# "Describe and explain" questions — Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)

> 8 questions · biology

## How to answer

"describe and explain" questions from Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610). Read the rubric carefully — the marking points cluster into scientific ideas rather than free-form prose.

## Sample questions

1. [Describe why antibiotics cannot be used to treat viral infections, and explain why patients prescribed antibiotics shoul…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-why-antibiotics-cannot-be-used-183ceec5)
2. [Describe how physical digestion occurs in the mouth and explain how this process increases the effectiveness of chemical…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-physical-digestion-occurs-in-5f9c0081)
3. [Describe how a fermenter is used to produce penicillin from Penicillium, and explain why the conditions inside the ferme…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-a-fermenter-is-used-6374c057)
4. [Describe the role of valves in the heart, and explain why the wall of the left ventricle is thicker than the wall of the…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-role-of-valves-in-73fc074a)
5. [Describe how lactase is used to produce lactose-free milk, and explain why this product is beneficial to some people.](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-lactase-is-used-to-7e54a79b)
6. [Describe the role of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and explain why the enzyme lipase is secreted into the duodenum ra…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-role-of-hydrochloric-acid-9730a064)
7. [A drug is defined as a substance that alters the body's chemical reactions when introduced into the body. Describe how a…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-drug-is-defined-as-a-a5d93554)
8. [A student places a red blood cell into distilled water. Describe and explain what happens to the red blood cell.](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-places-a-red-blood-c604367f)

## Related

- [Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) revision notes](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn/cambridge-international-igcse-biology-0610)
- [Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) past papers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/past-papers/cambridge-international-igcse-biology-0610)
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