Oxford AQA International A-level · Biology (9610)

The causes of disease: pathogens, lifestyle and genes: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on The causes of disease: pathogens, lifestyle and genes.

10 questions26 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

In the study of non-communicable diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease, which of the following best defines a risk factor?

Question 2

1 mark

The risk of thrombosis and aneurysm is significantly increased by the presence of an atheroma. Which of the following correctly links an atheroma to a thrombosis?

Question 3

1 mark

Disease results when pathogens penetrate the body's interfaces with the environment. Which biological interface is most likely the entry point for a pathogen that primarily results in symptoms of severe abdominal pain and frequent watery stools?

Question 4

1 mark

A study compares two groups of people over 20 years. Group X follows a diet high in saturated fats and has a sedentary lifestyle. Group Y follows a balanced diet and exercises regularly. The study finds that Group X has a relative risk of \( 2.5 \) for developing an atheroma. If the incidence in Group Y is \( 4 \) per \( 1000 \), what is the expected incidence in Group X?

Question 5

1 mark

Epidemiological studies have identified several risk factors associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). Which combination of factors represents lifestyle choices that significantly increase the risk of developing CHD?

Question 6

3 marks

Describe two primary mechanisms by which pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, cause damage to the host tissues and result in disease symptoms.

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Question 7

5 marks

Explain why antigen variability in certain pathogens, such as the influenza virus, makes it difficult for the human immune system to provide long-term protection against reinfection.

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Question 8

3 marks

Explain why the gas-exchange and digestive systems are particularly vulnerable interfaces for the penetration of pathogens into a mammal's body.

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Question 9

4 marks

Epidemiological studies have identified a strong correlation between cigarette smoking and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD).
a) Distinguish between the term 'correlation' and a 'causal relationship' in the context of lifestyle risk factors and disease.
b) List two other specific risk factors, excluding smoking, that are known to increase the probability of a person developing coronary heart disease.

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Question 10

6 marks

Pathogens frequently enter the mammalian body through interfaces with the environment, such as the gas-exchange system.
a) Explain why the structural adaptations of the gas-exchange surface make it a particularly vulnerable site for the penetration of pathogens.
b) Some pathogenic bacteria produce exotoxins. Explain how these molecules, which are often proteins, can lead to the physiological symptoms of a disease.
c) Contrast the method of cellular damage caused by a virus with that of a bacterium that primarily causes disease via the release of endotoxins.

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