Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · The gas exchange system

The gas exchange system — practice question

As tobacco smoke is breathed in, substances including nicotine and carbon monoxide pass into the circulatory system via the gas exchange system. Tar accumulates on the lining of the gas exchange system. Many people choose to stop smoking tobacco so that their health improves.
(a)[3]

Fig. 5.1 shows some of the structures of the human gas exchange system that tobacco smoke travels through. Describe the gross structure of the human gas exchange system.

(b)[2]

Shortly after smoking stops, the short-term actions of nicotine are reversed. State the changes that will happen in the cardiovascular system because nicotine levels are lower.

(c)[4]

Fig. 5.2 presents oxygen dissociation curves for adult haemoglobin. Curve A shows measurements taken from a heavy smoker. Curve B shows measurements taken several weeks after the same individual stopped smoking. With reference to Fig. 5.2, describe and explain how these results demonstrate some of the health benefits of stopping smoking.

(d)[2]

A person who stops smoking lowers their risk of developing lung cancer, a non-infectious disease. Explain why lung cancer is described as non-infectious.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Correct order of the respiratory tract, with nose/mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli; bronchi branch into bronchioles and then into alveoli.

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