Lesson 4.1.3.1

4.1.3.1 Diffusion Quiz: AQA Combined Science, Unit 1

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 4.1.3.1, Diffusion: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA GCSE Combined Science (8464), Unit 1: Cell biology, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. What is the net movement of particles from high to low concentration called?

    • Transpiration
    • Osmosis
    • Diffusion
    • Active transport

  2. Which gas is exchanged by diffusion in gas exchange?

    • Glucose
    • Water only
    • Mineral ions
    • Oxygen

  3. Which waste product moves from cells into the blood plasma by diffusion?

    • Insulin
    • Lactose
    • Cellulose
    • Urea

  4. Which factor does not affect the rate of diffusion according to the specification?

    • Temperature
    • Light intensity
    • Surface area
    • Concentration gradient

  5. Which feature of an exchange surface increases the rate of diffusion?

    • Small surface area
    • Thick walls
    • Low temperature
    • Thin membrane

  6. What happens to the rate of diffusion when the concentration gradient is steeper?

    • It stops completely
    • It increases
    • It decreases
    • It reverses direction

  7. Which type of organism has a relatively large surface area to volume ratio?

    • Large mammal
    • Multicellular plant
    • Complex reptile
    • Single-celled organism

  8. Which organ in mammals is an exchange surface adapted for gas exchange by diffusion?

    • Kidney tubules
    • Bones
    • Heart valves
    • Lungs

  9. A cube has a side of 2 cm. What is its surface area to volume ratio?

    • 12 : 1
    • 3 : 1
    • 6 : 1
    • 1 : 3

  10. What is the surface area to volume ratio of a 3 cm cube?

    • 3 : 1
    • 2 : 1
    • 6 : 1
    • 1 : 1

  11. What happens to the rate of diffusion if a cell membrane becomes thinner?

    • Decreases
    • Stops
    • Increases
    • Unchanged

  12. Why does a higher temperature increase the rate of diffusion?

    • Higher kinetic energy
    • Lower kinetic energy
    • Reduced particle speed
    • Greater molecular size

  13. What physical principle is used by fish gills having many folds?

    • Reduced surface area
    • Increased surface area
    • Decreased membrane permeability
    • Thickened cell walls

  14. What is the primary function of root hairs having a large surface area?

    • Increased water uptake
    • Reduced mineral loss
    • Decreased ion absorption
    • Faster active transport

  15. What happens to a cell's surface area to volume ratio as it grows bigger?

    • It decreases
    • It increases
    • It doubles
    • It stays constant

  16. Why does oxygen move from the alveoli into the blood?

    • Lower alveolar concentration
    • Higher alveolar concentration
    • Active transport
    • Equal concentration

  17. A cube with side 4 cm is considered. What is its surface area to volume ratio?

    • 6 : 1
    • 0.67 : 1
    • 2 : 1
    • 1.5 : 1

  18. Why do large multicellular organisms require specialised exchange surfaces?

    • Low surface area ratio
    • High surface area ratio
    • Excessive cell division
    • Absence of membranes

  19. Which surface area to volume ratio provides better diffusion capacity?

    • 1 to 1
    • 6 to 1
    • 3 to 1
    • 2 to 1

  20. Which feature is NOT used to increase exchange surface effectiveness in animals?

    • Thick membrane
    • Large surface area
    • Ventilation
    • Good blood supply

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