Reproductive System & Development
Chapter: Reproductive System & Development
Level 2 — Recall (Definitions & Standard Textbook Problems)
Time Limit: 30 minutes Total Marks: 40
Instructions
Answer all questions. Marks for each question are shown in brackets. Write clearly and use correct biological terminology.
Q1. Name the following structures of the male reproductive system: (4 marks) (a) The site where sperm are produced. (b) The gland that produces a fluid contributing to semen and surrounds the urethra. (c) The tube that stores and matures sperm, located on the testis. (d) The duct that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.
Q2. State the function of each of the following parts of the female reproductive system: (4 marks) (a) Ovary (b) Fallopian tube (oviduct) (c) Uterus (d) Cervix
Q3. Compare spermatogenesis and oogenesis by completing the table below. (6 marks)
| Feature | Spermatogenesis | Oogenesis |
|---|---|---|
| Number of functional gametes per meiosis | (a) | (b) |
| Site of production | (c) | (d) |
| Cytoplasm division | (e) | (f) |
Q4. Define the following terms: (4 marks) (a) Fertilization (b) Zygote (c) Cleavage (d) Gastrulation
Q5. Place the following stages of early embryonic development in the correct sequence: (3 marks) blastula, zygote, gastrula, morula
Q6. List four functions of the placenta. (4 marks)
Q7. Name the hormone responsible for each of the following: (5 marks) (a) Stimulates spermatogenesis in males (from the anterior pituitary). (b) Triggers ovulation with a mid-cycle surge. (c) Maintains the uterine lining after ovulation (secreted by the corpus luteum). (d) Stimulates milk production in the mammary glands. (e) Causes uterine contractions during labour.
Q8. Match each contraception method to its correct category (barrier, hormonal, or surgical). (4 marks) (a) Condom (b) Combined oral contraceptive pill (c) Vasectomy (d) Diaphragm
Q9. The human gestation period is approximately 40 weeks measured from the last menstrual period. (3 marks) (a) State the name of the three trimesters of pregnancy in order. (b) Approximately how many weeks long is each trimester?
Q10. Name the three main stages of labour (birth) in the correct order. (3 marks)
END OF PAPER
Answer keyMark scheme & solutions
Q1. (4 marks — 1 each) (a) Testis / seminiferous tubules — site of sperm production. (b) Prostate gland — surrounds urethra, adds alkaline fluid. (c) Epididymis — stores and matures sperm. (d) Vas deferens (ductus deferens) — carries sperm to ejaculatory duct. Why: standard male anatomy recall (4.8.1).
Q2. (4 marks — 1 each) (a) Ovary — produces ova (eggs) and secretes oestrogen/progesterone. (b) Fallopian tube — carries egg to uterus; usual site of fertilization. (c) Uterus — houses and nourishes the developing embryo/fetus. (d) Cervix — lower opening of the uterus connecting to the vagina; controls entry to the uterus. Why: female anatomy recall (4.8.2).
Q3. (6 marks — 1 each) (a) 4 (four) functional sperm (b) 1 (one) functional ovum (plus polar bodies) (c) Testes (seminiferous tubules) (d) Ovaries (e) Equal cytoplasm division (f) Unequal cytoplasm division (concentrated in the ovum) Why: contrasts the two gametogenesis processes (4.8.3).
Q4. (4 marks — 1 each) (a) Fertilization — fusion of a sperm nucleus with an egg nucleus to form a diploid zygote. (b) Zygote — the single diploid cell formed by fertilization. (c) Cleavage — rapid mitotic cell divisions of the zygote without overall growth. (d) Gastrulation — process forming the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm). Why: definitions from fertilization & development (4.8.4, 4.8.5).
Q5. (3 marks — all correct = 3; one error = 1–2) Zygote → Morula → Blastula → Gastrula Why: correct developmental sequence (4.8.5).
Q6. (4 marks — 1 each, any four)
- Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between mother and fetus.
- Supply of nutrients (glucose, amino acids) to the fetus.
- Removal of waste (urea, CO₂) from fetal blood.
- Secretion of hormones (e.g., hCG, progesterone, oestrogen).
- Barrier / immune protection (partial) against some pathogens. Why: placental roles (4.8.6).
Q7. (5 marks — 1 each) (a) FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) (b) LH (Luteinising Hormone) (c) Progesterone (d) Prolactin (e) Oxytocin Why: hormonal control of reproduction and birth (4.8.9, 4.8.7).
Q8. (4 marks — 1 each) (a) Condom — Barrier (b) Combined oral pill — Hormonal (c) Vasectomy — Surgical (d) Diaphragm — Barrier Why: contraception categories (4.8.8).
Q9. (3 marks) (a) First, Second, and Third trimester (1 mark) (b) Approximately 13 weeks each (about 12–14 weeks); 40 ÷ 3 ≈ 13.3 weeks. (2 marks) Why: stages of pregnancy (4.8.7).
Q10. (3 marks — 1 each)
- Dilation stage (cervix dilates).
- Expulsion stage (delivery of the baby).
- Placental stage (delivery of the afterbirth/placenta). Why: stages of labour (4.8.7).
[
{"claim":"Spermatogenesis yields 4 functional gametes; oogenesis yields 1 functional gamete","code":"sperm=4\novum=1\nresult = (sperm==4) and (ovum==1)"},
{"claim":"Each trimester is approximately 13 weeks (40 weeks / 3)","code":"weeks=40/3\nresult = round(weeks)==13"},
{"claim":"There are 3 named stages of labour","code":"stages=['dilation','expulsion','placental']\nresult = len(stages)==3"},
{"claim":"Correct developmental order: zygote before morula before blastula before gastrula","code":"order=['zygote','morula','blastula','gastrula']\nresult = order.index('zygote')<order.index('morula')<order.index('blastula')<order.index('gastrula')"}
]