The graph shows the percentage of adult smokers in different age groups in the UK in 2011 - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 10 - 2018
Question 10
The graph shows the percentage of adult smokers in different age groups in the UK in 2011.
(a) (i) Describe two trends shown in the graph.
1.
2.
(ii) Apart from ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The graph shows the percentage of adult smokers in different age groups in the UK in 2011 - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 10 - 2018
Step 1
Describe two trends shown in the graph.
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Answer
The percentage of adult males who smoke is consistently higher than that of females across all age groups, with the highest percentage being in the age group 25–34.
There is a noticeable decrease in the percentage of smokers in the older age groups, particularly among those aged 65 and above.
Step 2
Apart from individuals giving up smoking, suggest a reason for the difference in the percentage of 25–34 year olds and 65+ year olds smoking.
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Many older smokers have died from smoking-related illnesses, contributing to a lower percentage of current smokers in the 65+ age group.
Step 3
Describe how nicotine acts as an agonist at a synapse.
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Nicotine binds to acetylcholine receptors and mimics the action of acetylcholine, thereby stimulating the release of neurotransmitters, including dopamine.
Step 4
Describe how dopamine reinforces smoking behaviour.
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Dopamine induces feelings of pleasure or euphoria, making the individual feel good and reinforcing the desire to smoke.
Step 5
Describe how repeated exposure to nicotine can lead to nicotine tolerance by desensitisation.
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Repeated exposure to nicotine causes a decrease in the responsiveness of acetylcholine receptors, leading to a need for higher amounts of nicotine to achieve the same pleasurable effects.
Step 6
Explain why anti-smoking campaigns often feature a celebrity.
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Campaigns often feature celebrities because individuals may admire them and be influenced by their choices, which can help in promoting the message against smoking.
Step 7
Calculate the total number of lung cancer cases in the UK in 2011.
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To calculate the total number of lung cancer cases in the UK in 2011, use the formula:
Let X be the total number of lung cancer cases.
Given that 36,980 cases are 86% of X, we have:
0.86X = 36,980
Thus, the total number of lung cancer cases is:
X = \frac{36,980}{0.86} = 43,000.
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