Photo AI
6 (a) A person's mass is partially influenced by the alleles they inherit from their parents - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 6
6 (a) A person's mass is partially influenced by the alleles they inherit from their parents. Give two other factors that can influence a person's mass. (2) (b) Fi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6 (a) A person's mass is partially influenced by the alleles they inherit from their parents - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Give two other factors that can influence a person's mass.
Answer
-
Diet: The type and amount of food consumed can significantly affect a person's mass. A balanced diet that is rich in nutrients can help maintain a healthy weight, while excessive consumption of high-calorie foods can lead to weight gain.
-
Physical Activity: Regular physical activity or exercise is crucial for managing body mass. Increased levels of activity can help burn calories and reduce fat, contributing to a healthier body weight.
Step 2
Comment on the data and the health risks to this patient.
Answer
The patient has a BMI of 28, which classifies them as overweight according to the guidance provided. This indicates a potential health risk, as being overweight is associated with various conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.
Additionally, the waist to hip ratio of 0.85 suggests that the patient is at risk for abdominal obesity, which can further increase the likelihood of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Although the patient consumes 3-4 alcohol units per day, this is slightly below the recommended maximum, but should still be monitored as excessive consumption can lead to liver damage and other health complications.
Lastly, the patient does not smoke or vape, which is positive for their overall health. Nonetheless, the overall assessment indicates that weight management and lifestyle adjustments should be emphasized to mitigate health risks.
Step 3
Describe the structure and function of a reflex arc.
Answer
A reflex arc consists of five main components:
- Sensory Receptor: This detects a stimulus (e.g., pain or heat).
- Sensory Neuron: It transmits the sensory information to the central nervous system (CNS).
- Interneuron: Located in the spinal cord, this neuron processes the information and connects sensory and motor neurons.
- Motor Neuron: This carries the response signal away from the CNS to an effector.
- Effector: This is usually a muscle or gland that responds to the stimulus, creating a reaction, such as withdrawing a hand from a hot surface.
The function of a reflex arc is to provide a rapid, automatic response to specific stimuli, bypassing the brain for quicker reactions to protect the body from harm.