2013

SECTION A: (40 MARKS)

Question 1 is compulsory.

1. An experiment was carried out to investigate the rate of respiration of yeast cells mixed
with three different carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose and lactose), using methylene blue as
an indicator. (Methylene blue is in alkaline condition and colourless in acidic condition.)

1 cm3 of 0.1M methylene blue was added to a mixture of 5 cm3 of suspension of yeast in
10 cm3 of 0.5% glucose solution in a boiling tube. The boiling tube was placed in a water
bath at 30 0C for 20 minutes. The rate of respiration was measured as a percentage of the
intensity of the blue color at the beginning of the experiment, at intervals of 2 minutes.
The experiment was repeated using 0.5% sucrose and lactose. The results are shown in
figure 1. Study the figure and answer the questions that follow.
 (a) Calculate the average rate of respiration of yeast in glucose solution during the first four
minutes in terms of percentage intensity of the blue color. (03 marks)

(b) Describe the change in the intensity of the blue color with time, for each carbohydrate.
(05 marks)

(c) Explain the relationship described in (b) for each carbohydrate.

(i) Lactose (03 marks)
(ii) Sucrose (05 marks)
(iii) Glucose (08 marks)

(d) Suggest what would happen to the color for glucose and sucrose if the experiment
continued for 10 more minutes. Give an explanation in each case.
(10 marks)
(e) Explain why the boiling tubes were
(i) Kept covered during the experiment (03 marks)
0
(ii) Placed in a water bath at 30 C (03
marks)

SECTION B (60 MARKS)

2. (a) Explain how each of the following features contributes to the survival of
mammals in cold habitats.
(i) Body size (03 marks)
(ii) Body extremities (02 marks)

(b) Describe how a camel is able to overcome the following challenges in its habitat.
(i) Water stress (09 marks)
(ii) Heat stress (06 marks)

3. (a) What is the ecological impact of each of the following human activities?
(i) Use of pesticides (06 marks)
(ii) Use if artificial fertilizers (04 marks)
(iii) Over fishing (05 marks)

(b) Describe the advantages of using biological pest control over pesticides in an
ecosystem.
(05 marks)

4. (a) Giving an example in each case, explain how large surface: volume ratio,
has been achieved in organisms, for exchange of gases and food materials.
(12 marks)
 (b) Explain the importance of changes in turgidity to plants. (08 marks)

5. (a) Describe the relationship between organisms in the lichen.

(06 marks)

(b) Compare mutualism and parasitism.

(07 marks)

(c) Explain how termites are able to feed on wood. (07 marks)

6. (a) How does each of the following explain the movement of water and
mineral salts up the xylem?

(i) Cohesion and tension theory. (06 marks)

(ii) Root pressure (05 marks)

(b) Describe the characteristics of the open and closed circulatory systems.
(09 marks)

END.

2012.
SECTION A (40 MARKS)
1. Figure 1 shows relative changes in dry mass of the endosperm and embryo during
germination of maize in a well illuminated environment. Figure 2 shows changes in
content of lipids and sugar in castor oil seeds during germination in the dark.
(a) Explain the changes in each of the following, during germination of maize.
(i) Dry mass of endosperm (07 marks)
(ii) Dry mass of embryo (06 marks)
 (iii) Total dry mass (05
marks)

(b) Explain the changes in each of the following during germination of castor oil seeds.
(i) Lipid content (06 marks)
(ii) Sugar content (04 marks)
(iii) Total dry mass (02
marks)

(c) When the respiratory quotient (RQ) of the castor oil seedling was measured on the fifth
day, the embryo was found to have an RQ of about 1.0, while the cotyledons had an RQ
of about 0.4 – 0.5.
Suggest an explanation for these results. (04 marks)

(d) Suggest differences in changes of lipids, sugar and total dry mass of castor oil seedlings if
they were introduced to a well illuminated environment on the sixth day. Explain each
difference suggested.
(06 marks)

SECTION B (60 MARKS)

Answer three questions from this section
Additional questions will not be marked.
2. (a) Describe structural adaptations in birds which have enabled them have successful
aerial life. (12 marks)
(b) How does flight in birds differ from that in insects? (08 marks)

3. (a) What is meant by natural selection? (03 marks)

(b) Describe the role of each one of the following in natural selection.
(i) Mutation (05 marks)
(ii) Meiosis (08
marks)
(iii) Fertilization (04 marks)

4. (a) Describe how each of the following tissues are related to their functions.
(i) Parenchyma (03 marks)
(ii) Collenchyama (03
marks)
(iii) Scelerenchyma (06 marks)

5. (a) Explain how ferns are better adapted to terrestrial life than mosses.
(08 marks)
 (b) How does temperature influence the following processes in plants?
(i) Plant growth (07 marks)
(ii) Plant distribution (05 marks)

6. (a) Giving an example in each case, explain what is meant by each of the following:
(i) Saprophytes (21⁄2 marks)
(ii) Chemoautotrophs (21⁄2 marks)

(b) Compare saprophytes and parasites (10 marks)

(c) Explain the importance of Saprophytism to human life. (05 marks)

2011

SECTION A: (40 MARKS)

1. (a) Figure 1 shows the average blood glucose levels in three major vessels in three
major vessels of the liver of an individual, who had meals at 7.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. Use
the information to answer the questions that follow.

(i) Compare the levels of glucose in:

 Hepatic artery and hepatic vein (04 marks)
 Hepatic artery and hepatic portal vein (04
marks)

(ii) Explain the differences in the levels of glucose in the:

  Hepatic artery and hepatic vein (09 marks)
 Hepatic artery and hepatic portal vein (09 marks)

(b) Figure 2 shows the blood glucose levels in a normal and diabetic individual, after both
individuals were given a sugar solution at 7.00 a.m. Study the information and answer
that follow.

(i) Compare the levels of blood glucose betweeen the two individuals. (05 marks)
(ii) Give an explanation for the observed pattern of the levels of blood glucose in the two
individuals. (05 marks)

(c) What is the significance of the physiological process illustrated in figures 1 and 2?

SECTION B: (60 MARKS)

2. (a) Describe the structure of the plasma membrane according to the fluid mosiac
model. (10 marks)
(b) Explain how exocytosis and endocytosis occur the plasma membrane.
(05 marks)
(c) Explain the role of proteins within plasma membranes. (05 marks)

3. (a) How is the chloroplast suited for its functions? (08 marks)
(b) Describe the modifications of the parenchyma tissue in different parts of a plant,
to suit its function. (05 marks)
(c) Explain the distribution of mechanical tissue in plants. (07 marks)
 4. (a) What is meant by double fertilization in flowering plants? (04 marks)
(b) Explain how:
(i) asexual reproduction produces offspring identical to the parent.
(04 marks)
(ii) sexual reproduction causes variation among offspring.
(05 marks)
(c) Under what circumstances may variation
(i) occur in asexually produced individuals (03 marks)
(ii) not occur in sexually produced individuals (04 marks)

5. (a) Outline the various ways in which the efficiency of receptors is ensured.
(07 marks)
(b) Explain the differences in a acuity and sensitivity to light by different parts of the
retina. (13 marks)

6. (a) Outline the causes of nutrient deficiencies in soils. (04 marks)

(b) Explain how plants have overcome the problem of nitrogen and phosphorous
deficiencies in soils they grow in. (16 marks)
END.

2010
SECTION A: (40 MARKS)
Question 1 is compulsory.
1. A study was conducted on the germination and early growth of sorghum. The grains were
soaked in cotton wool in a green house and at two – day intervals, samples were taken
and separated into two components, of endosperm and embryo (seedling), which were
then oven dried and weighed. Figure 1 shows the variation of total dry mass, dry mass of
endosperm and embryo.
Use the information to answer the questions that follow.
(a) Explain the variation with time of
(i) Dry mass of endosperm (10 marks)
(ii) Dry mass of embryo (07 marks)
(iii) Total dry mass of sorghum seedling. (08 marks)

(b) Explain why the following were done.

(i) Oven – drying the seeds (01 marks)
(ii) Separating the seed components (01 marks)
(iii) Sowing seeds in a green house (01 marks)

(c) From the information given, name the method used to measure growth and give its
limitations.
(03 marks)
(d) (i) Name two internal factors in the seeds that would affect the results above.
(02 marks)
 (ii) Suggest precautions that could have been taken to ensure reliable results.
(02 marks)
(e) What conclusion can be drawn from the graph after 8 days?
(01 marks)
(f) Explain what would happen if the experiment continued for another 10 days.
(04 marks)

SECTION B: (60 MARKS)

Answer three questions from this section.
2. (a) Describe the structure of the vascular sytem in higher plants? (07
marks)
(b) How is the system in (a) adapted to its function? (13 marks)

3. (a) Explain what is meant by alternation of generations? (02

marks)
(b) Compare the life cycle of a moss and a fern. (13 marks)
(c) What is the importance of alternation of generations to the life of a moss and a
fern? (05
marks)

4. (a) Explain how organisms have overcome the challenges of being multicellular.
(12
marks)
(b) Explain the movement of animals from place to place. (08
marks)

5. (a) Describe the characteristics of receptor cells. (06

marks)
(b) Describe the role played by each of the following in the maintenance of balance in
a human body.
(i) Semi – circular canals (07
marks)
(ii) Utriculus and sacculus (07
marks)

6. (a) Explain what is meant by variation. (02 marks)

(b) How does meiosis contribute to variation? (07 marks)
(c) Describe the role of variation in evolution. (11 marks)

END.
 2009
SECTION A: (40 MARKS)
1. An investigation was carried out on the effect of applying different concentrations of
auxin on roots and shoots of oat seedlings. The results in Table 1 obtained, were
expressed as percentage stimulation (+) or inhibition (-) of growth, compared with
untreated controls. Use the information to answer the questions that follow.
Table 1

Concentration of applied auxins (parts per million)

10-6 10-5 10-4 10-3 10-2 10-1 100 101 102

% +5 +20 +20 +10 -18 -55 -90 -95 -98

Stimulation Root
Of growth 0 0 0 +5 +20 +100 +180 +150 +10
Shoot

(a) (i) Present the results in a suitable graphical form. (07 marks)
(ii) Using your graph, describe the effect of different concentrations of auxin on root
and shoot growth. (06 marks)
(iii) From your graph and Table 1, point out the differences between the responses of
the roots and shoots to the different concentrations of auxin. (04
marks)

(b) In another experiment, groups of pea seedlings were treated as shown in Table 2.

Table 2

Groups of
Seedlings Treatment done
A Apical buds removed

B Apical buds removed and auxin placed on cut stumps

C Apical buds removed and gibberellic acid placed in cut stumps

D Apical buds removed and Cytokinin placed on cut stumps

E Seedlings left intact

At intervals after treatment, the length of the axillary shoots were determined and the results
obtained were obtained were recorded as shown in Table 3.

Table 3

Time after
Start of Mean total axilliary shoot length per group of seedlings (mm)
treatment
(days) A B C D E
2 3 3 3 3 3
4 10 4 12 9 3
6 30 4 45 32 3
8 50 5 90 47 3
10 78 6 116 80 3
13 118 30 150 119 3

(i) What was the effect of the treatment done, on each group of seedlings at the end of
the experiment? (04 marks)
(ii) Explain the results in table 3. (15 marks)
(iii) Outline ways in which auxins have been used in improving agriculture.
(04
marks)

SECTION B: (60 MARKS)

2. (a) Explain how plants living under the canopy of forest trees are able to survive.
(15 marks)
(b) Describe how herbaceous plants are supported off the ground. (05 marks)

3. (a) Compare photosynthesis and aerobic respiration. (09 marks)

(b) Explain the effect of low oxygen tensions on
(i) C3 plants (03 marks)
(ii) C4 plants (02 marks)
(c) Explain why C4 plants are more efficient in photosynthesis than C3 plants.
(06 marks)
 4. (a) (i) Describe the structure of the haemoglobin molecule.
(04
marks)
(ii) Explain why the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen increases when it
already possesses oxygen. (03 marks)

(b) Describe how the pH of blood and tissue fluid in mammals is maintained.
(13 marks)

5. (a) Describe how the method of fertilization and other reproductive strategies in
mammals have contributed to their evolutionary success.

(14 marks)
(b) Give an account of hormonal control of spermatogenesis in humans. (06
marks)

6. (a) What is meant by

(i) Biotic potential? (03 marks)
(ii) Primary productivity? (02 marks)

(b) Discuss the factors which influence the size of populations in an ecosystem.
(12
marks)
(c) Suggest reasons why human populations are not naturally regulated by negative
feed back mechanisms. (03
marks)

END.

2008 paper 2

SECTION A (40 MARKS)

1. Table shows percentages by volume of some gases in inspired air, expired air and
alveolar air, in a resting human being.
Table 1
Gas Percentage Volume (%)
Inspired air Expired air Alveolar air
Oxygen 20.90 15.30 13.90
 Nitrogen 78.60 74.90 No data
Carbondioxide 0.03 3.60 4.90
Water Vapour 0.47 6.20 No data

Figure 1 a and b show effects of increased carbondioxide concentration in inspired air, on

the volume of air breathed in and out per minute and on the breathing rate respectively

(a) Explain why

(i) The percentage volume of oxygen in expired air is intermediate between the
inspired and alveolar values. (04 marks)
(ii) There is a difference in the percentage volume of nitrogen between inspired and
expired air. (04 marks)
(b) (i) Using the information in figure 1, calculate the mean volumes of a single breath
in and
out, at different carbondioxide concentration in inspired air, indicated in table
2. (3 ½
marks)
Table 2
Percentage
Concentration of 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
 CO2 in inspired air

(ii) Plot a graph showing the mean volume of a single breath against percentage
concentration in inspired air. (5 ½ marks)

(c) Describe the effect of the increase in carbondioxide concentration in inspired air on the
(i) Volume of air breathed in and out per minute (03
marks)
(ii) Breathing rate (03 marks)
(iii) Mean volume of a single breath in and out. (03 marks)

(d) Explain the effect of the increase in carbondioxide concentration in inspired air on the
(i) Volume of air breathed in and out per minute. (02
marks)
(ii) Breathing rate (02 marks)
(iii) Mean volume of a single breath in and out (02 marks)

(e) Outline the physiological effects in the body, of breathing in excess

(i) Carbondioxide (04 marks)
(ii) Oxygen (04 marks)
SECTION B (60 MARKS)
Answer any three questions from this section.
2. (a) Outline the events that lead to the formation of pollen grains in flowering
plants. (07
marks) (b) How does the development of the
embryo sac in flowering plants differ from oogenesis in humans?
(04 marks)
(c) Give an outline of the life cycle of a named pteridophyte. (09
marks)

3. (a) Describe the structure of DNA. (11 marks)

(b) Using an example, explain an effect of gene mutation in humans.
(06
marks)
(c) What is the significance of mutation in crop husbandry? (03
marks)

4. (a) Give an outline of the classification of muscular tissues. (1 ½

marks) (b) Describe the structure of the phloem and cardiac
 tissues. (4 ½ marks) (c) Explain
how the structures of the phloem and cardiac muscle are related to their functions.
(14 marks)

5. (a) Explain how light may affect the activities of organisms. (13
marks) (b) Why does transpiration occur
mainly through leaves other than other parts of a plant?
(07 marks)

6. (a) (i) What are chemoheterotrophic bacteria? (01 marks)

(ii) Give three groups of the type of bacteria in (a)(i) (03
marks)

(b) Using examples, explain the ecological importance of each of the groups in
(a)(ii) in an ecosystem. (16 marks)

2007

SECTION A (40 MARKS)

1. Two groups of maize seeds were germinated and grown in different culture solutions.
Groups A were provided with a complete nutrient solution while Group B were provided
with a solution lacking magnesium. An extract of photosynthetic pigments was made
from leaves of each group of seedlings at the end of three weeks. Figure 1 is the
absorption spectra obtained from the extracts.
In another experiment, six identical shoots of pond weed were placed in separate test tubes of
pond water in which a dilute solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate had been added. Each test
tube was then exposed to light which had passed through a different coloured filter. The light in
all cases was from a 40 watt bulb, placed 40 cm from the test tube. The time taken for 20 bubbles
to leave the cut end of each shoot was recorded three times and the average results are recorded
in table 1.

Table 1

Colour of filter Average time taken to release Number of bubbles

20 bubbles in seconds Released per minute
Violet 58
Blue 40
Blue – green 62
Green 132
Yellow 96
Orange – red 70

Use the information to answer the questions that follow:

 (a) Compare the light absorption by extract from Group A and that from Group B across the
light spectrum. (08 marks)

(b) Explain the light absorption across the light spectrum for each extract.
(09 marks)

(c) How does a coloured filter affect light passing through it? (01 mark)

(d) (i) Copy and complete Table 1, by calculating the number of bubbles released by
each shoot per minute. (03
marks)

(ii) Plot a graph to show the relationship between the colour of the filter and the rate
at which bubbles are released. (06
marks)

(e) (i) Compare your graph to show the relationship between the colour of the filter and
the rate at which bubbles are released. (06 marks)
(ii) What conclusion can you draw from the relationship?
(02
marks)
(f) State what would be observed if the distance between the bulb and the test tubes was
gradually reduced. Explain your answer. (04 marks)

(g) Explain why

(i) the type of bulb and the distance of the bulb from test tubes were kept constant
(01 mark)
(ii) a dilute solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate was added to pond water in the
test tubes (02
marks)
(iii) There were three measurements made on each shoot rather than a single one.
(01 mark)
(iv) Measuring the rate of photosynthesis by counting bubbles is not an accurate
method. (01 mark)

SECTION B (60 MARKS)

2. (a) What is meant by negative feedback in body processes? (03 marks)

(b) Describe how each of the following affects the metabolism of carbohydrates.
 (i) Insulin (03
marks)
(ii) Adrenaline (03 marks)
(c) Describe how hormones from the ovary and the pituitary gland interact to control
the human menstrual cycle. (11 marks)

3. Explain how the epithelial tissue is adapted for its functions. (20
marks)

4. (a) Describe the structure of guard cells in a plant leaf. (06 marks)

(b) Explain how stomatal opening occurs according to:

(i) Starch ⇌ sugar interconversion
(08 marks)
(ii) Photosynthetic theory
(05 marks)
5. (a) Outline the functions of a cell nucleus.
(02
marks)
(b) Describe the changes that occur in a nucleus during meiosis.
(13
marks)
(c) Explain the significance of mitosis and meiosis in organisms.
(05
marks)
6. (a) Explain the meaning of the following:
(i) Genetic isolation (02 marks)
(ii) Reproductive isolation (03 marks)

(b) Explain how the gene frequency of a population may be altered.

(15 marks)
END.

2006
SECTION A (40 MARKS)
1. Figures 1, 2 and 3 show the immigration and extinction of species on different
categories of virgin islands.
Figure 1 shows the rate of immigration of new species on an island nearby the shore
and one that is far from the shore.

Figure 2 shows the rate of extinction of species on a large island and on a small
island.

Figure 3 shows the rate of immigration and extinction of species on an island.

Study the information and use it to answer the questions that follow.
Of new species to island
Rate of immigration

Island near to shore

Island near
From shore

Number of species

Fig. 1

Small island
Of species on island
Rate of extinction

large island

Number of species
And extinction an island Immigration Extinction
Rate Rate
Rate if immigration

Number of species

Fig. 3

(a) Explain the rate of

(i) immigration of new species on an island that is near to the shore and one that is
far from the shore (figure 1)
(10
marks)
(ii) extinction of species on a small island and on a large island (figure 2)
(09 marks)
(iii)immigration and extinction of species on an island (figure 3) (07
marks)

(b) From figures 1, 2 and 3 what conclusions can you draw about what determines the
number of species on an island? (05 marks)

(c) Describe how factors other than those depicted in the information provided, may
affect the immigration of new species on an island.
(04
marks)

(d) Suggest the factors that would cause immigration of new species to a virgin island.
(05 marks)
SECTION B (60 MARKS)

2. (a) Describe the physiological changes that occur in a seed during germination.
(10
marks)
(b) Giving reasons, suggest suitable conditions under which seeds for planting should
be stored.
(c) Even when supplied with suitable conditions for germination, some seeds remain
dormant. Explain the importance of dormancy in seeds.
(04 marks)
3. (a) Describe the adaptations of blood in terrestrial animals living in the following
environmental conditions.
(i) Extreme oxygen tensions (08 marks)
(ii) High altitudes (04 marks)

(b) Explain how each of the following affects the dissociation of haemoglobin in the
mammalian blood, suggesting in each case, the physiological advantage of the
effect.

(i) Increased body temperature (04 marks)

(ii) Small body size (04 marks)

4. (a) Explain the factors that influence the type of nitrogenous wastes excreted by
animals. (16 marks)
(b) Describe osmoregulation in a terrestrial insect. (04 marks)

5. (a) Compare DNA and RNA molecules. (10 marks)

(b) Describe the role of mRNA in the protein synthesis in a cell.
(05
marks)
(c) How does the molecular structure of proteins relate to their functions?
(05 marks)

6. Discuss how structure and function are related for each of the following tissues.

(a) Voluntary muscle tissue (10 marks)

(b) Parenchyma tissue in plants (10 marks)

END.

2005

SECTION A (40 MARKS)

 1. Table 1 shows the number of individual with a given length of fur in a population of a
terrestrial mammalian species for two different generations. The prevailing climatic
temperature during the two generations changed from 150C to 10 0C.
Table 1
Length of fur Number of individuals
(cm) At 150C At 100C
1.00 0 0
1.25 25 0
1.50 60 0
1.75 120 20
2.00 155 60
2.25 120 130
2.50 60 155
2.75 25 130
3.00 0 60
3.25 0 20
3.50 0 0
Figure I shows the variation of resistant strains of bacteria in relation to the amount of antibiotics
given during a period of several years in one hospital.
(a) Draw a graph of the relationship between fur length and number of individuals at the two
temperatures. (08 marks)

(b) What is the optimum length of fur at each temperature? (02 marks)

(c) (i) What is the effect of temperature on fur length among the individuals?
(03 marks)

(ii) Suggest an explanation for the effect of temperature on fur length.

(05 marks)
(d) (i) From figure 1, describe the trend of resistant strains with the amount of antibiotics
used. (03 marks)
(ii) Suggest an explanation for the observed trend of resistant strains with the amount
of antibiotics used. (03 marks)

(e) A bacterium is a haploid organism that produces asexually by fission, twice every minute
on average. Using this information, explain the rapid emergence of resistant strains.
 (06
marks)
(f) The data in table 1 and figure 1 illustrate the process of natural selection. State the
selection pressure in each case.
(02 marks)

(g) Giving a reason in each case, predict what the effect of each of the following would be.

(i) if the use of antibiotics was stopped for a year. (05 marks)
(ii) if the generation of the terrestrial mammal at a prevailing temperature of 100C
was supplied with an abundance of food.
(03
marks)

SECTION B (60 MARKS)

2. Describe how terrestrial plants overcome the challenges of terrestrial environment.

(20
marks)
3. (a) (i) Discuss the factors that affect the rate of diffusion at a respiratory surface.
(06 marks)

(ii) How are the conditions for efficient gaseous exchange fulfilled in
mammalian lungs? (08 marks)

(b) The diameter of capillaries is smaller than the diameter of the red blood cells
passing through them. How does this relationship help in gaseous exchange in the
lungs? (06 marks)

4. Both haemophilia and colour blindness are transmitted in the same way.

(a) What are the effects of each disease? (04 marks)

(b) Describe the transmission of the diseases. (08 marks)

(c) Explain why there are more colourblind individuals than haemophiliacs among
the human population inspite of the similar way of transmission.
(08
marks)

5. (a) Describe the working of an enzyme using the Lock and Key hypothesis.
(11 marks)

(b) Explain the

 (i) effect the excessive heat on enzyme action. (03 marks)

(ii) non – competitive inhibition in an enzyme controlled reaction.

(06 marks)

6. (a) What is the effect of inbreeding in a population? (02 marks)

(b) Describe the mechanisms which limit inbreeding in plants.
(10 marks)
(c) How does meiosis contribute to variation? (08 marks)
2004

SECTION A (40 MARKS)

1. Graphs A, B and C show results of three experiments that were carried out to study the
relationship between a predator, Didinium and a prey Paramecium, under three sets of
conditions.

In the first experiment, Paramecium was introduced into a culture at point P and
Didinium at point D as shown in graph A of figure 1

In the second experiment, the Paramecium and Didinium were introduced together at
point P + D at different population densities. This is shown in graph B of figure 1.

Study the graphs and answer the questions that follow.

(a) Describe the trend of population growth of Paramecium and Didinium in graph
(i) A (04 marks)
(ii) B (03 marks)
(iii) C (05 marks)

(b) Explain the interaction of the two species of organisms in graph

(i) A (06 marks)
(ii) B (06 marks)

(c) Compare the trend of the population growth of the two species in graph B and C.
(06 marks)
 (d) Supposing Paramecium and Didinium were introduced at the same time under natural
environmental conditions, sketch curves to show the expected trend of the populations
with time. (05 marks)
(e) Explain the trends of the population curves of Paramecium and Didinium you have
drawn in (d). (05 marks)

SECTION B (60 MARKS)

2. Describe how xerophytes survive conditions of unfavourable water balance.

(20 marks)
3. (a) (i) Giving an example, explain what is meant by discontinuous variation?
(03 marks)

(ii) How does sexual reproduction cause variation? (08 marks)

(b) Explain how the environment may influence the process of natural selection.
(09 marks)

4. (a) Using examples, explain the meaning f displacement activity.

(06 marks)

(b) What is the importance of each of the following forms of behavior to the survival
of organisms in a community?

(i) Territorial behavior (07 marks)

(ii) Courtship behavior (07 marks)

5. Explain

(a) the need for special respiratory surfaces and transport system pigments in higher
animals (10 marks)

(b) how gaseous exchange occurs adequately in higher plants without transport
system pigments. (10 marks)

6. (a) What is biological pest control? (02 marks)

(b) Explain the precautions to be taken in application of biological pest control.

(06 marks)

(c) Describe the ecological qualities of a good pesticide.

(12 marks)

2003
SECTION A (40 MARKS)

1. In an experiment to determine the factors affecting photosynthesis, seedlings of a plant

were divided into two groups and grown under different light intensities. One group of
seedlings was grown at a constant low light intensity (25 arbitrary units). When the plants
were mature, their apparent rates of photosynthesis in milligrams of oxygen released per
unit leaf area per hour, were measured a range of different light intensities.
Fig. 1 shows the results of the experiment
In addition, some characteristics of the two groups of plants were recorded as indicated in
Table 1.

Group of plants Characteristics

Plants grown at high Big, dark green leaves with short
Light intensity Internodes
Plants grown at low Small, pale yellow leaves with long
Light intensity Internodes

(a) From the graph, state the

 (i) differences in the effect of light intensity on the two groups of plants.
(08 marks)
(ii) similarities in the effect of light intensity on the two groups of plants.
(03 marks)
(b) Suggest explanations for the differences you have stated in a(i)
(08 marks)
(c) Explain the pattern of the curve for plants grown in low light intensity.
(06 marks)
(d) Explain the observed characteristics of the two groups of plants as indicated in Table 1.
(09 marks)
(e) Suggest why:

(i) seedlings of the same plant were used in the experiment

(02 marks)

(ii) the rate of release of oxygen was used to measure the rate of photosynthesis.
(02
marks)

(f) Name two factors that may limit the rate of photosynthesis of plants previously grown in
high light intensity, if subjected to light intensity above 25 arbitrary units.
(02 marks)

SECTION B (60 MARKS)

2. (a) Describe mechanisms which promote out – breeding in Monoecious plants.

(12
marks)
(b) Explain how sexual reproduction may cause variation. (08 marks)

3. (a) Describe the structural and the biochemical adaptations of a mammalian red blood
cell for its functions. (10 marks)
(b) (i) How does variation in pH of mammalian blood affect the ability of
haemoglobin to associate with oxygen? (05 marks)
(ii) What is the physiological significance of these effects in b(i)?
(05
marks)
4. (a) What is the role of the apical meristem in root growth? (07 marks)

(b) Describe the formation of secondary tissues in cotyledonous plants.

(13
marks)
 5. (a) Describe the trend of succession that would take place on a bare rock.
(10 marks)
(b) Outline the flow of energy in the climax community described in (a)
(10
marks)

6. (a) What are the qualities of a respiratory surface? (04 marks)

(b) How is each of the following organisms adapted for efficient gaseous exchange?
(i) an insect (07 marks)

(ii) a terrestrial flowering plant (06 marks)

(iii) an amoeba (03 marks)

2002

SECTION A (40 MARKS)

1. An investigation was made to determine the effect of carbon dioxide concentration and
light intensity on the productivity of a plant in a green house. The productivity was
determined by measuring the rate of carbon dioxide fixation in milligrams per dm 2 leaf
area, per hour.

The investigation was conducted at three different light intensities: 0.05, 0.25 and 0.45
(arbitrary units), the highest approximating to full light. A constant temperature of 220C
was maintained throughout.

The results are indicated in Table 1.

Productivity at different light intensities

Carbon dioxide (mg dm-2 h-1)
Concentration (ppm)
At 0.05 units At 0.25 units At 0.45
units
Light intensity light intensities light
intensity
300 12 25
500 27
700 14 30
900 36
1100 15 35
1300 42
 15 37
46
15 37
47
12 31
46

(a) Using the same axes, graphically represent the information in Table 1.
(12 marks)
(b) For the experiment at 0.25 units light intensity,
(i) what is the effect of increasing carbon dioxide concentration on the productivity
of the plant? (04 marks)
(ii) explain the effect of increasing carbon dioxide concentration on the productivity
of the plant.
(03 marks)
(c) (i) Carbon dioxide concentration of 300 ppm is equivalent to that of the atmosphere.
For each of the three light intensities, work out the maximum increase in productivity that
was obtained compared with that at 300ppm. (03 marks)
(ii) Comment on the effect of changing light intensity in productivity.
(04 marks)

(d) Why was the temperature kept constant during the experiment?
(02 marks)
(e) From the experiment, state the optimum conditions for productivity of the plant at 22?
(01 mark)
(f) Suggest other ways in which productivity could have been determined other than
measuring the rate of carbon dioxide fixation per unit area of a leaf.
(03
marks)
(g) Suggest why even with artificial lighting, glass house crops generally need to have more
carbon dioxide added when temperatures are low, than when temperatures are high.
(04 marks)
(h) Give adaptations of plants to capturing maximum light.
(04 marks)

SECTION B (60 MARKS)

2. (a) How does a skeletal muscle differ from a smooth muscle? (05 marks)
(b) Describe the process of skeletal muscle contraction. (15 marks)

3. (a) How does a bacterial cell differ from that of a higher plant? (05 marks)
 (b) Giving examples, describe the different nutritutional groups of bacteria.
(05 marks)
(c) Discuss the importance of bacteria in nature. (10
marks)

4. (a) Give the different forms of isolation of species. (03 marks)

(b) How may each of the forms of isolation given in (a) above, lead to formation of
species? (17 marks)

5. (a) How is the structure of the phloem suited for its function?
(10 marks)
(b) Describe mass flow of materials through the phloem. (10
marks)

6. How are vertebrates adapted to terrestrial life? (20 marks)

2001

SECTION A

1. Growth of two micro – organisms in culture media and yield of their products was
analyzed. The table below shows the growth of the yeast Saccharomces and the yield of
its product ethanol.

Time Mass of yeast (g per dm3 of Yield of ethanol (g per 100

(hours) medium) cm3 of medium)
0 1 0.2
2 1.4 0.4
4 2.4 0.6
6 4.2 1.3
8 5.9 2.5
10 6.2 2.8
12 6.1 2.6
14 5.8 2.2

Graph 1 shows the growth of the ascomycete mould Penicillium and the yield of its product
pencillin. Use the data to answer the questions that follow:
(a) Represent the information in the table graphically. (06 marks)
Use your graph and graph I, to answer questions (b) – (f).

(b) Describe the patterns of growth of the mould and the yeast. (06 marks)

(c) Give two differences in the growth pattern of the mould and the yeast. (04 marks)

(d) Explain what is happening in the growth of yeast population during each of the following
periods:
(i) 0 – 2 hours
(ii) 4 – 6 hours
(iii) 8 – 10 hours
(iv) 12 – 14 hours
(08 marks)
(e) Describe the relationship between the
(i) growth of the mould and the yield of penicillin
(ii) growth of the yeast and production of ethanol (04
marks)
 (f) State three ways in which the pattern of accumulation of penicillin in graph I differs from
the pattern of accumulation of ethanol on your graph.

(g) Ethanol is a direct product of metabolic processes essential for the life of the organism.
Penicillin is a product of metabolic processes which are not essential to keep the
organism alive. Suggest how the differences in the patterns of accumulation of these two
products may be related to their differing roles in the metabolism of the producer
organisms.

(h) State the economic importance of Saccharimyces and Penicillium. (04 marks)

SECTION B

2. (a) Describe the role of the liver in

(i) Carbohydrate metabolism
(ii) Protein metabolism
(14 marks)

(b) How is the liver suited for its functions?

(06 marks)

3. The distribution of stomata and other leaf modifications in plants are indicative of their
habitats. Discuss. (20 marks)

4. (a) What is meant by the following phenomena?

(i) Natural selection
(ii) Reproductive isolation
(iii) Polyploidy
(04 marks)

(b) Explain the role played by each of the phenomenon in (a) above in the evolution
of new species.
(11
marks)

(c) How may species become extinct? (05 marks)

5. Describe the influence of biotic factors, excluding man, on the distribution of

organisms in nature. (20 marks)

6. (a) With the aid of labelled diagrams differentiate between the structure of a
transverse section of a dicotyledonous stem and a dicotyledonous root.
(06 marks)
 (b) Describe the adaptations of structures responsible for transport of
materials in plants.
(14
marks)

2000

SECTION A

1. An investigation was carried out into the effects of athletic training on respiration in
human muscle. A group of athletes and non – athletes exercised at different levels. The
levels of exercise were expressed as rates of energy expenditure J min-1 kg-1 of body
mass. At each level, rates of oxygen consumption and lactic acid production were
measured the results are shown in table 1 below. Figures in the table are the means of the
measurements made for each group.

Table 1

Rate of energy Rate of oxygen consumption Rate of lactic acid

Expenditure in In cm3 min-1 kg-1 Production in mg min-1 kg-1
J min-1 kg-1

Athletes Non – athletes Athletes Non – athletes

600 30 29 0 0
800 40 39 0 0
1000 50 44 0 185
1200 57 45 85 350
1400 58 45 305 590

(a) Plot graphs to show the relationship between the rate of oxygen consumption and lactic
acid production against the level of activity in the two groups.

(b) Using your graphs in (a) describe the effect of increasing the level of exercise on rates of
oxygen consumption and lactic acid accumulation in
(i) athletes,
(ii) non – athletes

(c) How do the two groups of people compare in their abilities to consume oxygen and
accumulate lactic acid during exercise?

(d) Using the data provided, suggest any advantages an athlete has over a non – athlete.
SECTION B

2. Describe what would happen in an individual who develops a malfunctioning liver.

3. Some viable seeds are not able to germinate immediately they are dispersed from their
parent plants even when the minimum conditions for germination are provided. Discuss.

4. Describe how new species of organisms may arise.

5. The use of seeds and other planting materials are common methods in plant propagation.
Using named examples, give the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

6. (a) (i) Describe how plants absorb nitrates from the soil.
(ii) Give three ways in which plants use the nitrates they have absorbed.

(b) Describe ecological effects of drainage of nitrate fertilizers into rivers and
streams.

1999

SECTION A

1. The Uganda Mvule tree excelsa, has seedlings which store glucose, fructose, maltose
raffinose, starch, sucrose and xylose, which are all carbohydrates. The insect Phytolyma
lays its eggs on C. excelsa and causes galls (swellings on the plant.)

An analysis of carbohydrate content in leaf, stem, root and galls was carried out in
healthy and galled seedlings of C. excelsa. The results are shown in the table below.
Study the table and answer the questions that follow.
Carbohydrate contents of healthy and galled seedlings of C. excelsa.
Data in (Mg/g dry weight) of seedling are averages of three replicates.

HEALTHY SEEDLINGS

Part of Starch Raffinose Maltose Sucrose Glucose Fructose Xylose % of total

Seedling Carbohydrate
Leaf 63.8 8.3 8.3 19.9 20 16 5.2 29.7
Stem 40.4 32.3 20.2 20.3 10.3 2.1 2.3 26.9
Root 93.8 30.0 32.0 20.0 8.0 6.4 16 43.4
GALLED SEEDLINGS

Part of Starch Raffinose Maltose Sucrose Glucose Fructose Xylose % of total

Seedling Carbohydrate
Leaf 62.6 12.0 10.3 8.0 20.0 14.2 3.2 23.0
Stem 32.0 2.0 13.3 10.0 20.0 2.0 2.0 17.6
Root 75.0 14.0 17.0 17.7 10.0 7.0 8.0 26.6
Gall 100.0 6.0 14.2 2.0 14.0 14.0 6.0 32.8

(a) Plot a graph of the percentage of total carbohydrate in each part of seedling, in healthy
and galled seedlings of E. excelsa. Use same axes.

(b) Describe the pattern of carbohydrates content in different parts of a healthy C – excelsa
seedling.

(c) Describe the influence of galls on:

(i) the seedlings of C. excelsa generally
(ii) each part of the seedling

(d) Suggest how the phytolyma may cause galls.

(e) Suggest with reason what would happen to E. excelsa seedling if it is infected with
phytolyma for a long time.

SECTION B

2. (a) Describe the structure of cartilage and bone.

(b) How is cartilage replaced by bone?

3. (a) (i) Outline the importance of population size of different organisms in a given
area to an ecologist.
(ii) Differentiate between sample count and total count.

(b) Give five factors to be considered before carrying out a counting exercise.

(c) Describe a suitable method you could use to estimate the population of
 (i) fish e.g Tilapia in a lake
(ii) flying insects in an open woodland.

Give a reason for your choice of method in each case.

4. (a) What is meant by the term lung ventilation?

(b) Describe how lung ventilation and heart beat can be increased or lowered.

5. (a) Describe the physiological and structural factors of the water hyacinth which have
enabled it to spread and persist on Lake Victoria.

(b) Outline the ecological dangers of this weed on the water.

(c) Suggest three control methods of the water weed, and for each method point out
its weaknesses.

6. (a) State five evidences of evolution

(b) To what extent do the evidences you have stated in (a), support the theory if
evolution?

1998

SECTION A

1. Figure 1 shows the levels of some physical factors measured from a river in West Africa.
Study the figure and answer the questions that follow.
 (a) Describe the changes in the physical factors in the rive with time.
(b) What explanations can you give for the observed changes in the physical factors in the
river?
(c) Why did the primary consumers begin to increase one month later than the increase in the
producer?
(d) What is the importance of increase light penetration into the water body to the ecosytem
in the river?

SECTION B

2. (a) Mutations are normally harmful when they are in homozygous recessive condition
and yet they sometimes do not disappear from a population in a few generations. Why is
this so?
(b) What factors are likely to bring about a change in the frequency of a particular
gene in a population?

3. Describe the process of protein synthesis in a cell.

4. (a) How are leaves modified to perform their functions?

 (b) Describe the importance of leaves to plants.

5. (a) Giving examples, describe the uses of nitrogen to plant and animal bodies.
(b) How is the concentration of nitrogen maintained at a constant level in nature?

6. (a) What is the correct order of structures through which light passes before striking
the retina in a mammalian eye?
(b) Explain why:
(i) retinal convergence increases the sensitivity of the eye
(ii) while tryimg to see an object clearly at night, it is best not to look directly
at it, but rather slightly to one side.

1997

SECTION A

1. Figure 1 shows the activities of two different types of ants observed on a tree trunk and at
a floor – wall junction over a 14 – hour observation period by a biology class.
Study the figure and answer the questions that follow.
 KEY
Ants on the tree
trunk
Ants on floor wall
junction

(a) What are the effects of

(i) time of day, and
(ii) mean environmental temperature on the activities of the two types of ants?
 (b) (i) Name two other purely physical factors that could also cause some rythmatic
behavior in these ants.
(ii) In what ways do these two physical factors affect the ants?

(c) What other possible reasons could be advanced to explain the movements of the ants?

SECTION B

2. Give an account of meiosis in a reproductive cell. (Diagrams not necessary)

3. (a) What are the essential features of the mammalian blood vascular system?

(b) Describe the role of the blood vascular system of a mammal in each of the
following processes:
(i) Immunity
(ii) Excretion
(iii) Hormonal control
(c) Comment on the absence of blood vascular systems in animals such as protozoa
and coelenterates.

4. (a) Explain the following processes involved in the transmission of impulses along a
neurone :
(i) The formation of a resting potential
(ii) The formation and transmission of an action potential

(b) How do retinal cells transduce light energy into nerve impulses?

5. (a) State the similarities and differences bryophytes and pteridophytes

(b) Discuss the significance of alternation of generations to the life histories of plants.

6. (a) Give an account of the process of glycolysis

(b) Explain what happens to the pyruvic acid under aerobic conditions.

1995

SECTION A
1. Two laboratory experiments to study the population growth of two species of flour beetles
(Tribolium castenum and T. confusum) were carried out under two sets of conditions of
temperature and relative humidity.

In the first experiment, the two species were cultured separately at 240C and 30% relative
humidity; and at 340C and 70% relative humidity. In the second experiment, the beetles were
cultured together under similar temperature and relative humidity conditions as in the first.

The results obtained in experiment 1 are shown in figure 1 (a) and (b), and those obtained in
experiment 2 are shown in figure 1 (c) and (d).

Study the figure and answer the questions that follow.

 (a) What is the effect of raising temperature and relative humidity on the population growth
of the beetles in experiment 1?
(b) Comment on the interaction of the two species of beetles in experiment 2
(c) Explain why the population of the beetles in experiment 1 level off.
(d) Suppose experiment 2 was to continue running for a few more days, suggest, with
reasons, what would happen to the population of the beetles.
(e) How do the results of these experiments relate to a natural ecosystem?

SECTION B

2. (a) Outline the changes in cell structure which lead to the formation of mature
vascular tissue in higher plants.
(b) Give the structural differences between xylem vessels and phloem sieve tubes.
(c) State three evidences in support of the phloem as the channel of transport of
organic materials.

3. (a) Distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic respiration

(b) Outline the major steps involved in the process of glycolysis in a cell.
(c) How is the energy produced in glycolysis?

4. Describe how the human ear functions as an organ of balance

5. (a) How are excretion and osmoregulation carried out in the Amoeba?
(b) Suggest why plants do not require excretory organs

6. (a) Distinguish between tropism and nastic movement

(b) Compare the actions of auxins and gibberellins in higher plants.

1993

SECTION A

1. The table below shows changes in population of a prey (snowshoe hare) and its predator
(lynx) over a period of years of study.
Year 1845 1855 1865 1875 1885 1895 1905 1915
Prey (thousands) 50 180 150 70 250 30 95 130
Predators 10 20 50 15 60 90 18 50

(a) (i) Using the same axes draw graphs to show the changes in the population of
the prey and the predator over the years.
(ii) Describe and explain the changes in the population over the years.
 (iii) Describe the type of graph of the prey population which would be
obtained if there were no predators in the habitat.

(b) Outline the procedure you would follow to determine the population size of the
buffalo in any of Uganda’s national parks.

SECTION B

2. (a) Draw an annotated diagram of a transverse section of a typical monocotyledonous

stem. How does its structure differ from a woody dicotyledonous stem?
(b) Give the functions of any four tissues labelled in your diagram.

3. Describe, giving practical details, how you would measure the rate of photosynthesis of a
named aquatic plant in light of different intensities.
4. Without the aid of diagrams, give an account of mitosis in a cell.
5. (a) State, with an example in each case, the methods by which mammals conserve
water.
(b) Explain how each of the methods stated in (a) above helps conserve water.

6. How is digestion controlled in man?

END.