Gas exchange in humans — IGCSE Biology (0970) questions by topic

Gas exchange in humans questions sequence the events of exercise from breathing rate increasing through receptor activity in the brain, identify the features, such as thin walls and large surface area, that all gas exchange surfaces share, name labelled parts of the human gas exchange system such as the bronchiole and alveoli, and order the stages of expiration correctly.

State, choose, identify, describe and explain carry 1 to 20 marks across 23 real questions from 2023 to 2025 papers. Because sequencing questions here reward getting every stage in the right causal order, submitting an ordered answer for instant marking flags exactly which stage, such as diaphragm movement before or after pressure change, has been placed out of sequence.

May–June 2025, Paper 11

Question 7 · 1 mark

The table shows the concentration of gases in a blood vessel and in an alveolus. Which row shows the conditions that cause a substance produced in respiration in humans to diffuse…

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Question 20 · 1 mark

Which statements describe the difference between the composition of inspired air and expired air? 1 The percentage of carbon dioxide in inspired air is greater than in expired…

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May–June 2025, Paper 12

Question 20 · 1 mark

Which substance can be used to test for carbon dioxide? A DCPIP B ethanol C iodine solution D limewater

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May–June 2025, Paper 21

Question 18 · 1 mark

The graph shows how the volume of air in lungs changes when a person is breathing at rest. The trace is a smooth wave of repeated breaths; point X is marked at a peak (maximum…

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May–June 2025, Paper 22

Question 20 · 1 mark

The table shows the breathing rate and the average total volume of air breathed by a student when exercising for 20 minutes. time /minutes breathing rate /breaths per minute…

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May–June 2025, Paper 32

Question 5 · 12 marks

Fig. 5.1 is a diagram of some of the muscles and bones found in the human gas exchange system. Complete Fig. 5.1 by labelling the structures in the spaces provided. [Fig. 5.1:…

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May–June 2025, Paper 42

Question 1 · 20 marks

Fig. 1.1 shows part of the human gas exchange system. The diagram shows the trachea (with rings of cartilage labelled), which branches into the lungs. Structure A points to the…

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May–June 2024, Paper 11

Question 25 · 1 mark

The diagram shows the breathing system with structures labelled A, B, C and D. Which structure is the diaphragm? A B C D

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May–June 2024, Paper 21

Question 23 · 1 mark

What are the functions of the diaphragm and the cilia in the human gas exchange system? Columns: diaphragm; cilia. A contracts to cause breathing in; carry mucus to the throat B…

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May–June 2024, Paper 22

Question 21 · 1 mark

These changes occur in the human body during exercise. 1 breathing rate increases 2 the rate of respiration increases 3 nerve impulses sent from the brain to the intercostal…

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October–November 2024, Paper 32

Question 8 · 7 marks

Alveoli are the gas exchange surfaces in humans. State two features of gas exchange surfaces in humans. 1 2

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October–November 2024, Paper 42

Question 2 · 15 marks

Fig. 2.1 is a diagram of the gas exchange system in humans showing: trachea at top, two lungs, with parts labelled X (bronchus/bronchiole), Y (alveoli cluster), and Z (diaphragm…

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May–June 2023, Paper 11

Question 22 · 1 mark

What is the pathway of expired air as it travels out of the body? A alveoli → trachea → bronchiole → bronchi B alveoli → bronchiole → bronchi → trachea C trachea → alveoli →…

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May–June 2023, Paper 12

Question 21 · 1 mark

What are features of gas exchange surfaces in animals? A thick-walled and large surface area B thick-walled and small surface area C thin-walled and small surface area D…

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Question 23 · 1 mark

The diagram represents the exchange of gases during breathing and during respiration in the body, with structures X and Y. Oxygen enters and carbon dioxide leaves, with oxygen and…

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May–June 2023, Paper 21

Question 20 · 1 mark

During inspiration, the processes listed take place. P volume of the thorax increases Q air rushes into the lungs R pressure in the thorax decreases S external intercostal muscles…

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May–June 2023, Paper 22

Question 20 · 1 mark

Different stages in the process of expiration are listed. 1 Rib cage moves downwards and inwards. 2 Volume of thorax decreases and pressure in lungs increases. 3 Air is pushed out…

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May–June 2023, Paper 41

Question 3 · 14 marks

Fig. 3.1 is a photomicrograph of some cells lining the trachea, including a goblet cell and the cell labelled X (ciliated cell). Describe the role of goblet cells.

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October–November 2023, Paper 12

Question 7 · 1 mark

Which process causes oxygen to pass from an alveolus in the lung into a blood capillary? A assimilation B diffusion C excretion D osmosis

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Question 21 · 1 mark

What is the composition of expired air compared with inspired air? Columns: carbon dioxide; oxygen; water vapour. A decreased; increased; increased B decreased; decreased;…

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Question 22 · 1 mark

The diagram shows the human breathing system with structures labelled 1, 2 and 3. What are the labelled structures? Columns: 1; 2; 3. A bronchus; bronchiole; trachea B bronchiole;…

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October–November 2023, Paper 22

Question 21 · 1 mark

What is the composition of expired air compared with inspired air? Columns: carbon dioxide; oxygen; water vapour. A decreased; increased; increased B decreased; decreased;…

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Question 22 · 1 mark

During exercise, receptors detect a change in the blood and cause the breathing rate to increase. Which change do the receptors detect and where are they found in the body?…

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