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

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Why is there a range in blood pressure values across individuals?

Because blood pressure changes with activity levels
Because it varies with diet
Because everyone is genetically different
Because of environmental factors

The correct answer is: Because everyone is genetically different

The variation in blood pressure values across individuals can indeed be largely attributed to genetic differences. Each person inherits a unique combination of genes that can influence numerous physiological traits, including those that affect blood pressure regulation. These genetic factors can determine the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels, as well as the sensitivity of the body's responses to hormones that control blood pressure. While the role of other factors such as activity levels, diet, and environmental influences is significant, genetics provides the foundational basis for individual differences in blood pressure. For instance, some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to hypertension or may be more resilient to changes in blood pressure due to heredity. This intrinsic variation helps explain why blood pressure is not uniform across the population.