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Date May 2010 Marks available 2 Reference code 10M.2.SL.TZ1.3
Level Standard level Paper Paper 2 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Identify Question number 3 Adapted from N/A

Question

The graph below shows the levels of hormones during the menstrual cycle.

Identify hormones I and II.

I: ...................................................................

II: ...................................................................

[2]
a.

Outline the roles of FSH in the menstrual cycle.

[2]
b.

FSH is secreted by the pituitary gland. During pregnancy, FSH secretion is inhibited. Suggest how FSH secretion could be inhibited during pregnancy.

[1]
c.

Markscheme

I: progesterone;
II: estrogen;

a.

FSH stimulates follicle development;
FSH stimulates estrogen secretion (by the follicle/ovary);

b.

high levels of progesterone/estrogen inhibit FSH production (during pregnancy)

c.

Examiners report

Progesterone and estrogen were often interchanged. In an apparent effort to salvage one mark, some candidates named the same hormone for answers I and II. This attempt failed because of the contradiction. Some candidates used FSH or LH as labels.

a.

Few candidates understood the role of FSH in the menstrual cycle. Often, it was described as stimulating the production of eggs or triggering ovulation.

b.

Only a select few knew that FSH is inhibited by progesterone or estrogen during pregnancy. Some wrote that the embryo causes inhibition.

c.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 6: Human physiology » 6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction
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