Circulatory systems — Paper 3 · IGCSE Science - Combined 0653

1 (a) Use the following words or phrases to complete the flow chart about the transport of oxygen to the tissues of the body. Each word or phrase may be used once, more than once, or not at all. aorta capillaries muscles plasma platelets pulmonary artery pulmonary vein red blood cells white blood cells Oxygen diffuses into the blood from the air in the alveoli. Oxygen is carried in the blood by the … . Blood travels from the lungs through the … towards the heart. Blood leaves the heart to go around the body through the … . Blood enters the … in the tissues. Oxygen diffuses into tissue cells. [4] (b) A person is going to run a race. Her heart starts to beat faster as she is waiting to start. This is due to the hormone adrenaline being released into her bloodstream. (i) Explain why the heart is described as a target organ. … … [1] (ii) Describe how the adrenaline is removed from the bloodstream after the race. … … [1] (c) Fig. 1.1 shows the human gas exchange system. A B Fig. 1.1 Name the structures A and B shown in Fig. 1.1. A … B … [2] (d) Describe two ways in which a person’s pattern of breathing changes during a race. 1. … 2. … [2]

10 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a) red blood cells ; pulmonary vein ; aorta ; capillaries ; 4 1(b)(i) activity is affected by the adrenaline ; 1 1(b)(ii) (destroyed) by the liver ; 1 1(c) A trachea ; B bronchiole ; 2 1(d) becomes faster ; becomes deeper ; 2

This question in 0653/31 Oct/Nov 2017

1 (a) Fig. 1.1 is a diagram of a human heart. Y X Fig. 1.1 (i) Name artery X shown in Fig. 1.1. … [1] (ii) Vein Y brings blood to the heart from the body. Name vein Y shown in Fig. 1.1. … [1] (iii) Name the structures that make sure there is one-way flow of blood through the heart. … [1] (iv) Fig. 1.2 is a diagram of the cross-section of three different blood vessels, P, Q and R. P Q R Fig. 1.2 Identify which blood vessel, P, Q or R, represents a vein. Explain your answer. blood vessel P, Q or R … explanation … … [2] (b) Fig. 1.3 shows the pulse rate of two students before, during and after exercise. recovery time 140 120 100 pulse rate 80 student A(beats per minute) 60 student B recovery 40 time 20 0 before exercise exercise after exercise time Fig. 1.3 Describe one similarity and two differences in the pulse rates of students A and B shown in Fig. 1.3. similarity … … difference 1 … … difference 2 … … [3] [Total: 8]

8 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a)(i) coronary ; 1 1(a)(ii) vena cava ; 1 1(a)(iii) valves ; 1 1(a)(iv) Q ; and any one from: has a large lumen ; has a thin (muscle) wall ; 2 1(b) (similarity) any one from: pulse rates increase during exercise ; pulse rates decrease after exercise ; pulse rates return, to normal / to rate before exercise ; (differences) any two from: Student A has higher pulse rate (before or during or after exercise) / ora ; Student A has higher increase in pulse rate (during exercise) / ora ; Student A has longer recovery time / ora ; 3

This question in 0653/32 Feb/March 2020

4 (a) Fig. 4.1 shows a cross-section of a plant stem as seen under a microscope. A D B C Fig. 4.1 (i) State the letter, A, B, C or D, that shows the position of xylem vessels in the plant stem in Fig. 4.1. … [1] (ii) Name the cells that transport sugar through the plant stem. … [1] (b) Use words from the list to complete the definition of transpiration. Each word may be used once, more than once, or not at all. absorption diffusion egestion evaporation fusion Transpiration is the loss of water vapour from plant leaves by … of water at the surface of the mesophyll cells followed by … of water vapour through the stomata. [2] (c) Fig. 4.2 shows a plant that has been next to a window for a few weeks. Fig. 4.2 (i) Name the tropic response shown by the plant in Fig. 4.2 that causes the plant to grow towards the light. … [1] (ii) The plant has flowers with pink petals. State the function of petals. … [1] (d) Some responses in humans are controlled by hormones. (i) Describe how hormones are transported to their target organs. … … … [2] (ii) Adrenaline is a hormone. Describe two effects of adrenaline on the body. 1 … … 2 … … [2] [Total: 10]

10 marks

Mark scheme: 4(a)(i) C ; 1 4(a)(ii) phloem ; 1 4(b) evaporation ; diffusion ; 2 4(c)(i) phototropism ; 1 4(c)(ii) to attract insects ; 1 Question Answer Marks 4(d)(i) any two from: in the blood ; in the plasma ; through, the circulatory system / (blood) vessels ; 2 4(d)(ii) any two from: increased, breathing rate / depth of breathing ; increased, pulse rate / heart rate ; widened pupils ; 2

This question in 0653/32 Oct/Nov 2020

1 (a) Fig. 1.1 is a diagram of the circulatory system in humans. lungs heart X Y body tissues Fig. 1.1 (i) The arrows show the direction of blood flow through the blood vessels. Blood vessels X and Y are two of the main blood vessels attached to the heart. Identify blood vessels X and Y shown in Fig. 1.1. X … Y … [2] (ii) State the function of the heart. … [1] (iii) Circle the name of the tube that connects the lungs to the nose and mouth. alveoli bronchi bronchiole larynx trachea [1] (b) Complete these sentences about the blood. Choose words from the list. Each word may be used once, more than once or not at all. chlorophyll glucose haemoglobin nitrogen oxygen phagocytosis egestion There are two types of blood cells, red blood cells and white blood cells. Red blood cells transport the gas, … . The gas binds to a chemical in red blood cells called … . White blood cells produce antibodies. White blood cells are also involved in the process of … . [3] (c) Fig. 1.2 shows the pulse rate of a person doing different activities. 160 140 120 pulse rate 100 / beats per minute 80 60 40 20 0 sitting standing walking running jumping running slowly fast type of activity Fig. 1.2 (i) Place a tick (3) in one box to show the activity that results in a pulse rate of between 120 and 140 beats per minute. jumping sitting running fast standing running slowly walking [1] (ii) Calculate the difference in pulse rate between sitting and running fast. pulse rate sitting = … beats per minute pulse rate running fast = … beats per minute difference in pulse rate = … beats per minute [2] (iii) Describe how the person’s breathing is different when walking compared to jumping. … … [2] [Total: 12]

12 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a)(i) aorta ; vena cava ; 2 1(a)(ii) pump blood ; 1 1(a)(iii) trachea ; 1 1(b) oxygen ; haemoglobin ; phagocytosis ; 3 1(c)(i) running slowly box ticked ; 1 1(c)(ii) reading values from graph 60 and 150 ; correct subtraction / 90 ; 2 1(c)(iii) lower breathing rate / AW ; lesser depth of breathing / AW ; 2

This question in 0653/31 Oct/Nov 2021

4 (a) A biology teacher measures the pulse rate of five students A–E before and after exercise. Table 4.1 shows the results. Table 4.1 pulse rate before exercise pulse rate after exercise change in pulse rate student / beats per minute / beats per minute / beats per minute A 65 90 25 B 75 102 27 C 78 104 26 D 69 101 32 E 81 109 (i) Calculate the change in pulse rate for student E. … beats per minute [1] (ii) Identify the student with the greatest change in pulse rate. … [1] (b) Fig. 4.1 shows a cross-section through an artery and a vein as seen using a light microscope. vein artery Fig. 4.1 (i) Describe two differences between the structure of the artery and the structure of the vein seen in Fig. 4.1. 1 … … 2 … … [2] (ii) State the role of haemoglobin in the blood. … [1] (c) The heart is used to pump blood around the body. Fig. 4.2 shows a cross-section of the human heart. Fig. 4.2 (i) On Fig. 4.2, draw a label line and the letter S to show the position of the septum. [1] (ii) State the name of the blood vessel that transports blood from the heart to the lungs. … [1] (d) The blood transports hormones around the body. One hormone is released in response to a ‘fight or flight’ situation. (i) State the name of this hormone. … [1] (ii) One effect of this hormone is to increase the pulse rate. Describe one other effect of this hormone on the body. … [1] [Total: 9]

9 marks

Mark scheme: 4(a)(i) 28 ; 1 4(a)(ii) D ; 1 4(b)(i) artery has a smaller internal area / ORA ; artery has a thicker (muscular) wall / ORA ; 2 4b(ii) transport oxygen ; 1 4(c)(i) label line in septum ; 1 4(c)(ii) pulmonary artery ; 1 4(d)(i) adrenaline ; 1 4(d)(ii) increase breathing rate / widen pupils ; 1

This question in 0653/32 Oct/Nov 2021

4 (a) A biology teacher measures the pulse rate of five students A–E before and after exercise. Table 4.1 shows the results. Table 4.1 pulse rate before exercise pulse rate after exercise change in pulse rate student / beats per minute / beats per minute / beats per minute A 65 90 25 B 75 102 27 C 78 104 26 D 69 101 32 E 81 109 (i) Calculate the change in pulse rate for student E. … beats per minute [1] (ii) Identify the student with the greatest change in pulse rate. … [1] (b) Fig. 4.1 shows a cross-section through an artery and a vein as seen using a light microscope. vein artery Fig. 4.1 (i) Describe two differences between the structure of the artery and the structure of the vein seen in Fig. 4.1. 1 … … 2 … … [2] (ii) State the role of haemoglobin in the blood. … [1] (c) The heart is used to pump blood around the body. Fig. 4.2 shows a cross-section of the human heart. Fig. 4.2 (i) On Fig. 4.2, draw a label line and the letter S to show the position of the septum. [1] (ii) State the name of the blood vessel that transports blood from the heart to the lungs. … [1] (d) The blood transports hormones around the body. One hormone is released in response to a ‘fight or flight’ situation. (i) State the name of this hormone. … [1] (ii) One effect of this hormone is to increase the pulse rate. Describe one other effect of this hormone on the body. … [1] [Total: 9]

9 marks

Mark scheme: 4(a)(i) 28 ; 1 4(a)(ii) D ; 1 4(b)(i) artery has a smaller internal area / ORA ; artery has a thicker (muscular) wall / ORA ; 2 4b(ii) transport oxygen ; 1 4(c)(i) label line in septum ; 1 4(c)(ii) pulmonary artery ; 1 4(d)(i) adrenaline ; 1 4(d)(ii) increase breathing rate / widen pupils ; 1

This question in 0653/33 Oct/Nov 2021

4 (a) The boxes on the left show some of the components of blood. The boxes on the right show the functions of the components. Draw one straight line from each component to its function. component function plasma blood clotting platelets transport of oxygen red blood cells transport of soluble nutrients [2] (b) Bacteria are single-celled organisms. Some bacteria infect the body causing harm. Fig. 4.1 shows a diagram of what happens when a cut in the skin becomes infected by bacteria. infected area white blood cells skin bacteria under the skin Fig. 4.1 Suggest two reasons why the number of white blood cells increases at the infected area. 1 … … 2 … … [2] (c) Fig. 4.2 shows a diagram of two different stages during the contraction of the human heart. A B walls relaxing walls contracting walls contracting walls relaxing Fig. 4.2 Complete these sentences about the heart in Fig. 4.2. Choose words from the list. Each word can be used once, more than once or not at all. arteries atria capillaries pumps valves veins ventricles In diagram A the walls of the right and left … are contracting. Blood is pushed out of the heart into blood vessels called … . In diagram B the walls of the right and left … are contracting. Blood is forced to flow in one direction by structures called … . [4] (d) A student investigates the effect of physical activity on pulse rate. • The student measures the pulse rate of five people before physical activity. • Each person then runs for 5 minutes, keeping their speed constant. • The student then measures each pulse rate again. Table 4.1 shows the results. Table 4.1 pulse rate / beats per minute person before physical after physical change in pulse rate activity activity A 70 110 40 B 68 106 38 C 73 114 41 D 76 123 47 E 69 102 (i) Identify the person with the lowest pulse rate before physical activity. … [1] (ii) Calculate the change in pulse rate for person E. change in pulse rate = … beats per minute [1] [Total: 10]

10 marks

Mark scheme: 4(a) plasma blood clotting platelets transport of oxygen red blood cells transport of soluble nutrients ;; 4(b) phagocytosis ; to produce antibodies ; 2 4(c) ventricles ; arteries ; atria ; valves ; 4 4(d)(i) B ; 1 4(d)(ii) 33 (bpm) ; 1

This question in 0653/32 Feb/March 2022

1 (a) Fig. 1.1 is a diagram of the human gas exchange system. A B E D C Fig. 1.1 Identify the letter in Fig. 1.1 that shows: the position of the larynx … the position of the alveoli. … [2] (b) The composition of inspired air is different from expired air. Complete these sentences. Expired air contains … carbon dioxide than inspired air. Expired air also contains … vapour. Both of these substances are products of … , the process used to release energy from nutrients. [3] (c) A student investigates the relationship between height and lung volume in five different people. Fig. 1.2 shows the apparatus the student uses. glass jar rubber tube tank of water Fig. 1.2 Each person blows into the rubber tube. The student records the volume of expired air that is blown into the glass jar by each person. This volume of expired air is used as an estimate of their lung volume. The student also records the height of each person. Table 1.1 shows the results. Table 1.1 person height estimated lung / cm volume / dm3 A 155 3.2 B 122 1.8 C 145 2.9 D 136 2.3 E 140 2.5 (i) Identify the person with the largest estimated lung volume in Table 1.1. … [1] (ii) Describe the relationship between height and estimated lung volume in Table 1.1. … … [1] (d) Fig. 1.3 is a diagram of the human circulatory system. The arrows show the direction of blood flow. lungs right side of the heart left side of the heart all body tissues Fig. 1.3 (i) Draw a label line and the letter P to show the position of the pulmonary vein on Fig. 1.3. [1] (ii) State the name of the structures inside the circulatory system that ensure one-way flow of blood. … [1] (e) Blood contains red blood cells. Describe the function of red blood cells. … … … [2] [Total: 11]

11 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a) A ; E ; 2 1(b) more ; water ; respiration ; 3 1(c)(i) (person) A ; 1 1(c)(ii) taller the person / as the height increases, the greater the (estimated) lung volume ; 1 1(d)(i) pulmonary vein labelled ; 1 1(d)(ii) valves ; 1 1(e) transport oxygen ; ref. haemoglobin ; 2

This question in 0653/32 May/June 2022

1 (a) Fig. 1.1 is a diagram of a human heart. E A D B C Fig. 1.1 (i) State the letter in Fig. 1.1 that identifies the: right atrium … septum … [2] (ii) Part E in Fig. 1.1 transports blood to the body. Circle the name of part E. aorta coronary artery pulmonary artery vena cava [1] (b) A student investigates how their pulse rate changes during different types of physical activity. The pulse rate is measured in beats per minute (bpm). Fig. 1.2 is a bar chart showing the results. 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 pulse rate / bpm 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 sitting walking running step-ups star jumps type of physical activity Fig. 1.2 (i) Identify the type of physical activity in Fig. 1.2 where the pulse rate is the highest. … [1] (ii) Calculate the difference in pulse rate between running and step‑ups. pulse rate during running … bpm pulse rate during step‑ups … bpm difference = … bpm [2] (c) Fig. 1.3 shows a photomicrograph of blood. S P R Q Fig. 1.3 Table 1.1 shows the names and functions of some parts of the blood labelled P, Q, R and S in Fig. 1.3. Complete Table 1.1. Table 1.1 letter in name of part function Fig. 1.3 red blood cell transport of oxygen S transport of hormones white blood cell [3] [Total: 9]

9 marks

Mark scheme: 1(a)(i) D ; C ; 2 1(a)(ii) aorta (circled) ; 1 1(b)(i) star jumps ; 1 1(b)(ii) (running) 110 (bpm) and (step-ups) 96 (bpm) ; (difference =) 14 (bpm) ; 2 1(c) name of part letter in Fig. 1.3 function red blood cell P transport of oxygen plasma S transport of hormones white blood cells Q phagocytosis / produce antibodies ;;; one mark for each correct row 3

This question in 0653/32 May/June 2023

7 (a) Fig. 7.1 shows part of the human circulatory system. lungs R heart Fig. 7.1 (i) The arrows show the direction of blood flow in the circulatory system. Identify the blood vessel labelled R in Fig. 7.1. Circle the correct answer. aorta pulmonary artery pulmonary vein vena cava [1] (ii) State the function of valves in the circulatory system. … [1] (b) The pulse rate of a student is measured at rest and during different types of physical activity. Table 7.1 shows the results. Table 7.1 pulse rate physical activity / beats per minute rest 70 slow walking 112 fast walking 126 running 135 (i) Calculate the percentage increase in pulse rate between rest and slow walking. percentage increase ………………….. [2] (ii) Exercise requires increased muscle contraction. Explain why muscles need more oxygen during exercise. … … … … [2] (c) Humans also have a reproductive system. State the name of the part of the human reproductive system that produces sperm and the part that produces eggs. sperm … eggs … [2] [Total: 8]

8 marks

Mark scheme: 7(a)(i) vena cava ; 1 7(a)(ii) only allow one-way flow of blood ; 1 7(b)(i) (112 – 70 = ) 42 ; (42  70  100) = 60 ; 2 7(b)(ii) reference to respiration (in muscles) ; idea that oxygen is needed to, release / supply energy (in respiration) ; 2 7(c) testes ; ovaries ; 2

This question in 0653/31 May/June 2024

4 (a) Fig. 4.1 is a diagram of the circulatory system in humans where the arrows show the direction of blood flow. Y X Fig. 4.1 (i) Identify the part of the heart labelled X in Fig. 4.1. … [1] (ii) A student states that the part labelled Y in Fig. 4.1 is the pulmonary artery. Describe evidence from Fig. 4.1 that supports this statement. … … … [2] (iii) Describe what happens to the flow of blood through the circulatory system during increased physical activity. … … [1] (b) Two components of blood are red blood cells and plasma. State one similarity between the function of red blood cells and the function of plasma and one difference. similarity … … difference … … [2] (c) White blood cells are another component of blood. (i) State the name of one structure found in a plant cell but not found in a white blood cell. … [1] (ii) Describe how water moves into a cell. … … … [2] [Total: 9]

9 marks

Mark scheme: 4(a)(i) septum ; 1 4(a)(ii) (arrows show) blood flows, away from heart ; 2 towards the lungs ; 4(a)(iii) rate (of blood flow) increases ; 1 4(b) similarity both transport / carry substances ; 2 red blood cells transport oxygen OR plasma transports, hormones / nutrients / carbon dioxide / ions / amino acids ; 4(c)(i) vacuole / cell wall / chloroplast ; 1 4(c)(ii) by osmosis ; 2 through partially permeable membrane ;

This question in 0653/32 Oct/Nov 2024

4 (a) Fig. 4.1 is a diagram of the circulatory system in humans where the arrows show the direction of blood flow. Y X Fig. 4.1 (i) Identify the part of the heart labelled X in Fig. 4.1. … [1] (ii) A student states that the part labelled Y in Fig. 4.1 is the pulmonary artery. Describe evidence from Fig. 4.1 that supports this statement. … … … [2] (iii) Describe what happens to the flow of blood through the circulatory system during increased physical activity. … … [1] (b) Two components of blood are red blood cells and plasma. State one similarity between the function of red blood cells and the function of plasma and one difference. similarity … … difference … … [2] (c) White blood cells are another component of blood. (i) State the name of one structure found in a plant cell but not found in a white blood cell. … [1] (ii) Describe how water moves into a cell. … … … [2] [Total: 9]

9 marks

Mark scheme: 4(a)(i) septum ; 1 4(a)(ii) (arrows show) blood flows, away from heart ; 2 towards the lungs ; 4(a)(iii) rate (of blood flow) increases ; 1 4(b) similarity both transport / carry substances ; 2 red blood cells transport oxygen OR plasma transports, hormones / nutrients / carbon dioxide / ions / amino acids ; 4(c)(i) vacuole / cell wall / chloroplast ; 1 4(c)(ii) by osmosis ; 2 through partially permeable membrane ;

This question in 0653/33 Oct/Nov 2024

1 (a) Fig. 1.1 shows a white blood cell. X Fig. 1.1 (i) Name the part labelled X on Fig. 1.1. … [1] (ii) State one function of white blood cells. … [1] (iii) Circle two structures found in both white blood cells and bacterial cells. cell membrane cell wall cytoplasm circular DNA large vacuole plasmid [2] (b) Blood is part of the circulatory system. Complete the sentence to describe the circulatory system. The circulatory system is a system of blood … with a pump and … to ensure one–way flow of blood. [2] (c) Fig. 1.2 is a graph that shows the heart rate of a person during and after physical activity. 160 140 120 100 heart rate / beats 80 per minute 60 40 20 00 2 4 6 8 time / minutes Fig. 1.2 Calculate the percentage increase in heart rate between 0 minutes and 4 minutes of physical activity. heart rate at 0 minutes of physical activity = … beats per minute heart rate at 4 minutes of physical activity = … beats per minute change in heart rate = … beats per minute percentage increase in heart rate = … [3] [Total: 9]

9 marks

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a)(i) nucleus ; 1 1(a)(ii) produce antibodies / phagocytosis ; 1 1(a)(iii) cell membrane ; 2 cytoplasm ; 1(b) vessels ; 2 valves ; 1(c) 60 and 150 ; 3 (150 – 60) = 90 ; (90 100) = 150(%) ; 60

This question in 0653/32 May/June 2025

2 (a) A student investigates the effect of different physical activity on heart rate. Fig. 2.1 is a bar chart of the results. 160 140 120 100 heart rate / beats per 80 minute 60 40 20 0 sitting fast walk running slow walk jumping type of physical activity Fig. 2.1 (i) Identify the type of physical activity in Fig. 2.1 that: results in the highest heart rate … results in a heart rate of 68 beats per minute. … [2] (ii) Calculate the difference in heart rate between fast walking and slow walking in Fig. 2.1. … beats per minute [1] (iii) The student measures pulse rate to monitor the activity of the heart. State one other way to monitor the activity of the heart. … [1] (b) Physical activity uses energy from respiration. (i) State the word equation for aerobic respiration. … [2] (ii) Name the structures inside cells where aerobic respiration takes place. … [1] (c) Biological molecules in the diet are a source of energy. Chemical digestion breaks down large biological molecules into smaller ones. Complete the sentences about chemical digestion. Choose words from the list. Each word may be used once, more than once or not at all. absorption amino acids assimilation egestion fatty acids glycerol ingestion sugars Proteins are large molecules made from smaller molecules called The smaller molecules move from the small intestine into the blood by the process of The smaller molecules travel in the blood to cells. The smaller molecules are taken up by the cells and used. This process is called [3] [Total: 10]

10 marks

Mark scheme: 2(a)(i) jumping ; 2 sitting ; 2(a)(ii) (94 – 74 =) 20 (beats per minute) ; 1 2(a)(iii) ECG / electrocardiogram / listening to sounds of valves (closing) / stethoscope ; 1 2(b)(i) glucose + oxygen  carbon dioxide + water ;; 2 reactants (either order) = 1 mark products (either order) = 1 mark 2(b)(ii) mitochondria ; 1 2(c) amino acids ; 3 absorption ; assimilation ;

This question in 0653/33 May/June 2025