Describe the effects on the body of a diet that lacks both vitamin C and vitamin D.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 7.1 Diet · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Lack of vitamin C causes scurvy, characterised by swollen, bleeding gums.
Lack of vitamin D causes rickets, characterised by soft, weak bones and bone deformities.

Examiner tips

Use the exact terms ‘scurvy’ and ‘rickets’.
Give one specific symptom for each disease. 1 mark each.
Keep sentences short and to the point. 1 mark each.

Common mistakes

Mixing up symptoms of scurvy and rickets. 2 marks lost.
Using vague phrases such as ‘weakness’ instead of a specific symptom. 1 mark lost.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Lack of vitamin C causes scurvy
One named symptom of scurvy
Lack of vitamin D causes rickets
One named symptom of rickets or mechanistic link to bone health

Key terms in this question

vitamin C · vitamin D