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This question is about the heart - AQA - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 6
This question is about the heart. 06.1 Why is the heart described as an organ? 06.2 Valves in the heart keep the blood flowing through the heart in one direction.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about the heart - AQA - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Explain the effects on a person if the valve labelled in Figure 11 developed a leak.
Answer
If the valve developed a leak, some blood would flow back into the ventricle or heart, preventing all blood from leaving efficiently. This would lead to less oxygenated blood being pumped to the body. Consequently, the body would not receive sufficient oxygen for respiration, making the person feel out of breath and reducing energy transfer throughout the body. This could also lead to an increase in lactic acid production due to anaerobic respiration.
Step 3
Describe the advantages and disadvantages for this young woman of having a biological heart valve instead of a mechanical heart valve.
Answer
Advantages of biological valves include:
- Reduced risk of blood clots, which could cause a heart attack or stroke.
- Not requiring anticoagulants, thus removing the risk of bleeding complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
- No risk to the fetus/baby from anticoagulant drugs.
Disadvantages of biological valves include:
- They may be rejected by the body, requiring immunosuppressive drugs.
- They might need to be replaced more frequently than mechanical valves.
- The surgery process may involve higher risks if the donor source is unqualified.
- There is also the risk of animal donors being killed.