| Date | May 2015 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 15M.1.HL.TZ1.40 |
| Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
| Command term | State | Question number | 40 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
From where is human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) secreted in early pregnancy?
A. Embryo
B. Corpus luteum
C. Ovary
D. Pituitary gland
Markscheme
A
Examiners report
This was a poorly answered question with less than 30% of candidates knowing that the embryo itself is the source of the HCG that is needed to maintain the pregnancy. The program requires that the role of HCG should be known (Assessment statement 11.4.10) but this inevitably includes the idea that the embryo signals its presence to the mother by means of secreting this hormone.
