User interface language: English | Español

Date November 2017 Marks available 2 Reference code 17N.3.HL.TZ0.20
Level Higher level Paper Paper 3 Time zone TZ0 / no time zone
Command term Outline Question number 20 Adapted from N/A

Question

Thyroxin is a hormone produced in the thyroid gland. State one function of thyroxin.

[1]
a.i.

The action of thyroxin is similar to steroid hormones. Describe the action of steroid hormones.

[3]
a.ii.

The World Health Organization recommends that the iodine intake should be supplemented in pregnant women due to their increased requirements. Outline the need for iodine supplementation.

[2]
b.

Markscheme

a. regulates the «basal» metabolic rate/BMR

b. controls body temperature

[Max 1 Mark]

a.i.

a. steroid hormone passes through cell/plasma membrane

b. binds to receptor «proteins» in cytoplasm

c. receptor–hormone complex travels to nucleus

d. binds to DNA/chromatin

e. promotes/inhibits the transcription of specific genes

f. codes for/produces specific proteins

[Max 3 Marks]

a.ii.

a. iodine is an essential nutrient/cannot be synthesized by the body

b. iodine is required for thyroid hormones/thyroxin production

c. some areas in the world have iodine deficient soil/low iodine in their diet

d. supplementation will reduce stunted growth and mental development/cretinism in babies born to mothers associated with thyroid deficiency

e. thyroid deficiency will lead to health problems

[Max 2 Marks]

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.i.
[N/A]
a.ii.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

Option D: Human physiology » Option D: Human physiology (Additional higher level topics) » D.5 Hormones and metabolism
Show 28 related questions
Option D: Human physiology » Option D: Human physiology (Additional higher level topics)
Option D: Human physiology

View options