Reproduction

Question 1

Which part of the reproductive system adds fluid to nourish sperm?

Answer 1

Prostate gland

Question 2

Which part of the reproductive system produces sperm?

Answer 2

Testes

Question 3

Which part of the reproductive system carries the sperm from the testes to the urethra?

Answer 3

Sperm tube

Question 4

What is the function of the scrotum

Answer 4

A protective sac that holds the testes in place and keeps them cool

Question 5

Which part of the reproductive system produces eggs (ova)?

Answer 5

Ovaries

Question 6

Which part of the reproductive system is where fertilisation takes place?

Answer 6

Oviducts

Question 7

Which part of the reproductive system widens during childbirth?

Answer 7

Cervix

Question 8

Explain an adaption of a sperm cell and why it needs this to function

Answer 8

Flagellum - to help it swim towards an egg
Many Mitochondria - to provide the energy needed for the sperm to swim
Nucleus - contains 23 chromosomes (half the DNA needed to produce a zygote)

Question 9

What is a zygote?

Answer 9

A fertilised egg cell (contain 45 chromosomes)

Question 10

How many chromosomes does an egg cell contain?

Answer 10

23 chromosomes

Question 11

What is fertilisation?

Answer 11

The fusion or joining of an egg and sperm NUCLEI to form a zygote

Question 12

What is implantation?

Answer 12

When the EMBRYO attaches to the uterus lining

Question 13

Name 2 nutrients passed from mother to foetus via the placenta

Answer 13

glucose and amino acids (oxygen is not a nutrient - read the question carefully)

Question 14

Name 2 waste substances that are passed from foetus to mother via the placenta

Answer 14

Urea and Carbon dioxide

Question 15

What is transported in the umbilical artery and what type of blood does it contain?

Answer 15

• Urea and Carbon dioxide
  -deoxygenated blood

Question 16

What is transported in the umbilical vein and what type of blood does it contain?

Answer 16

• Glucose and oxygen
• oxygenated blood

Question 17

The placenta also contain villi. What is the function of the villi here?

Answer 17

Increases the surface area for diffusion of gases and nutrients from mother to baby

Question 18

What does the amniotic sac contain and what is its function?

Answer 18

Amniotic fluid cushions or protects the developing foetus by acting as a shock absorber

Question 19

By what process does the embryo start developing new tissues and organs?

Answer 19

It takes about 40 weeks for the foetus to fully develop, in that time the developing embryo differentiates into tissues and organs

Question 20

What hormone initiates puberty in males (secondary sexual characteristics)?

Answer 20

In males the hormone testosterone is produced in the testes

Question 21

What hormone initiates puberty in males (secondary sexual characteristics)?

Answer 21

In females the hormone oestrogen is produced in the ovaries

Question 22

How long is each menstrual cycle?

Answer 22

28 days

Question 23

What occurs on day 1 of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 23

Menstruation (period begins)

Question 24

On what day does ovulation usually occur in the menstrual cycle?

Answer 24

Day 14

Question 25

What will happen if a sperm meets an egg between day 11-18 of the menstrual cycle?

Answer 25

If sperm are in the oviducts between day 11-18 fertilisation can still occur resulting in a pregnancy. The lining will continue to thicken from day 19-28 but menstruation will not occur in the next cycle

Question 26

Which hormones control menstruation?

Answer 26

oestrogen and progesterone

Question 27

What do high levels of oestrogen initiate?

Answer 27

ovulation (egg to be released) to occur

Question 28

What do low levels of oestrogen and progesterone cause?

Answer 28

Menstruation

Question 29

What does high levels of progesterone cause?

Answer 29

Progesterone builds up and maintains the thick uterine lining → this allows a placenta to develop if fertilisation occurs

Question 30

Give a reason for female infertility and why it can prevent couples have a baby

Answer 30

Blockage/twisting of the oviduct → this usually occurs due to STIs e.g. Chlamydia. This prevents the sperm reaching the egg. Ovaries fail to produce eggs → women may have a condition called Polycystic ovarian syndrome which prevents women from growing or releasing eggs Uterine lining does not develop properly → which prevents the embryos from implanting Vagina may be hostile for sperm entering → the lining may be too thick or too acidic

Question 31

Give a reason for male infertility and why it can prevent couples have a baby

Answer 31

Low sperm count → may not produce enough sperm or the sperm may not be healthy. This can be caused by smoking or excessive drinking Impotence in males → erectile dysfunction Blockage in the sperm tube

Question 32

Explain how IVF works

Answer 32

1) Women are given fertility drugs so that she will produce several eggs 2) The eggs are collected from the ovary using a syringe 3) Sperm from her partner is collected 4) Sperm and eggs are mixed in a test tube 5) The sperm fertilises the eggs (called a zygote) 6) The zygote divides by mitosis to produce an embryo 5) Woman is given more hormonal treatment to ensure the uterus lining is built up and maintained 6) Usually 2-3 embryos are placed back into the uterus and with the hope they will implant in the uterus lining 7) If this successful she will become pregnant 8) Only a few embryos will be placed into the mother during this process to try and avoid multiple births

Question 33

Explain how condoms are used to prevent pregnancies Are there any advantages/disadvantages to this method of contraception?

Answer 33

Acts as a barrier to prevent the sperm entering the woman Advantage: Protects against STIs (chlamydia can cause infertility if not treated) Easily purchased from pharmacies etc Disadvantage: Less effective if not used correctly

Question 34

Explain how the contraceptive pill is used to prevent pregnancies Are there any advantages/disadvantages to this method of contraception?

Answer 34

Prevents the woman from releasing eggs by changing the hormone level (contains oestrogen or progesterone) Advantages: Very reliable if taken properly Disadvantages: Can cause mood swings, headaches, weight gain and can increase the risk of blood clots Does not protect against STIs For most pills a woman must take the pill at a similar time every day for 21 days in a row. If not there is a risk of her being pregnant.

Question 35

Explain how a vasectomy is used to prevent pregnancies Are there any advantages/disadvantages to this method of contraception?

Answer 35

The sperm tubes are cut which prevents sperm from entering the penis Advantage: 100% reliable Disadvantage: Very difficult to reverse the procedure (men would have this done if they have had all the family they want to)

Question 36

Explain how sterilisation is used to prevent pregnancies Are there any advantages/disadvantages to this method of contraception?

Answer 36

Woman’s oviducts are cut and tied to prevent the egg moving through the oviduct to a sperm cell Advantage: 100% reliable Disadvantage: Very difficult to reverse the procedure

Question 37

Why may people not want to use contraception?

Answer 37

Some people may not use contraception due to religious beliefs

Question 38

What happens to the zygote after fertilisation?

Answer 38

It divides by mitosis to form an embyro and then travels down the oviduct towards the uterus