TOPIC 8: COORDINATION, RESPONSE AND GENE TECHNOLOGY

Chapter 8A: The nervous system and neurones

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

number
1 D 1, 2 and 3 (1) (1)
(Total for Question 1 = 1 mark)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

number
2 ● Action potential: change in potential difference across (2)
membrane of axon (1)
And one of these points:
● Nerve impulses: conduction of an action potential (1)
● along axon/neurone/nerve cell (1)
(Total for Question 2 = 2 marks)

Question Answer Additional guidance Mark

number
3(a)(i) ● 1.5 (1) (2)
● milliseconds/ms (1)
3(a)(ii) ● At X, sodium channels are open and potassium channels Award 1 mark if the answer is correct (2)
are open. (1) for one of the channels at both X and
● At Y, potassium channels stay open, sodium channels are Y but incorrect for the other channel.
closed. (1)
3(a)(iii) Voltage-gated (1) (1)
3(a)(iv) Refractory period (1) Do not allow hyperpolarisation. (1)

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3(a)(v) An explanation that includes three of the following points: (3)
● Some K+ voltage gates remain open/gates are slow to
close. (1)
● K+ continues to diffuse back into axon. (1)
● Hyperpolarisation (1)
● K+ channels close. (1)
● Potential difference returns to resting/65 mV. (1)
3(a)(vi) An explanation that includes four of the following points: (4)
● Determine frequency of transmission of nerve impulses
along axon/neurone/nerve cell (1)
● Direction of transmission of nerve impulses (1)
● From cell body to end of axon (1)
● Another impulse cannot be generated. (1)
● Refractory period limits frequency of action potential (1)
● Ensures action potential only goes in one direction/is
unidirectional (1)
3(b) ● Once initiated/started, the amplitude of the action potential (4)
remains the same/at +40 mV. (1)
● As it travels/is conducted along axon/neurone/nerve cell (1)
● Regardless/independent of strength of stimulus (1)
● Above threshold value (1)
(Total for Question 3 = 17 marks)

TOTAL FOR ASSESSMENT = 20 MARKS

© Pearson Education Ltd 2019.

Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free. This document may have been altered from the original.