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8 (a) LDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol which increases the risk of heart disease - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 8
8 (a) LDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol which increases the risk of heart disease. Statins are drugs used to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Figure 12 shows t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:8 (a) LDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol which increases the risk of heart disease - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the effect of statins on LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
Answer
Statins have a significant effect on reducing LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, as illustrated in Figure 12. According to the graph, LDL cholesterol levels declined steadily from February when the man began taking the statins. By April, the cholesterol levels decreased to around 1.5 mmol per dm³, indicating effective lowering of cholesterol due to the medication.
Step 2
Use evidence from the graph to explain why statins are usually prescribed as life-long medication.
Answer
The graph indicates that after discontinuing the statins in June, the LDL cholesterol levels began to rise again, suggesting that the effects of statins are not permanent. This fluctuation highlights the necessity of long-term use of statins to maintain lower cholesterol levels and mitigate the risk of heart disease.
Step 3
Step 4
Explain how gonorrhoea is transmitted and how the number of people infected can be reduced.
Answer
Gonorrhoea is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. It can be reduced by practicing safe sex, using condoms, promoting regular testing, and ensuring that infected individuals receive appropriate treatment. According to Figure 13, the number of diagnosed cases has been increasing, indicating a clear need for public health interventions to minimize transmission and educate the population on preventive measures.