1. Describe the following processes which occur during urine formation in mammals.

(a) Ultrafiltration

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

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

(b) Selective reabsorption of glucose

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

2. The diagram below shows the simplified structure of a kidney tubule (nephron).

(a) In the table below, columns 1 and 2 show the quantities of water, glucose and urea passing
through P and Q in a 24 hour period. Column 3 and 4 show the quantities and percentages
reabsorbed during the same period.

Complete the table by writing the correct figures in the boxes labelled (i) to (iv).

Q u a n tity Q u a n tity Q u a n tity P e rc e n ta g e

S u b s ta n c e p a s s in g p a s s in g re a b so rb e d re a b so rb e d
th ro u g h P th ro u g h Q
(i)
W a te r 180 dm ³ 1 .5 d m ³ 1 7 8 .5 d m ³
(ii)
G lu c o s e 180 g 180 g 100
(iii) (iv )
U re a 53 g 25 g

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 (4)
(b) Describe how R is involved in adjusting the concentration of the filtrate as it passes
through the medulla of the kidney.

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

3. The graph below shows how the rates of filtration and reabsorption of glucose in human
nephrons vary with concentration of glucose in the blood plasma.

K ey
R a te o f filtra tio n
o r re a b s o rp tio n F iltra tio n ra te
o f g lu c o s e 2 R e a b s o rp tio n ra te
/ m m o l m in – 1

0
0 10 20 30 40
C o n c e n tra tio n o f g lu c o s e
in b lo o d p la s m a / m m o l d m – 3

(a) (i) From the graph determine the maximum rate of glucose reabsorption.

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

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 (ii) Comment on the relationship between filtration rate and reabsorption rate as shown
by these two curves.

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................
(3)

(b) If the concentration of glucose in the blood plasma exceeds 20 mmol dm–3, glucose
appears in the urine. Suggest an explanation for this observation.

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

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

(c) (i) State where in the nephron glucose is reabsorbed.

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

(ii) Describe how glucose is reabsorbed.

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

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

(iii) Name two other substances which are reabsorbed in the same part of the nephron as
glucose.

1 .....................................................................................................................

2 .....................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 mark)

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4. Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which large volumes of dilute urine are produced.

The volume of urine produced each day by a patient with diabetes insipidus was recorded. On
certain days the patient received an injection of pituitary extract. The results are shown in the
table below. The asterisks (*) indicate the days on which pituitary extract was injected.

D ay V o lu m e o f u rin e /d m 3 D ay V o lu m e o f u rin e /d m 3

1 5 .4 9 6 .3
2 6 .0 10 4 .9
3 5 .8 11 5 .1
4 5 .0 12 5 .5
5 7 .0 13* 1 .5
6 5 .7 14* 2 .1
7* 1 .9 15* 2 .4
8 2 .2 16* 1 .7

(a) Describe the effect of the injection of pituitary extract on the volume of urine produced
each day.

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

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

(b) Name the substance responsible for this effect.

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

(c) Describe how this effect is brought about.

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

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5. Read through the following account of kidney function, then write on the dotted lines the most
appropriate word or words to complete the account.

In the kidney, the renal artery branches to form many smaller arterioles, each of which

divides further to form a knot of capillaries called a ...............................................

Here, small molecules such as..................................and

................................................are forced into the cavity of the Bowman’s (renal) capsule

by process of....................................................Selective reabsorption takes place in the

nephron. In the proximal convoluted tubule all the....................................................is

reabsorbed. In the ascending limb of the loop of Henlé, ions are actively pumped out of

the nephron. This causes..................................................to be drawn out of the collecting duct.

(Total 6 marks)

6. An investigation was carried out into the reabsorption of water from the nephrons in human
kidneys.

The total volume of filtrate produced by the glomeruli in the kidneys was 180 dm3 per day.

The table below shows the volumes of water which were reabsorbed from this filtrate in
different regions of the nephrons.

Volume of water reabsorbed

Region of nephrons
/ dm3 per day

Proximal convoluted tubules 147.0

Loops of Henlé 10.0

Distal convoluted tubules 19.2 to 19.5

Collecting ducts 2.2 to 2.7

(a) Calculate the maximum volume of urine produced per day. Show your working.

Answer …………………………….
(2)
(b) (i) Describe how water is reabsorbed from the proximal convoluted

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 tubule.

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….
(3)

(ii) Explain why the volume of water reabsorbed in the distal convoluted tubules and
collecting ducts is variable.

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….
(3)

(c) Explain how the nephrons of desert mammals are adapted to increase conservation of
water.

..………………………………………………………………………………………

..………………………………………………………………………………………

..………………………………………………………………………………………

..………………………………………………………………………………………

..………………………………………………………………………………………

..………………………………………………………………………………………
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

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7. An investigation was carried out into the reabsorption of water from the nephrons in
human kidneys.

The total volume of filtrate produced by the glomeruli in the kidneys was 180 dm3 per day.

The table below shows the volumes of water which were reabsorbed from this filtrate in
different regions of the nephrons.

Volume of water reabsorbed

Region of nephrons
/ dm3 per day

Proximal convoluted tubules 147.0

Loops of Henlé 10.0

Distal convoluted tubules 19.2 to 19.5

Collecting ducts 2.2 to 2.7

(a) Calculate the maximum volume of urine produced per day. Show your working.

Answer …………………………….
(2)

(b) (i) Describe how water is reabsorbed from the proximal convoluted
tubule.

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….
(3)

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 (ii) Explain why the volume of water reabsorbed in the distal convoluted tubules and
collecting ducts is variable.

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….

..……………………………………………………………………………….
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

8. An investigation was carried out into the rate of urine production in normal human subjects.
Ten people fasted overnight, then, at 8.00 a.m., emptied their bladders.

Five subjects then each drank 1 dm3 of water, while the other five (the control group) drank
nothing. All ten then remained at rest and emptied their bladders every half an hour for 2.5
hours. The mean volume of urine produced every half hour, by each of the two groups, was
recorded.

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 The results are shown in the graph below.

300
K EY
280 D ra n k 1 d m 3
o f w a te r
260 C o n tr o l
240

220

200

V o lu m e o f 1 8 0
u rin e / c m 3
160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
0 30 60 90 120 150
T im e / m in
(a) Describe the results obtained for the control group.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

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

(b) Compare the results for the group who drank water with those for the control group.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

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

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 (c) Explain the changes in the volumes of urine produced by the group who drank water, over
the time period from 30 to 90 minutes.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….
(4)

(d) Suggest how the results for this group might have differed if they had taken exercise
during the experiment. Explain your answer.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

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9. The diagrams below are from different regions of a mammalian kidney and show transverse
sections of proximal convoluted tubules, distal convoluted tubules and loops of Henlé.

(a) Identify the region of the kidney shown in diagram A, giving a reason for your answer.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………….

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

(b) (i) The tissue was stained during the preparation of the sections. The cells
of the proximal convoluted tubules stained more densely than those of the distal
convoluted tubules because they contained a greater density of organelles. Explain
this difference in density of organelles in terms of the functions of the proximal
convoluted tubule.

…………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….
(3)

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 (ii) State two ways, shown in the diagrams and other than the dense staining of the
cytoplasm of the cells, in which the proximal convoluted tubules differ from the
distal convoluted tubules.

1 ………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….

2 ………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….
(2)

(c) (i) State the function of the loop of Henlé.

…………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….
(1)

(ii) Describe the role of the descending limb of the loop of Henlé.

…………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….

…………………………………………………………………..…………….
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

10. An investigation was carried out to determine the quantities of water, glucose and urea passing
through different parts of kidney nephrons in 24 hours.

The results are shown in the table below.

Substance Quantity passing Quantity passing Percentage

through Bowman’s through collecting reabsorbed
capsules ducts
Water 190 dm3 1.5 dm3
Glucose 180 g 0.0 g 100
Urea 53 g 25 g 52.8

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 (a) Calculate the percentage reabsorption of water. Show your working.

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

(b) Explain how each of the following substances is reabsorbed from the proximal convoluted
tubule of the nephron.

(i) glucose

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii) water

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(3)

(c) Suggest a reason why some urea is reabsorbed by the nephron.

.................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

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11. An investigation was carried out into the excretion of urea in the urine of a healthy student on a
high and low protein diet.

The results for each diet are shown in the table below. The results are mean values for the
second, third and fourth days after starting the diet.

Diet Protein intake/g per day Daily output of urea /g

High protein 189 21.4

Low protein 56 8.5

(a) Calculate the percentage decrease in the daily output of urea between the two diets. Show
your working.

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

(b) Give an explanation for this difference in the daily output of urea.

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................
(3)

(c) Suggest why many aquatic organisms excrete ammonia, rather than urea, as the end
product blank of protein metabolism.

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

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12. The diagram below represents a kidney tubule (nephron).

B
D

(a) Name the parts labelled A, B, C and D.

A .................................................................................................................................

B .................................................................................................................................

C .................................................................................................................................

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

(b) The concentration of urea was measured in the parts of the nephron labelled A, B and D.

Part of nephron Concentration of urea / g dm–3

A 0.30

B 0.55

D 6.0-7.0

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 (i) Explain how the change in the urea concentration between part A and part B is
brought about.

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

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

(ii) Explain why the urea concentration in part D of the nephron may vary at different
times during the day.

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................
(3)

(c) When this person ate a high protein diet, the urea concentration in part A of the nephron
was 0.36 g dm–3.

(i) Calculate the percentage change in the urea concentration in part A resulting from
this change in diet.

Answer..............................................
(3)

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 (ii) Give an explanation for this change in urea concentration.

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 13 marks)

13. An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of salt intake on the volume of urine
excreted.

Three male volunteers were kept on a salt free diet for two weeks. Their kidney function was
then tested by asking each to drink one litre of water and then measuring the volume of urine
produced every 20 minutes. This experiment was then repeated with the same volunteers after
they had eaten a diet having normal salt levels for a further two weeks.

An extract from the investigator’s notebook showing the results of this experiment is given
below.

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 (a) Tabulate these data, organising them in a suitable way so that the effect of the different
diets on urine production can be compared.
(4)

(b) Use your tabulated results to draw a graph to compare the effect of the different diets on
urine production.
(4)

(c) Give two conclusions that you could draw from the results of this investigation.
(2)

(d) Suggest two ways in which this investigation could be modified to produce more reliable
results.
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

14. The diagram below shows the simplified structure of a kidney tubule (nephron).

A s c e n d in g lim b
o f th e lo o p o f H e n lé
Q

(a) The table below shows the quantities of water and urea passing through P and Q in a
period of 24 hours. The table also shows the quantities and percentages reabsorbed during
the same period.

Complete the table by writing the correct figures in the boxes labelled (i), (ii), (iii) and
(iv).

Quantity passing Quantity passing Quantity Percentage

Substances
through P through Q reabsorbed reabsorbed

Water 180 dm³ 1.5 dm³ 178.5 dm³ (i)

Urea 53 g 25 g (ii) (iii)

Glucose 180 g (iv) 180 g 100

(4)

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 (b) Describe how the ascending limb of the loop of Henlé is involved in adjusting the
concentration of the filtrate as it passes through the medulla in the kidney.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………..
(4)
(Total 8 marks)

15. (a) The formation of the mammalian excretory product urea can be summarised by the
following word equation.

Ammonia + Carbon dioxide → Urea + Water

(i) Name the organ in which urea is formed.

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

(ii) State how the ammonia is produced.

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

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

(iii) Suggest how the carbon dioxide used in the formation of urea is produced.

..........................................................................................................................

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

(b) In an investigation, a student compared the concentration of urea in her urine before and
after taking a drink of water.

The student measured the concentration of urea in urine samples for a period of 5 days.
Each day she took a urine sample within 15 minutes of waking after a night’s sleep. She
then drank 0.75 dm3 water. A second urine sample was then taken 30 minutes after
drinking the water.

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 The results of this investigation are shown in the table.

Urea concentration Urea concentration

before drinking after drinking
Day / mol dm–3 / mol dm–3
1 1.1 0.2
2 1.3 0.3
3 1.1 0.3
4 1.0 0.1
5 1.5 0.3

Mean 1.2 0.2

(i) Calculate the mean percentage change in the urea concentration as a result of taking
the drink of water. Show your working.

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

(ii) Explain how drinking the water may have caused the reduction in urea
concentration in the urine.

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................
(4)

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 (iii) Suggest why an estimate of the urea concentration in urine is not a reliable estimate
of the total solute concentration of the urine.

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

16. The diagram shows part of a nephron from a mammalian kidney.

B lo o d e n te r in g
v ia a ffe re n t
a rte rio le

G lo m e ru lu s

C a v ity o f re n a l
( B o w m a n 's ) B lo o d le a v in g
c a p s u le v ia e ffe re n t
a rte rio le

F iltr a te p a s s in g
to re s t o f n e p h ro n

(a) Name the region of the kidney in which the renal capsules are found.

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

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 (b) Describe and explain the process of ultrafiltration.

……………………………………………….………………………………………

……………………………………………….………………………………………

……………………………………………….………………………………………

……………………………………………….………………………………………

……………………………………………….………………………………………

……………………………………………….………………………………………

……………………………………………….………………………………………

……………………………………………….………………………………………
(4)

(c) Name one substance, filtered from the blood, that would be completely reabsorbed as the
filtrate passes through the nephron.

……………………………………………….………………………………………
(1)
(Total 6 marks)

17. The diagram below represents a kidney tubule (nephron).

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 (a) Name the regions labelled A, B and C.

A …………………………………………………………………………………………..

B …………………………………………………………………………………………..

C …………………………………………………………………………………………..
(1)

(b) In an investigation on a person eating a balanced diet, the concentration of urea over a
24 hour period was measured in the nephron regions A, B and C. The mean values of the
urea concentrations are shown in the graph below.

7 .0

M ean 6 .0
c o n c e n tra tio n
o f u re a 5 .0
/ g d m –3
4 .0

3 .0

2 .0

1 .0

0
A B C
R e g io n o f n e p h ro n

Explain how the change in urea concentration between parts A and B of the nephron is
brought about.

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

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

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 (c) Although the urea concentration in regions A and B remained relatively constant
–3
throughout the time period, the concentration in region C varied between 6 and 7 g dm .
Suggest an explanation for this variation.

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................
(3)

(d) In a similar investigation, the person ate high protein meals during the 24 hour period. The
urea concentration in region A of the nephron was found to have increased from 0.30 to
–3
0.38 g dm .

Give an explanation for the increase in urea concentration.

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 10 marks)

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18. The cell surface membrane is a barrier which prevents foreign material entering the cell and vital
molecules and organelles from leaving. All cell membranes have some limited permeability to
water, but the epithelial cells lining parts of the kidney nephrons have membrane water
permeabilities many times greater than the normal level. This is due to the presence of specific
membrane proteins, known as aquaporins, which only allow the passage of water molecules.

(a) Explain why fatty acids and cholesterol, oxygen and carbon dioxide all diffuse freely
through the cell surface membrane, but polar molecules and ions, such as sodium, do not.

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................
(3)

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 (b) The graph below shows the permeability to water of different parts of the nephron.

10 000
P e rm e a b ility
to w a te r / a rb itra ry
u n its (lo g s c a le )
H ig h
A D H
1000

100
Low
A D H

10
P ro x im a l D e s c e n d in g A s c e n d in g D is ta l C o lle c tin g
c o n v o lu te d lim b lim b c o n v o lu te d duct
tu b u le tu b u le
Loop of Henlé

Part of nephron

What can you conclude from the graph about the number of aquaporins in the proximal
convoluted tubule compared with the number in the distal convoluted tubule?

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

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

(c) Reabsorption of water from the filtrate depends on a water potential gradient between the
filtrate and the blood. Explain how a water potential gradient is created in the proximal
convoluted tubule.

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

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

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 (d) Using the information in the graph, and your own knowledge, explain how the loop of
Henlé enables the kidney to produce concentrated urine.

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................
(5)

(e) Describe and suggest an explanation for the effect of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) on the
membrane permeability of the cells of the collecting duct, as shown on the graph.

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 15 marks)

19. The table below shows the typical concentration of four solutes (urea, glucose, sodium ions and
potassium ions) in the filtrate produced in the Bowman’s capsule and in the proximal convoluted
tubule of a nephron (kidney tubule).

–3
Concentration of solute / g dm
Solute Proximal convoluted
Bowman’s capsule tubule
Urea 0.30 0.55
Glucose 0.10 0.00
Sodium ions 0.33 0.33
Potassium ions 0.17 0.02

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 (a) Explain how the filtrate is produced in the Bowman’s capsule.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………
(3)

(b) In the proximal convoluted tubule, large volumes of water are reabsorbed from the filtrate
into the blood. Suggest why the concentration of sodium ions remains unchanged but the
concentration of urea increases in the proximal convoluted tubule.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………
(3)

(c) The concentration of glucose decreases to zero in the proximal convoluted tubule. Suggest
why it is necessary for complete glucose reabsorption to occur.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

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20. The graph below shows how the rates of filtration and reabsorption of glucose in human
nephrons vary with the concentration of glucose in the blood plasma.

4 F iltra tio n ra te

R a te o f filtra tio n
o r re a b s o rp tio n
o f g lu c o s e 2 R e a b s o rp tio n ra te
/ m m o l m in –1

0
0 10 20 30 40
C o n c e n tra tio n o f g lu c o s e
–3
in b lo o d p la s m a / m m o l d m

(a) Name the region of the nephron where glucose is filtered and the region where it is
reabsorbed.

Region of glucose filtration ..........................................................................................

Region of glucose reabsorption ....................................................................................

(2)

(b) Name one other substance which is reabsorbed in the same part of the nephron as glucose.

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

(c) With reference to the graph, describe the relationship between filtration rate and
reabsorption rate as the concentration of glucose in the blood plasma increases.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(3)

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 (d) Using the information in the graph, explain why glucose appears in the urine when the
3
plasma glucose concentration exceeds 10 mmol per dm .

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

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

(e) Suggest why the presence of glucose in the urine results in the production of a larger
volume of urine than when glucose is not present.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

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21. An investigation was carried out into the effect of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) on urine
production in a mammal. The rate of urine production was measured over a period of 30
minutes. Five minutes after measurements began, ADH was injected into a vein of the mammal.
The results are shown in the graph below.

In je c tio n o f A D H

R a te o f
u rin e 4
p ro d u c tio n
/ c m 3 m in –1

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
T im e / m in

(a) Name the gland that releases ADH.

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

(b) Describe the effect of the injection of ADH on the rate of urine production in the mammal
in this investigation.

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................
(3)

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 (c) Describe the mechanism by which ADH produces the effect seen in this investigation.

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.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................
(4)

(d) In a similar investigation, an injection of sodium chloride (salt) solution was given after
five minutes instead of ADH. This injection was observed to affect urine production in a
similar way to ADH. Suggest how the sodium chloride brought about this effect.

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

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22. The table below shows the average concentrations of four substances, urea, glucose, sodium ions
and potassium ions, in different regions of the kidney tubule (nephron). The figures are
expressed as g dm−³

Concentration of substance / g dm–3

Substance Bowman’s Proximal Distal Collecting

capsule convoluted convoluted duct
tubule tubule

Urea 0.3 0.55 6 15

Glucose 0.1 0 0 0

Sodium ions 0.33 0.33 0.1 0.33

Potassium ions 0.17 0.02 0.06 0.85

(a) Large volumes of water are reabsorbed into the blood from the proximal convoluted
tubule. Suggest why the concentration of sodium ions remains unchanged but the
concentration of urea increases.
(2)

(b) (i) Calculate the percentage change in the concentration of urea between
the beginning and the end of the tubule. Show your working.
(2)

(ii) Suggest a reason for the change in the concentration of urea in the distal convoluted
tubule and the collecting duct.
(1)

(c) Comment on the changes in the concentration of sodium ions and potassium ions in the
distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct.
(2)

(d) The concentration of glucose falls to 0 in the proximal convoluted tubule. Explain how
this is brought about.
(2)

(e) The diagram below shows a section through a cell wall of the proximal convoluted tubule
of a kidney nephron.

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 (i) Name the features X and Y on the diagram of the cell from the proximal convoluted
tubule and indicate their significance in the process you described in (d).

X ……………………………………………………………………………..

Significance ………………………………………………………………….
(2)

Y ………………………………………………………………………..…….

Significance …………………………………………………………………..
(2)

(ii) Name two structures other than those labelled X and Y which indicate that this is a
eukaryotic cell.

1 ………………………………………………………………………………

2 ………………………………………………………………………………
(2)
(Total 15 marks)

23. An investigation was carried out into the water balance of the body in different situations. A
record was kept of the water intake and water output of a student on three separate days: a
normal day spent indoors in warm temperatures, a day spent outside in cold weather and a day
during which the student ran a cross-country race. On each day, the total water uptake by the
body was the same as the water output.

The results are shown in the table below.

Water source Normal day Cold day Day of race

Uptake / cm3
In drinks 1500 1500 (i) ....................
In food 800 800 1500
Oxidation of food 300 300 500

Total 2600 2600 (ii)…………..

Output 1 cm3
Urine 1100 1500 1200
Sweat 1000 600 3000
From lungs 400 400 600
In faeces 100 100 100

Total 2600 2600 (iii) …………..

(a) Complete the table by calculating the volume of water uptake in drinks and the total water
uptake and output for the day of the cross-country race. Write your answers on the lines
labelled (i), (ii) and (iii) in the table.
(2)

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 (b) (i) Compare the water uptake and output on a normal day with that on a
cold day.

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

…………..………………………………..……………………………………
(3)

(ii) Describe and explain the difference in water output on the normal day and on the
day of the race.

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

…………..………………………………..……………………………………
(3)

(c) (i) Explain how the oxidation of food produces water in the body.

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

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

(ii) Suggest why more water is produced by oxidation of food on the day of the race.

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

…………..………………………………..……………………………………

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

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 (d) During the race, the secretion of adrenaline increases.

Describe and explain one physiological effect that this increase in adrenaline would
have on the student.

…………………………………………………..……………………………………

…………………………………………………..……………………………………

…………………………………………………..……………………………………
(2)
(Total 14 marks)

24. The diagram below shows the loop of Henle from a nephron in the mammalian kidney.
The numbers on the diagram show changes in the relative concentration of solutes in the filtrate
as it passes through this part of the nephron.

D ir e c tio n o f flo w
o f filtr a te

100
300

D e s c e n d in g lim b

300
500

A s c e n d in g lim b

900 700

1200

(a) (i) Explain how, in the ascending limb, the relative concentration of
solutes in the filtrate changes from 700 to 100.

...………………………………………………………………………………

...………………………………………………………………………………

...………………………………………………………………………………

...………………………………………………………………………………
(3)

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 (ii) Explain how, in the descending limb and the base of the loop, the relative
concentration changes from 300 to 1200.

...………………………………………………………………………………

...………………………………………………………………………………

...………………………………………………………………………………

...………………………………………………………………………………
(3)

(b) The ability of the nephron to reabsorb water from the filtrate is important in maintaining
the water balance of the body.

Describe how the concentration changes in the loop of Henlé assist in water reabsorption
from the filtrate back into the body.

...…………………………………………………………………………………....

...…………………………………………………………………………………....

...…………………………………………………………………………………....

...…………………………………………………………………………………....
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

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