Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Control and coordination in mammals

Control and coordination in mammals — practice question

Blood was collected each day for 44 days from a 29 year old woman. The concentrations of oestrogen, progesterone and luteinising hormone (LH) in the sample were determined. The results are shown in Fig. 4.1.
(a(i))[2]

Estimate the length of the woman’s menstrual cycle. Explain how you obtained your answer.

(a(ii))[2]

The luteal phase is the part of the cycle in which a corpus luteum is present in the ovaries. It starts immediately after ovulation and ends when menstruation begins. Use Fig. 4.1 to suggest when the luteal phase began and ended.

(a(iii))[1]

Name the organ from which LH is secreted.

(a(iv))[3]

Describe the functions of LH in the menstrual cycle.

(b(i))[2]

Suggest why the researchers used two methods to work out the phase of the menstrual cycle.

(b(ii))[4]

The average score for women who took the tests on day $2$ of their cycle was $10$ out of $24$. The average score for women who took the tests on day $22$ of their cycle was $14$ out of $24$. Discuss whether these results provide support for the hypothesis that the concentration of oestrogen in the blood affects the ability to perform spatial tasks.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Two oestrogen peaks were identified and the interval between them was calculated

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