Smoking tobacco is the cause of 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 1 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 1
Smoking tobacco is the cause of 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer.
(i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
The active compo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Smoking tobacco is the cause of 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 1 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
i) The active compound in cigarette smoke that causes lung cancer is:
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Answer
The correct answer is C) nicotine. Nicotine is an alkaloid present in tobacco that has been shown to promote the development of cancerous cells.
Step 2
ii) Explain why it can be very difficult to give up smoking.
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Answer
Giving up smoking can be very difficult due to the addictive nature of nicotine. Once nicotine binds to its receptors in the brain, it releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, which create pleasurable sensations. This reward pathway can lead to a dependency where individuals feel the need to continue smoking to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Moreover, the social and behavioral aspects associated with smoking can reinforce this habit. Cues in the environment, stress, or social situations may trigger cravings, making it challenging for individuals to quit.