Jv

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2024

2 What is the function of ciliated cells in the bronchi? A absorption of oxygen B movement of mucus C production of mucus D transport of oxygen

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2024

1 Which row correctly identifies the function of a ciliated cell in the bronchus of a healthy human? substance being moved direction of movement A air towards bronchioles B air towards trachea C mucus towards bronchioles D mucus towards trachea

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2024

7 Which row describes how the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration in blood changes as the blood passes through the lungs? oxygen carbon dioxide concentration concentration A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2024

9 The diagram shows part of the breathing system. P Q R S Which row identifies structures P, Q, R and S? alveolus capillary plasma red blood cell A P Q R S B Q R S P C R S P Q D S P Q R

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2025

11 The graphs show how the rate and depth of breathing varies when a student does four different activities. Which graph shows when the student is most active? A B volume of volume of air in lungs air in lungs 0 0 0 10 20 0 10 20 time / s time / s C D volume of volume of air in lungs air in lungs 0 0 0 10 20 0 10 20 time / s time / s

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2025

9 Which row describes gas exchange surfaces in humans? thickness surface area of surface A thick large B thick small C thin large D thin small

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2025

12 What happens to breathing in humans during exercise? depth of breathing rate of breathing A increases increases B increases no change C no change increases D no change no change

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2025

10 The diagram shows structures called lamellae. Lamellae are found in the gills of fish. lamellae Lamellae give the gills a large surface area. The gills are the site of gas exchange in fish. What is the effect of this large surface area? A low rate of carbon dioxide diffusion into the blood B low rate of oxygen diffusion into the blood C high rate of carbon dioxide diffusion into the blood D high rate of oxygen diffusion into the blood

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2025