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

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What is the primary role of collagen in the body?

Facilitate movement
Store energy
Give skin strength and structure
Transmit nerve impulses

The correct answer is: Give skin strength and structure

Collagen plays a crucial role in providing strength and structure to various tissues in the body, particularly the skin. It is a key structural protein found in connective tissues, including skin, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. By forming a scaffold that supports skin cells, collagen helps to maintain the skin's elasticity and firmness. This structural integrity is essential for the overall health and resilience of the skin, which is important for protecting underlying tissues and organs. The other roles mentioned, such as facilitating movement, storing energy, and transmitting nerve impulses, are carried out by different types of proteins or biological molecules in the body. For example, muscle proteins like actin and myosin facilitate movement, while adipose tissue is primarily responsible for energy storage. Nerve impulses are transmitted by neurons and involve neurotransmitters rather than collagen. Thus, the primary function of collagen is centered around providing strength and structure, especially in the skin.