OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the OCR GCSE Biology Exam with detailed quizzes, flashcards, and explanations. Enhance your understanding of biology concepts and get exam-ready today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is a potential risk when using artificial heart valves?

They may not fit properly in the heart
They can develop infections
They may require frequent replacements
They can damage blood cells

The correct answer is: They can damage blood cells

Artificial heart valves can indeed lead to the damage of blood cells. When blood flows through an artificial valve, especially those made of synthetic materials, it can encounter turbulence and shear stress that may cause physical trauma to red blood cells as they pass through. This mechanical interaction can lead to hemolysis, where red blood cells are destroyed and their components released into the bloodstream. Over time, the damage to blood cells can lead to anemia and other complications, thereby making this a significant risk associated with the use of artificial heart valves.