Home / iGCSE Biology (0610)-14.4 Homeostasis – iGCSE Style Questions Paper 2

iGCSE Biology (0610)-14.4 Homeostasis – iGCSE Style Questions Paper 2

Question

What is an example of phototropism?

(A) the growth of a root in the direction of gravity
(B) the growth of a shoot towards light
(C) the release of energy from glucose using light
(D) the synthesis of glucose using light
▶️ Answer/Explanation

Phototropism is a biological phenomenon where an organism, typically a plant, grows in response to a light stimulus. The term is derived from “photo” meaning light and “tropism” meaning a turning or growth movement. In plants, shoots generally exhibit positive phototropism by growing toward the light source to maximize photosynthesis. This occurs because plant hormones called auxins accumulate on the shaded side of the stem, causing those cells to elongate faster and bend the plant toward the light. Options (C) and (D) describe metabolic processes like respiration and photosynthesis, while option (A) describes geotropism (or gravitropism).

Answer: (B)

Question

Which organ produces glucagon?

(A) adrenal gland
(B) liver
(C) ovary
(D) pancreas
▶️ Answer/Explanation
The pancreas is a dual-function organ acting as both an exocrine and endocrine gland. Within the endocrine portion, specific clusters of cells known as the Islets of Langerhans are responsible for blood sugar regulation. The alpha cells ($\alpha$-cells) in these islets secrete glucagon when blood glucose levels are low. Glucagon then travels to the liver to trigger the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. In contrast, beta cells secrete insulin to lower blood sugar. Therefore, the pancreas is the primary site of glucagon production.
Answer: (D)

Question

The liver and the pancreas work together to control the concentration of glucose in the blood.

Which statement is correct?

(A) The liver converts the small molecule glucose into the large molecule glucagon.
(B) The liver releases the hormone insulin when blood glucose concentration is too high.
(C) The pancreas does not respond to an increase in blood glucose concentration.
(D) The pancreas responds to a fall in the blood glucose concentration by increasing the release of the hormone glucagon.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Blood glucose levels are regulated via negative feedback. When glucose levels fall, the pancreas detects this change and secretes the hormone glucagon. Glucagon then travels to the liver, triggering the breakdown of stored glycogen back into glucose to raise blood sugar levels. Option (A) is incorrect because glucose is converted into glycogen for storage, not glucagon (which is a hormone). Option (B) is incorrect because the pancreas, not the liver, releases insulin. Option (C) is false as the pancreas actively responds to high glucose by secreting insulin.
Answer: (D)
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