CCEA GCSE Biology 2.3 Reproduction, Fertility and Contraception Exam Questions

About CCEA GCSE Biology 2.3 Reproduction, Fertility and Contraception

Reproduction, Fertility and Contraception is a Unit 2 topic in CCEA GCSE Biology. You need to label and give the functions of the male and female reproductive systems, describe fertilisation, implantation and the role of the placenta, and explain how hormones control puberty and the menstrual cycle. The topic also covers treatments for infertility and the main methods of contraception, including their advantages, disadvantages and the ethical issues they raise. It links to meiosis and genetics in 2.4. Examiners regularly ask for the functions of the placenta, the roles of oestrogen and progesterone in the cycle, and balanced evaluations of contraception or IVF.

What you need to know

• Male system Sperm are made in the testes, which also make testosterone. They travel along the sperm duct, where fluid from glands such as the prostate is added to make semen, and leave through the urethra in the penis.
• Female system Eggs are released from the ovaries and travel along the oviduct, where fertilisation happens. The embryo implants in the thick lining of the uterus. The cervix is the ring of muscle at the base of the uterus, leading to the vagina.
• Pregnancy and the placenta After fertilisation the zygote divides to form an embryo that implants in the uterus lining. The placenta allows oxygen, glucose and antibodies to diffuse from mother to fetus and carbon dioxide and urea to pass from fetus to mother, without the two blood supplies mixing. The amnion and amniotic fluid protect the fetus.
• Menstrual cycle The cycle lasts about 28 days. Menstruation is the loss of the uterus lining. Oestrogen causes the lining to thicken and ovulation happens around day 14. Progesterone maintains the lining; if no embryo implants, progesterone falls and menstruation begins again.
• Infertility treatment Fertility drugs containing hormones stimulate the ovaries to release eggs. In IVF, eggs are collected and fertilised outside the body, and embryos are placed into the uterus. Issues include cost, low success rates, multiple births and the fate of spare embryos.
• Contraception Mechanical methods (condom, diaphragm) stop sperm reaching the egg; condoms also reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Chemical methods (contraceptive pill, implant) use hormones to stop ovulation. Surgical methods (vasectomy, female sterilisation) are permanent. Some people object to some methods on religious or ethical grounds.

Common mistakes in 2.3 Reproduction, Fertility and Contraception

• Saying that fertilisation happens in the uterus. It normally happens in the oviduct.
• Stating that the mother's and fetus's blood mix in the placenta. They are separate; substances diffuse between them.
• Writing that the pill kills sperm. Hormonal contraceptives mainly work by preventing ovulation.
• Saying all contraceptives protect against sexually transmitted infections. Only barrier methods such as condoms do.
• Confusing the roles of oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen builds up the lining; progesterone maintains it.

Try three 2.3 Reproduction, Fertility and Contraception exam-style questions