1.

What normally prevents the membranes of the alveoli from sticking together during expiration?
A.

The thickness of the single-cell layer of alveoli membranes

B.

The secretion of fluids in the inner surface of the alveoli

C.

The pressure within the thoracic cavity

D.

The dense net of capillaries covering the alveoli

(Total 1 mark)

2.

Which of the following is part of the process of cellular respiration?

A.

Changes in the volume of the thoracic cavity

B.

Exchange of gases across the surface of the alveoli

C.

Exchange of gases across the surface of capillaries

D.

Glycolysis
(Total 1 mark)

IB Questionbank Biology

3.

What is the function of the structure labelled X?

[From: www.medical-look.com/human_anatomy/organs/Lungs.html]

A.

Gas exchange

B.

Ventilation

C.

Respiration

D.

Inspiration
(Total 1 mark)

4.

What causes air to be breathed out by the lungs?

A.

The diaphragm relaxes and the ribs fall.

B.

The ribs rise and the external intercostal muscles relax.

C.

The internal intercostal muscles contract and the ribs rise.

D.

The diaphragm contracts and internal intercostal muscles contract.

(Total 1 mark)

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5.

What feature of alveoli adapts them to efficient gas exchange?

A.

They have muscles which pump air in and out regularly.

B.

Their membranes are more permeable to gases than water.

C.

A constant blood supply flows through them.

D.

A dense network of capillaries surrounds them.

(Total 1 mark)

6.

Which muscle action is associated with an increase in the volume of the thoracic cavity during
inspiration?
A.

The diaphragm contracts.

B.

The external intercostal muscles relax.

C.

The internal intercostal muscles contract.

D.

The abdominal muscles contract.

(Total 1 mark)

7.

What change occurs to the pressure and volume of the lungs when the external intercostal
muscles contract?
A.

Both pressure and volume increase.

B.

Pressure increases and volume decreases.

C.

Pressure decreases and volume increases.

D.

Both pressure and volume decrease.

(Total 1 mark)

IB Questionbank Biology

8.

Capillaries surround the alveoli in the lungs. Which pair of statements correctly describes the
concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs?
Oxygen

Carbon dioxide

A.

Higher in the capillaries

Higher in the alveoli

B.

Lower in the capillaries

Higher in the alveoli

C.

Lower in the alveoli

Higher in the capillaries

D.

Higher in the alveoli

Higher in the capillaries

(Total 1 mark)

9.

(a)

State a word equation for anaerobic cell respiration in humans.

......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Describe the need for a ventilation system in humans.

......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

IB Questionbank Biology

(c)

Sketch the hormone changes between days 13 and 28 on the graphs below for a woman in
her normal menstrual cycle.

[Source: adapted from www.mivf.com.au/ivf/infertility/images/cyclediagram.GIF]

(2)
(Total 5 marks)

10.

Up to two additional marks are available for the construction of your answers.
(2)

(a)

Draw a labelled diagram to show the human ventilation system.

(4)

(b)

Outline anaerobic cell respiration in plant cells.

(5)

(c)

Explain the concept of homeostasis, using the control of blood sugar as an example.
(9)
(Total 20 marks)

IB Questionbank Biology