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Cambridge O Level Biology 5090

Human systems

Excretion

Explain removal of metabolic waste, kidney function and regulation of water concentration.
5090 syllabus routeConcept · skill · exam language

What to know

Build the topic around four anchors.

  1. 01Definition of excretion
  2. 02Urea formation
  3. 03Kidney and nephron function
  4. 04Water balance and ADH

Exam skills

What the paper asks you to do

  • Distinguish excretion from egestion
  • Trace filtrate through a nephron
  • Explain ADH responses using feedback

Common mistakes

Where marks disappear

  • Calling faeces an excretory product
  • Saying all filtered glucose is excreted
  • Reversing ADH effects on water reabsorption

Structured practice

Answer these without looking back.

For each prompt, write the biological chain clearly enough that every mark-worthy link is visible.

  1. 01Explain why urea must be removed.
  2. 02Describe selective reabsorption.
  3. 03Predict ADH change after heavy sweating.

Continue learning

Read the connected explanation.

A complete mental model for receptors, control centres, effectors and the return toward a normal range.

Next topicCoordination and control

This independent teaching resource follows the Cambridge O Level Biology 5090 syllabus direction and is not endorsed by Cambridge International Education.