Home / iGCSE Biology (0610)-10.1 Diseases and immunity – iGCSE Style Questions Paper 3

iGCSE Biology (0610)-10.1 Diseases and immunity – iGCSE Style Questions Paper 3

IGCSE Biology (0610) Practice Questions Paper 3 - All Chapters
Question

(a) Symptoms of the disease influenza may include sneezing. Fig. 4.1 shows a sign at a hospital.

Explain why washing your hands after sneezing can help to prevent the spread of disease.

(b) State two ways of preventing the spread of disease through water.

(c) State three ways the body defends itself against disease.

(d) Identify each disease or virus as transmissible or non‑transmissible by drawing a circle around the correct word.

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – transmissible / non‑transmissible
  • coronary heart disease (CHD) – transmissible / non‑transmissible
  • scurvy – transmissible / non‑transmissible
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

Ans:

(a) Sneezing releases droplets containing pathogens (e.g., viruses or bacteria). Washing hands removes these pathogens, reducing the risk of transmission to others via surfaces or direct contact.

(b) Two effective methods are:

  • Boiling water to kill pathogens.
  • Chlorination or UV treatment to sterilize water.

(c) The body defends itself through:

  • Physical barriers like skin and mucus.
  • Chemical defenses such as stomach acid.
  • Immune responses like white blood cells and antibodies.

(d) Classification:

  • HIV: transmissible (spreads via bodily fluids).
  • CHD: non-transmissible (caused by lifestyle/genetics).
  • Scurvy: non-transmissible (due to vitamin C deficiency).
Question

Fig. 4.1 is a photograph of part of a kitchen.

Kitchen Photograph

(a) Describe methods of maintaining hygiene in the home that reduce the spread of disease.

(b) State two ways that pathogens can be transmitted indirectly.

(c) State three body defences against infection.

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

(a) Any four from:

  • Clean water supply
  • Hygienic food preparation (e.g., washing vegetables, cooking meat thoroughly)
  • General cleaning methods (e.g., disinfecting surfaces, washing utensils)
  • Good personal hygiene (e.g., handwashing, covering mouth when coughing)
  • Proper waste disposal (e.g., sealed bins, regular trash removal)
  • Correct storage of food (e.g., refrigeration, airtight containers)
  • Prevention/removal of pests (e.g., sealing cracks, using traps)

Explanation: Maintaining hygiene in the home involves practices that eliminate or reduce pathogens. Clean water, proper food handling, and sanitation prevent microbial growth, while personal hygiene and waste management limit disease transmission.

(b) Any two from:

  • Contaminated surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, countertops)
  • Contaminated food or water
  • Vectors like insects or animals
  • Airborne droplets or dust
  • Sewage or unclean water sources

Explanation: Indirect transmission occurs when pathogens spread via intermediate objects or organisms. Examples include touching a contaminated surface or consuming improperly handled food.

(c) Any three from:

  • Skin (physical barrier)
  • Hairs in the nose (trap particles)
  • Tears (contain lysozyme to kill bacteria)
  • Mucus (traps pathogens in respiratory tract)
  • White blood cells (e.g., phagocytes engulf pathogens)
  • Antibodies (target specific antigens)
  • Stomach acid (kills ingested microbes)

Explanation: The body employs multiple defence mechanisms. Physical barriers (skin, mucus), chemical defences (tears, stomach acid), and immune responses (WBCs, antibodies) work together to prevent or combat infections.

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