Gas exchange in humans — Paper 1 · IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) 0654

4 Air is moved in and out of the lungs by changes in the volume of the chest cavity. In which structure are there muscles that help to bring this about? A alveolus B bronchus C diaphragm D trachea

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2006

6 Which sequence shows the correct order of structures through which air passes when we breathe in? A alveolus → bronchiole → trachea → bronchus B bronchus → trachea → alveolus → bronchiole C bronchiole → alveolus → bronchus → trachea D trachea → bronchus → bronchiole → alveolus

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2006

3 The diagram shows a section through the human thorax. Which structure contains goblet cells and cilia? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2007

6 The diagram shows a section through an alveolus and a blood capillary. capillary alveolus Why does oxygen move from the alveolus to the blood capillary? A It diffuses through because of a difference in concentration. B It is forced through the wall of the alveolus by air pressure. C It passes through because carbon dioxide is coming out. D It is sucked in by movement of blood in the capillary.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2008

4 The diagram shows structures in the throat of a mammal. from the nose X from the mouth to the to the lungs stomach What is X? A epiglottis B larynx C oesophagus D trachea

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2008

4 Between which structures are the pleural membranes found? A bronchi and bronchioles B diaphragm and ribs C larynx and trachea D lungs and intercostal muscles

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2009

4 How do goblet cells and cilia help to keep the lungs free from infection? goblet cells cilia A form a secretion that kills viruses cough up the dead viruses B make a fluid that traps bacteria move the fluid from the bronchioles C produce saliva move saliva from the lungs to the mouth D secrete mucus that bacteria stick to pump mucus out of the alveoli

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2009

6 The graph shows changes in his rate of breathing as a boy first walks on the level then climbs a long stair and then walks on the level again. breaths per minute walking starts climbing reaches walking on level to climb top on level Why does his breathing continue for a while at the higher rate after he reaches the top of the stairs? A He is oxidising lactic acid. B He still needs more energy. C His breathing muscles respond slowly. D More glucose is being used up.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2010

4 The graph shows changes in his rate of breathing as a boy first walks on the level then climbs a long stair and then walks on the level again. breaths per minute walking starts climbing reaches walking on level to climb top on level Why does his breathing continue for a while at the higher rate after he reaches the top of the stairs? A He is oxidising lactic acid. B He still needs more energy. C His breathing muscles respond slowly. D More glucose is being used up.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2010

2 The diagram shows four vertebrate animals. P Q R S Which animals have lungs? A P, Q and R B Q, R and S C R, S and P D S, P and Q

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2011

2 The diagram shows four vertebrate animals. P Q R S Which animals have lungs? A P, Q and R B Q, R and S C R, S and P D S, P and Q

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2011

7 Which sequence shows the correct order of structures through which air passes when we breathe in? A alveolus → bronchiole → trachea → bronchus B bronchus → trachea → alveolus → bronchiole C bronchiole → alveolus → bronchus → trachea D trachea → bronchus → bronchiole → alveolus

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2013

8 The graph shows changes in breathing rate as a boy runs a race. P breathing Q rate time start of race end of race What is happening at points P and Q? P Q A breathing rate maximum breathing at resting rate B breathing rate maximum respiration stops C lungs fully inflated breathing at resting rate D lungs fully inflated respiration stops

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2013

7 The diagram shows structures in the throat. from the nose from the mouth X to the to the lungs stomach What is X? A bronchus B larynx C oesophagus D trachea

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2013

8 The graph shows changes in breathing rate as a boy runs a race. P breathing Q rate time start of race end of race What is happening at points P and Q? P Q A breathing rate maximum breathing at resting rate B breathing rate maximum respiration stops C lungs fully inflated breathing at resting rate D lungs fully inflated respiration stops

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2013

9 Which sequence shows the correct order of structures through which air passes when we breathe in? A alveolus → bronchiole → trachea → bronchus B bronchus → trachea → alveolus → bronchiole C bronchiole → alveolus → bronchus → trachea D trachea → bronchus → bronchiole → alveolus

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2013

7 The diagram shows an alveolus, a blood capillary and some red blood cells. key alveolus Hb = haemoglobin HbO2 = haemoglobin combined with oxygen P Q R HbO2 S Hb HbO2 Hb red blood cells blood capillary What is the direction of blood flow in the capillary and the direction of diffusion of oxygen? oxygen blood flow diffusion A P to S Q B P to S R C S to P Q D S to P R

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2013

3 How does oxygen pass from the alveoli to the blood capillaries in the lungs? A diffusion B evaporation C secretion D transpiration

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2014

7 The diagram shows some of the structures in a human lung. Where is the oxygen concentration lowest? from pulmonary artery A D to pulmonary vein B C

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2014

3 How does oxygen pass from the alveoli to the blood capillaries in the lungs? A diffusion B evaporation C secretion D transpiration

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2014

8 The diagram shows some of the structures in a human lung. Where is the oxygen concentration lowest? from pulmonary artery A D to pulmonary vein B C

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2014

6 How does oxygen pass from the alveoli to the blood capillaries in the lungs? A diffusion B evaporation C secretion D transpiration

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2014

7 The diagram shows some of the structures in a human lung. Where is the oxygen concentration lowest? from pulmonary artery A D to pulmonary vein B C

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2014

7 Why does oxygen move from an alveolus to a blood capillary? A It diffuses through because of a difference in concentration. B It is forced through the wall of the alveolus by air pressure. C It passes through because carbon dioxide is coming out. D It is pulled in by movement of blood in the capillary.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2014

7 Why does oxygen move from an alveolus to a blood capillary? A It diffuses through because of a difference in concentration. B It is forced through the wall of the alveolus by air pressure. C It passes through because carbon dioxide is coming out. D It is pulled in by movement of blood in the capillary.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2014

6 During expiration, in which order does air pass through these structures? A alveoli → bronchi → bronchiole → larynx B alveoli → bronchiole → bronchi → larynx C larynx → bronchi → bronchiole → alveoli D larynx → bronchiole → bronchi → alveoli

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2014

9 Which row shows the changes that occur during exercise? breathing rate depth of breathing A greater greater B greater same C same greater D same same

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2015

2 The diagram shows an alveolus and surrounding capillary. capillary alveolus Why does oxygen move from the alveolus to the capillary? A Carbon dioxide molecules move from the capillary to the alveolus. B Inspiration increases the pressure in the lung. C The oxygen is absorbed by osmosis into the blood. D There is an oxygen concentration gradient in this direction.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2015

8 When a person was walking or running, the following measurements were taken. speed number of volume of each / km per hour breaths per minute breath / dm3 4 16 1 6 18 2 8 20 3 How many dm3 of air did the person breathe per minute when running at 6 km per hour? A 18 B 36 C 60 D 108

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2016

9 After feeding a pet animal, it is kept in a large box overnight. Why must the box have holes in it? A so that food can be pushed through the holes B so that the pet can see out C so that urine can drain out D to allow the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with the outside

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2016

6 Which substance is absorbed from the alveoli? A carbon dioxide B oxygen C nitrogen D water vapour

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2016

7 Which statement about expired air is correct? A It contains 16% oxygen. B It contains 21% oxygen. C It contains more carbon dioxide than nitrogen. D It contains no oxygen.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2016

6 Limewater can be used to investigate a difference in the composition of inspired and expired air. Which statement is correct? A Expired air turns limewater milky because it contains less carbon dioxide. B Expired air turns limewater milky because it contains more carbon dioxide. C Inspired air turns limewater milky because it contains less oxygen. D Inspired air turns limewater milky because it contains more oxygen.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2016

8 What is the order of decreasing diameter of the structures found in the breathing system? A alveoli → bronchi → capillaries B alveoli → capillaries → bronchi C bronchi → alveoli → capillaries D capillaries → bronchi → alveoli

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2017

9 The diagram shows the main structures in the breathing system. S R P Q Which row identifies the larynx, bronchus, trachea and bronchioles? larynx bronchus trachea bronchioles A P Q R S B R P S Q C S P R Q D S Q P R

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2017

1 A child blows into a rubber balloon. What is the percentage of oxygen inside the balloon? A 0% B 4% C 16% D 21%

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2017

7 The diagram shows apparatus that could be used to show the presence of carbon dioxide in exhaled air. Which liquid would be used in the test-tube? A amylase solution B limewater C sugar solution D water

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2017

8 During gas exchange in human lungs, which gases show a net diffusion into or out of blood capillaries? carbon dioxide nitrogen oxygen A J Jv x B J x Jv Cc x Jv x D x x Jv

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2018

8 Limewater can be used to test for differences in composition between inspired and expired air. Which row is correct? appearance type of air conclusion of limewater A expired clear to milky more carbon dioxide present B expired milky to clear more carbon dioxide present C inspired clear to milky more oxygen present D inspired milky to clear more oxygen present

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2019

8 Limewater can be used to test for differences in composition between inspired and expired air. Which row is correct? appearance type of air conclusion of limewater A expired clear to milky more carbon dioxide present B expired milky to clear more carbon dioxide present C inspired clear to milky more oxygen present D inspired milky to clear more oxygen present

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2019

8 As a molecule of carbon dioxide is removed from the body, in which order does it pass through these structures? A pulmonary artery → capillary → alveolus → bronchiole B pulmonary artery → capillary → bronchiole → alveolus C pulmonary vein → capillary → alveolus → bronchiole D pulmonary vein → capillary → bronchiole → alveolus

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2020

8 A student breathed gently in and out of the mouth piece of the apparatus shown. mouth piece tube limewater P Q What were the results after 10 breaths? P Q A clear clear B clear milky C milky clear D milky milky

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2020

8 The graph shows the volume of air breathed in and out over a period of time. volume of air breathed in and out X time What happens after time X? breathing rate breathing volume A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 Feb/March 2021

8 A child blows into a rubber balloon. What is the percentage of oxygen inside the balloon? A 0% B 4% C 16% D 21%

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2021

2 Which diagram correctly shows the diffusion of carbon dioxide and oxygen between an alveolus and a capillary? A B air entering air entering blood blood flow flow blood blood flow flow key carbon dioxide oxygen C D air entering air entering blood blood flow flow blood blood flow flow

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2021

8 A child blows into a rubber balloon. What is the percentage of oxygen inside the balloon? A 0% B 4% C 16% D 21%

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2021

2 Which diagram correctly shows the diffusion of carbon dioxide and oxygen between an alveolus and a capillary? A B air entering air entering blood blood flow flow blood blood flow flow key carbon dioxide oxygen C D air entering air entering blood blood flow flow blood blood flow flow

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2021

8 A child blows into a rubber balloon. What is the percentage of oxygen inside the balloon? A 0% B 4% C 16% D 21%

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2021

8 The graph shows the changes in volume of air in the lungs at rest and during exercise. 6 exercise 5 4 rest volume of air in 3 lungs / dm3 2 1 0 time What was the effect of exercise on the rate and depth of breathing? rate of breathing depth of breathing A decrease decrease B decrease increase C increase decrease D increase increase

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2021

8 A person ran up as many stairs as they could in one minute. What would be the effect on their breathing? depth of breathing rate of breathing A decreased decreased B decreased increased C increased decreased D increased increased

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2021

8 The diagram shows the main structures in the breathing system of humans. S R P Q Which row identifies the larynx, bronchus, trachea and bronchioles? larynx bronchus trachea bronchioles A P Q R S B R P S Q C S P R Q D S Q P R

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/12 Feb/March 2022

8 When a person exercises for 10 minutes, what is the effect on the depth and rate of their breathing? depth of breathing rate of breathing A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2022

8 When a person exercises for 10 minutes, what is the effect on the depth and rate of their breathing? depth of breathing rate of breathing A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2022

8 Which diagram of a cell shows the correct movement of substances for the process of aerobic respiration? A B glucose oxygen glucose oxygen carbon water carbon water dioxide dioxide C D glucose oxygen glucose oxygen carbon water carbon water dioxide dioxide

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2022

8 A student places an insect in a sealed test-tube and measures the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the test-tube. The insect is left for 30 minutes. The concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide are then measured again. The results are shown in the table. Which row shows how these concentrations change during the experiment? oxygen carbon dioxide concentration concentration A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2022

8 In the diagram of the human breathing system, which structures are correctly labelled? trachea bronchiole bronchus alveoli A alveoli and bronchiole B alveoli and trachea C bronchus and bronchiole D bronchus and trachea

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2023

8 The apparatus shown is set up and left for 10 minutes. The insects are able to move around in the test-tube but the wire mesh prevents them from falling into the sodium hydroxide. graduated scale thermometer coloured oil droplet water bath insects wire mesh sodium hydroxide (to absorb carbon dioxide) In which direction does the oil droplet move and why? direction of effect of respiration oil droplet of insects A to the left use up carbon dioxide and release oxygen B to the left use up oxygen and release carbon dioxide C to the right use up carbon dioxide and release oxygen D to the right use up oxygen and release carbon dioxide

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2023

8 What is the expected concentration of oxygen and the water vapour content in expired air? oxygen / % water vapour A 16 saturated B 16 variable C 21 saturated D 21 variable

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2023

8 A person inflates a balloon by breathing into it. What is the composition of the air in the balloon? percentage of percentage of oxygen carbon dioxide A 0.04 21 B 4 16 C 16 4 D 21 0.04

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2024

2 By which process does oxygen pass from the alveoli to the blood capillaries in the lungs? A diffusion B osmosis C secretion D transpiration

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2024

8 Which statement about the composition of expired air, compared with inspired air, is correct? A The percentage of carbon dioxide is decreased and the percentage of water vapour is increased. B The percentage of carbon dioxide is increased and the percentage of water vapour is increased. C The percentage of oxygen is decreased and the percentage of carbon dioxide is decreased. D The percentage of oxygen is increased and the percentage of carbon dioxide is decreased.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2024

2 By which process does oxygen pass from the alveoli to the blood capillaries in the lungs? A diffusion B osmosis C secretion D transpiration

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2024

8 Which statement about the composition of expired air, compared with inspired air, is correct? A The percentage of carbon dioxide is decreased and the percentage of water vapour is increased. B The percentage of carbon dioxide is increased and the percentage of water vapour is increased. C The percentage of oxygen is decreased and the percentage of carbon dioxide is decreased. D The percentage of oxygen is increased and the percentage of carbon dioxide is decreased.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2024

8 Which row shows the changes that occur during exercise? breathing rate depth of breathing A increases increases B increases stays the same C stays the same increases D stays the same stays the same

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2024

8 Which row shows the changes that occur during exercise? breathing rate depth of breathing A increases increases B increases stays the same C stays the same increases D stays the same stays the same

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2024

11 Which row shows the effect of physical activity on breathing? rate of breathing depth of breathing compared to compared to when at rest when at rest A faster deeper B slower deeper C faster shallower D slower shallower

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 Feb/March 2025

10 The diagram shows the human gas exchange system. Which label shows the diaphragm? D A B C

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/11 May/June 2025

9 Which row shows the percentages for inspired air and expired air? inspired air / % expired air / % oxygen carbon dioxide oxygen carbon dioxide A 21 0.04 17 4 B 21 0.04 21 0.04 C 17 4 17 4 D 17 4 21 0.04

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 May/June 2025

9 Which row shows the percentages for inspired air and expired air? inspired air / % expired air / % oxygen carbon dioxide oxygen carbon dioxide A 21 0.04 17 4 B 21 0.04 21 0.04 C 17 4 17 4 D 17 4 21 0.04

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 May/June 2025

2 The diagram shows part of the breathing system in humans. X Which cell type makes up part of structure X? A ciliated B gamete C palisade mesophyll D phloem

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2025

10 Which gas in expired air has a greater percentage composition than in inspired air? A carbon dioxide B methane C nitrogen D oxygen

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/11 Oct/Nov 2025

8 A student runs 5 km. Which statement describes the change in the student’s breathing 5 minutes after the run ends? A Depth decreases and rate decreases. B Depth decreases and rate increases. C Depth increases and rate decreases. D Depth increases and rate increases.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/12 Oct/Nov 2025

8 A student runs 5 km. Which statement describes the change in the student’s breathing 5 minutes after the run ends? A Depth decreases and rate decreases. B Depth decreases and rate increases. C Depth increases and rate decreases. D Depth increases and rate increases.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/13 Oct/Nov 2025