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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. (b) Figure... 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
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.
Answer
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Diet: The types of food consumed play a significant role in determining a person’s mass. A diet high in calories and sugars can lead to weight gain, while a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight.
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Physical Activity: The level of physical activity affects energy expenditure. Regular exercise can help maintain or reduce a person's mass, while a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain.
Step 2
Comment on the data and the health risks to this patient.
Answer
The patient has a BMI of 28, which falls into the 'overweight' category according to the doctor's guidance. This indicates that the patient may be at risk for health issues such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
The waist-to-hip ratio of 0.85 is considered borderline for abdominal obesity, suggesting that the patient may have an increased risk of obesity-related conditions. Although the patient consumes 3-4 alcohol units per day, which is within the advised limit, it’s important to monitor the potential long-term effects of alcohol consumption. Additionally, the patient does not smoke, which is a positive factor for overall health.
Step 3
Describe the structure and function of a reflex arc.
Answer
A reflex arc typically consists of several components:
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Sensory Neuron: This detects a stimulus (like pain) and sends a signal to the spinal cord.
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Interneuron: Located in the spinal cord, it processes the information and connects the sensory neuron with the motor neuron.
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Motor Neuron: This transmits the signal from the spinal cord to an effecter (like a muscle).
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Effector: This is usually a muscle that responds to the stimulus by contracting.
The primary function of a reflex arc is to provide a quick and automatic response to stimuli, ensuring protection from harm without the delay of routing signals through the brain.