IAL Biology Unit 5 - Potential Questions and Answers for the Scientific Article - October 2024
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International A Level Edexcel
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International A Level Edexcel
In unit 5, the last question (question 8) is based on a pre-released scientific article a total of 30 marks.
In this document, you will find potential questions and answers for the Scientific Article for question 8 for Biology IAL (International Advanced Level) WBI15/01.
(The article is provi...
WBI15/01– Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
Potential questions for Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level
for use with Question 8 – Unit 5, October 2024
In unit 5, the last question (question 8) is based on a pre-released scientific article a total of 30
marks.
In this document, you will find potential questions and answers for the Scientific Article for
question 8 for Biology IAL (International Advanced Level) WBI15/01.
(The article is provided by Pearson Edexcel Examination – October 2024)
This document consists of
o Article Summary (167 words) and a more concise version of 48 words
o Five (5) Key Takeaways for the entire article (these are the things you should know and
understand from this article before the exam).
o Vocabulary and Definitions of unknown words for each paragraph
o Key Take aways for each of the 2 sub-articles and each paragraph
o 194 potential questions each with its answer
➢ The questions are based on the scientific article
➢ 70% of them are linked to the syllabus, thus this document can be used for
revision as well
➢ Includes definitions
The article is available at the end of this booklet.
1
,WBI15/01– Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
Summary of the article (167 words):
The provided article is a scientific discussion on Alzheimer's disease, focusing on the findings from
a 76-year longitudinal study called Insight 46 and the debate surrounding new Alzheimer's drugs.
The study highlights several key points: cognitive function in childhood is linked to cognitive
performance 70 years later, education plays a significant role in brain health, and midlife
hypertension may influence dementia risk. The study also found that amyloid accumulation, a
hallmark of Alzheimer’s, begins before symptoms appear, emphasizing the importance of early
diagnosis and preventive measures. However, the article also critically examines new Alzheimer's
drugs like aducanumab, lecanemab, and donanemab, which, despite being hailed as
breakthroughs, offer minimal cognitive benefits and have significant side effects, including brain
swelling and bleeding. These drugs are expensive and their efficacy in real-world settings is
questionable, as they were tested in highly selective trials. The article concludes that while these
drugs represent a step forward, they are not the solution to Alzheimer's, and broader approaches
to treatment need to be explored.
The summary of the summary is (48 words):
The article discusses the findings from a 76-year Alzheimer's study and critiques new Alzheimer's
drugs. It highlights the importance of early cognitive health and education, while questioning the
effectiveness, side effects, and costs of drugs like aducanumab. The article urges for broader
treatment approaches beyond these limited drugs.
Key Take Aways (You need to know and understand the following before the exam):
1. Cognitive Health Link: Childhood cognitive function is a strong predictor of cognitive
performance in later life, indicating the long-term importance of early brain health.
2. Education's Role: Education significantly impacts brain health, challenging the notion that
it merely reflects IQ.
3. Hypertension and Dementia: Midlife hypertension is linked to smaller brain volume and
increased dementia risk, emphasizing early heart health monitoring.
4. Limitations of Alzheimer's Drugs: New drugs like aducanumab offer minimal cognitive
benefits, have significant side effects, and are extremely costly.
5. Need for Broader Approaches: The article argues for exploring alternative treatments for
Alzheimer's, as current drug pathways show profound shortcomings.
2
,WBI15/01– Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
Questions, Answers, Vocabulary and Definitions per Paragraph:
Article 1:
Title: 76-Year Alzheimer’s Study (Insight 46)
Summary: Article 1 discusses the findings from the 76-year longitudinal study known as Insight 46,
which investigates Alzheimer's disease and cognitive health over a lifetime. The study reveals that
cognitive abilities in childhood have a lasting impact on cognitive performance in old age.
Education is highlighted as a critical factor for maintaining brain health, and midlife hypertension
is identified as a potential risk factor for dementia. The study also underscores the importance of
early detection of amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer's, as they begin
accumulating long before symptoms manifest.
5 Key Points:
1. Childhood Cognition: Early cognitive function strongly correlates with cognitive health in
old age.
2. Education's Impact: Higher levels of education are linked to better brain health and
cognitive resilience.
3. Hypertension Risk: Midlife hypertension is a significant risk factor for developing dementia
later in life.
4. Amyloid Accumulation: Amyloid plaques start accumulating years before Alzheimer’s
symptoms appear, suggesting a need for early diagnosis.
5. Preventive Focus: The study emphasizes prevention through managing midlife health and
promoting lifelong cognitive engagement.
1. Information on Alzheimer's disease (AD)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder with a relentless
progression. AD pathogenesis is believed to be triggered by the accumulation of the
amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), which is due to overproduction of Aβ and/or the failure of clearance
mechanisms. Aβ self-aggregates into oligomers, which can be of various sizes, and forms
diffuse and neurotic plaques in the parenchyma and blood vessels. Aβ oligomers and
plaques are potent synaptotoxins, block proteasome function, inhibit mitochondrial
activity, alter intracellular Ca2+ levels and stimulate inflammatory processes. Loss of the
normal physiological functions of Aβ is also thought to contribute to neuronal dysfunction.
Aβ interacts with the signaling pathways that regulate the phosphorylation of the
microtubule-associated protein tau. Hyperphosphorylation of tau disrupts its normal
function in regulating axonal transport and leads to the accumulation of neurofibrillary
3
, WBI15/01– Article potential questions Biology A Level Tutor
tangles and toxic species of soluble tau. Furthermore, degradation of hyperphosphorylated
tau by the proteasome is inhibited by the actions of Aβ. These two proteins and their
associated signaling pathways therefore represent important therapeutic targets for AD
(Nature)
Paragraph 1:
Cohort: A group of people who share a common characteristic or experience within a defined
period.
Dementia: A syndrome of progressive cognitive impairment that interferes with daily life activities.
Cutting-edge: The most advanced and innovative stage in the development of something.
Paragraph Takeaway: Insight 46 studies brain aging and dementia using imaging and AI in a cohort
of 502 people.
2. What is the focus of the Insight 46 study, and why is it significant for understanding
Alzheimer's disease?
The Insight 46 study focuses on tracking cognitive health over 76 years, providing critical
data on aging and Alzheimer’s disease, offering insights into how early-life factors affect
cognitive decline and dementia.
3. What is the purpose of the Insight 46 sub-study, and how has it been conducted since its
start in 2016?
Insight 46 was started in 2016 to study brain aging and dementia, focusing on life course
influences. It involves 502 participants, and researchers have been using advanced imaging
and AI technology to observe their brains.
4. The brain is made up of more than 1×1011 neurones.
(a) The diagram shows a section through the human brain.
4
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