The graph below shows the concentration of progesterone in a woman's blood during the early stages of pregnancy - NSC Life Sciences - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
The graph below shows the concentration of progesterone in a woman's blood during the early stages of pregnancy.
**Progesterone levels in a woman's blood**
**duri... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The graph below shows the concentration of progesterone in a woman's blood during the early stages of pregnancy - NSC Life Sciences - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
2.1.1 Name TWO structures responsible for producing progesterone during pregnancy.
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Answer
The two structures responsible for producing progesterone during pregnancy are the corpus luteum and the placenta.
Step 2
2.1.2 Describe the general trend in the change in progesterone levels in the woman's blood during the early stages of pregnancy.
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The general trend in progesterone levels is that they are increasing during the early stages of pregnancy.
Step 3
2.1.3 Describe the negative feedback mechanism that occurs between progesterone and FSH during pregnancy.
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High levels of progesterone inhibit the secretion of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). This negative feedback mechanism helps to prevent the growth of new ovarian follicles during pregnancy.
Step 4
2.1.4 State the importance of the negative feedback mechanism described in QUESTION 2.1.3.
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The importance of this negative feedback mechanism is to ensure that menstruation does not occur, maintaining the pregnancy by preventing the detachment of the placenta.
Step 5
2.1.5 Calculate the percentage increase in progesterone levels between week 4 and week 14. Show ALL calculations.
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The progesterone level in week 4 is 21.6 ng/ml, and in week 14 it is 39.5 ng/ml. The percentage increase is calculated as follows:
2.1.6 (a) Explain why this woman should consider the possible decrease in progesterone levels.
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The woman should consider the possible decrease in progesterone levels because low levels of progesterone can lead to a risk of miscarriage. Progesterone is important for maintaining the uterine lining and supporting the developing embryo.
Step 7
2.1.6 (b) Suggest ONE way in which this problem could possibly be treated by a doctor.
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One way this problem could be treated by a doctor is by prescribing progesterone supplements to help maintain adequate hormone levels and support the pregnancy.
