Date | November 2019 | Marks available | 6 | Reference code | 19N.3.HL.TZ0.8 |
Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | TZ0 / no time zone |
Command term | Explain | Question number | 8 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Explain the effect of a named stimulant drug on the nervous system.
Markscheme
General effects of any stimulant drugs: [3 max]
a. addictive/causes tolerance/addiction ✔
b. increase dopamine release ✔
c. speed up activity of CNS/alertness/euphoria/suppress appetite ✔
d. have symptoms of withdrawal when stop «chronic» use ✔
Drug name: [1 mark]
e. name of «chosen» stimulant drug ✔ Award this mark for a stimulant drug only, e.g. nicotine, cocaine or amphetamines.
Cocaine:
f. chronic use may cause psychological craving/paranoia/arrhythmia/hypertension/stroke ✔
g. cocaine attaches to dopamine pumps/transporters «on presynaptic membrane»
OR
blocks uptake/recycling
OR
causes dopamine to persist in the synaptic cleft ✔
h. amplifies synaptic transmission
OR
causes constant stimulation of postsynaptic neuron ✔
Nicotine:
f. nicotine stimulates synaptic transmission of cholinergic synapses ✔
g. causes strong mood changes ✔
h. large doses have a calming effect ✔
Amphetamines: Accept ecstasy instead
f. chronic use can «permanently» damage dopamine system
OR
cause problems with memory/learning ✔
g. amphetamines/ecstasy stimulate synaptic transmission of adrenergic synapses ✔
h. longer lasting effect than cocaine ✔
Award [3 max] for either cocaine, nicotine or amphetamines. Mark only the first drug explained.