Diseases & Immunity (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Combined Science: Biology): Exam Questions

Exam code: 0653

10 mins4 questions
1
1 mark

Which word best describes a disease-causing organism?

  • bacteria

  • pathogen

  • pollutant

  • virus

2
1 mark

What produces active immunity?

infection by a pathogen

vaccination

A

B

C

D

    3
    1 mark

    White blood cells defend the human body against pathogens.

    State one other way the human body defends itself against pathogens.

    4a
    2 marks

    Fig. 1.1 shows a sign from a restaurant kitchen.

    Food hygiene sign showing hands being washed under a tap with water droplets, with text: Wash your hands before handling food

    Fig. 1.1

    Explain why the message in the sign is important for controlling the spread of disease.

    4b
    3 marks

    A person is is given an initial vaccination for a disease. A few weeks later the person is given a booster vaccination. A booster vaccination is an additional vaccination for the same disease.

    Fig. 1.2 shows how the number of antibodies in the body of the person changes after each vaccination.

    Graph showing antibody levels over time, with a small rise after initial vaccination and a much larger, faster peak after a booster vaccination

    (i) Describe two differences between the response to the initial vaccination and the response to the booster vaccination shown in Fig. 1.2.

    [2]

    (ii) Place a tick () in the box that describes the response shown in Fig. 1.2.

    Biology question list with four terms—phagocytosis, assimilation, active immunity, transmissible disease—each followed by an empty square tick box

    [1]

    4c
    2 marks

    Explain how platelets in the blood help defend the body against disease.