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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Hormones and Endocrine System Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your understanding of chemical coordination by hormones and how the endocrine and nervous systems compare.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Compare nervous and hormonal communication by stating two differences.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Nervous: electrical impulses travel along neurones; hormonal: chemicals travel in the blood.
    2. Nervous: fast response; hormonal: slower response.
    3. Nervous: short-lived effect; hormonal: longer-lasting effect.
    4. Nervous: targets specific effector; hormonal: targets specific organs with receptors.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe the effects of adrenaline on the body and explain why these effects are useful in a dangerous situation.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Increases heart rate: more blood (with O₂ and glucose) delivered to muscles.
    2. Increases breathing rate: more oxygen taken in.
    3. Increases blood glucose level: more glucose available for respiration in muscles.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain how insulin controls blood glucose level after a carbohydrate-rich meal.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Blood glucose level rises after eating carbohydrates.
    2. The pancreas detects this and releases insulin into the blood.
    3. Insulin stimulates liver and muscle cells to take up glucose and convert it to glycogen for storage: blood glucose falls.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Define the term "hormone".

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. A chemical substance produced by an endocrine gland.
    2. Carried in the blood to target organs where it has its effect.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in terms of insulin.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Type 1: the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (or none at all): treated with insulin injections.
    2. Type 2: the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin (insulin resistance).
    3. Type 2 is often linked to obesity and can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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