Human nutrition: past paper questions
Real questions on human nutrition
The newest 20 of 121 written questions, plus 116 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0970/32 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(i)[2]
Draw one line from each disease to the nutrient that is low in the diet. name of the disease nutrient that is low in the diet calcium rickets iron scurvy protein vitamin C
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(ii)[1]
A diet that is low in vitamin D is also a cause of rickets. State one dietary source of vitamin D.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(iii)[2]
Vitamins, mineral ions and proteins are part of a balanced diet. State two other components of a balanced diet. 1.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · May/June 2026 · Q2e[1]
State the name of the type of digestion involving teeth.
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2026 · Q2a(i)[2]
(i) State where amylase and pepsin act in the human body. AMYlASE .......... .......... .......... .......... pepsin
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2026 · Q2d[2]
Compare the process of assimilation with the process of absorption.
See it on the paper → - 0970/41 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(iii)[3]
Explain the changes that occur in the blood vessels in the skin in a cold environment.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[4]
The boxes on the left show the types of digestion. The boxes on the right contain sentence endings. Draw lines to make four correct sentences. sentence ending type of digestion Chemical digestion Physical digestion breaks down food into smaller pieces. breaks down food molecules. involves chemical changes. involves enz...
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2025 · Q7b[1]
Ingestion occurs in the mouth. State the name of the part of the alimentary canal where egestion occurs.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2025 · Q7c(i)[3]
State the names of structures Q, R and S in Fig. 7.1. Q R
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2025 · Q7c(ii)[2]
State the names of two structures found inside the pulp.
See it on the paper → - 0970/32 · October/November 2025 · Q7c(iii)[2]
Identify the type of tooth shown in Fig. 7.1. Explain how you made your choice. type explanation
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[2]
Describe what is meant by the term physical digestion.
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[3]
Fig. 1.1 is a diagram of the human digestive system. A F B C E D Fig. 1.1 glucagon is produced physical digestion occurs State the letter from Fig. 1.1 that shows one part where:
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1c[3]
Explain the role of bile in physical digestion.
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1d[2]
Physical digestion also occurs in the mouth. State the names and functions of two types of human teeth.
See it on the paper → - 0970/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1e[4]
X Y magnification ×800 Fig. 1.2 (e) Fig. 1.2 is a photomicrograph of part of one villus in the small intestine. Identify and explain the roles of the parts labelled X and Y in Fig. 1.2.
See it on the paper → - 0970/31 · May/June 2025 · Q3a[4]
The list shows some of the organs in the digestive system. large intestine pancreas liver oesophagus salivary gland stomach The words in the list can be used once, more than once or not at all. is where physical digestion occurs releases hydrochloric acid secretes protease and amylase State the name of one organ from t...
See it on the paper → - 0970/31 · May/June 2025 · Q3b[2]
State two functions of hydrochloric acid in the digestive system.
See it on the paper → - 0970/31 · May/June 2025 · Q3c[3]
Describe the importance of protease in the digestive system.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates were able to gain at least one mark on this question, although few recognised that words in the list could be used more than once even though it was stated in the question. Most gained marks for identifying the stomach as the organ where physical digestion takes place and that the pancreas secretes insulin. A few candidates referred to pancrease instead of pancreas.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/31 Q3(a) (Cambridge)
The majority of candidates were able to gain one of the two marks available, mainly by stating that hydrochloric acid kills microorganisms although some answers referred to the acid protecting against pathogens but not stating how. Few candidates were able to state that hydrochloric acid provides a suitable pH for enzymes. Many incorrectly referred to the acid digesting or breaking down food.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/31 Q3(b) (Cambridge)
Many candidates scored well on this question. They could correctly state that protease was an enzyme that digested protein into amino acids. Few candidates referred to the absorption of the amino acids. Marks were often missed because of poor expression. A few candidates referred to protease building proteins.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0970/31 Q3(c) (Cambridge)
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