Excel in

A’ Level Biology
in Just a Day
Volume 2
A’ Level Biology seminar
At Buddo Secondary School
On Sunday 31st July 2022
Copyright © 2022 by Biology Department, Buddo S.S

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© 2022 By Biology Department, Buddo Secondary School Page 1

Content
Chapter 1 Terms used in biology examinations 2

Chapter 2 Questions 4

Chapter 4 Answers to the Questions 34

Chapter 1 Terms used in Biology

Examinations
Below is a list of terms that are used in examination questions. It is important that
you familiarize yourself with these terms and what is expected in your answers
when such terms are encountered.
1. Analyse: Interpret data to reach conclusions.
2. Annotate: Add brief notes to a diagram, drawing or graph.
3. Apply: Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new
situation.
4. Calculate: • Find an answer using mathematical methods.
• Show all the working unless instructed not to.
5. Compare: State the similarities and differences between the two or
more topics given in the questions.
6. Construct: Represent or develop information in a graphical form.
7. Contrast: Show differences. Set in opposition.
8. Deduce: Reach a conclusion from the information given.
9. Define: Give the precise meaning of a word or phrase as concisely
as possible.
10. Design: Produce a plan, model or simulation
11. Describe: State in words (using diagrams when appropriate) the
main points the topics you are asked to describe.
12. Determine: Find the only possible answer.

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 13. Discuss: Give a critical account of all the points involved in the topic
being written about and their relative importance. Present
them in an orderly way in your answer.
14. Distinguish Give the differences between two or more different items
or concepts.
15. Draw: • Represent by means of pencil lines.
• Add labels unless told not to do so.
• Diagrams may form the basis of a question or be used
to illustrate a point in another type of question.
• Diagrams represent a simplified or idealized
representation while drawings are usually made
directly from the object and occur in practical
examinations.
16. Estimate: Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity, based
on the information provided and prior scientific knowledge.
17. Evaluate: Assess the consequences and limitations.
18. Explain: State all the details which affect the subject and enable it
to be clearly understood.
19. Identify: Find an answer from a number of possibilities.
20. Illustrate: • Give concrete examples.
• Explain clearly by using comparisons or examples.
21. List: Write down the facts as briefly as possible each fact should
be numbered.
22. Name: Write down the names of structures, process or organisms
required by question.
23. Predict Give an expected result.
24. Solve Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or other numerical
methods.
25. State: Give a brief account or summary. Include essential
information only.
26. Outline: • Give a specific name, value, or other answer.
• No supporting argument or calculation is necessary.
27. Suggest: State your answer on the basis of theoretical knowledge.
Propose a hypothesis or other possible explanation

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 Chapter 2 Questions
TOPIC 1: CELL BIOLOGY
1. Explain the various ways in which a typical eukaryotic cell is adapted to its
functions. (20 marks)

2. Figure 1 shows changes in the quantities of nuclear DNA and cell mass
during one and half cell cycle. Figure 2 represents changes during
metaphase of mitosis in the distance between:
(i) Centromeres of chromatids and pole of the cell.
(ii) Centromeres of sister chromatids.

(a) State the stage(s) of cell cycle in figure 1:

(i) Between 0 to 12 hours. (01 mark)
(ii) Between 12 to 18 hours. (01 mark)
(iii) Between 18 to 24 hours. (01 mark)
(iv) At 24 hours. (02 mark)
(b) For one complete cell cycle, describe the changes in:
(i) Mass of DNA (04 marks)
(ii) Cell mass (03 marks)
(c) For one cell cycle only, explain the trend in:
(i) Mass of DNA (08 marks)
(ii) Cell mass (08 marks)

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 (d) Explain the significance of the observed changes in mass of DNA from
12 hours to about 23 hours. (02 marks)
(e) Identify what curves X and Y represent in figure 2. (01 mark)
(f) Explain the trend in distance represented by:
(i) Curve X (08 marks)
(ii) Curve Y (08 marks)
(g) Explain the variation in the maximum distance achieved in X and Y
(03 marks)

3. (a) Describe the structure of the plasma membrane according to:

(i) Singer and Nicolson model (10 marks)
(ii) Danielli and Davson model (05 marks)
(b) Explain the role of proteins within plasma membranes. (05 marks)

4. (a) Describe how the DNA replicates according to semi-conservative

theory. (10 marks)
(b) State the differences between:
(i). DNA transcription and translation. (03 marks)
(ii). DNA and RNA (07 marks)

5. (a) Describe the role of the following during protein synthesis:

(i) tRNA (03 marks)
(ii) mRNA (03 marks)
(b) Compare the processes of DNA replication and transcription.
(06 marks)
(c) Describe the characteristics of a genetic code. (05 marks)
(d) Suggest evidence that DNA is a hereditary material. (03 marks)

6. (a) Describe distribution and function of epithelia in mammals.

(10 marks)
(b) Explain how the epithelial tissue is adapted for its functions.
(10 marks)

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7. (a) Describe the changes that occur in a nucleus of an animal cell
during prophase I of meiosis I. (09 marks)
(b) State the significance of mitosis and meiosis to living organisms.
(07 marks)
(c) State the differences between prophase of mitosis and prophase I of
meiosis. (04 marks)

8. Describe how the various supportive tissues in plants adapt them to their
habitats. (20 marks)

TOPIC 2: CHEMICALS OF LIFE

9. (a) Outline the role of minerals and ions in biological systems. (07 marks)
(b) Describe how the properties of water are relate to its biological role.
(13 marks)

10. (a) Describe how the following structures are relate to their functions:
(i). Starch (05 marks)
(ii). Amino acids (05 marks)
(iii). Cellulose (05 marks)
(b) State the differences between cellulose and starch. (05 marks)

11. (a) Give an account of the chemical nature and variety of carbohydrates.
(16 marks)
(b) Outline the role of carbohydrates in the life of a plant. (04 marks)

12. (a) Describe the induced fit hypothesis of enzyme action. (07 marks)
(b) Explain how:
(i) Temperature affects enzyme activity. (05 marks)
(ii) Enzyme’s activities are regulated. (08 marks)

TOPIC 3: CELL PHYSIOLOGY

13. (a) Distinguish between passive transport and active transport. (02 marks)
(b) (i) What is meant by Sodium-Potassium Pump? (02 marks)
(ii) Describe how the Sodium-Potassium Pump works. (05 marks)

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 (c) Compare simple diffusion with facilitated diffusion. (11 marks)

14. Graph 1 shows changes in the different potentials of a fully plasmolysed

plant cell placed in hypotonic solution, and graph 2 shows the rate of
uptake of glucose by blood using simple and facilitated diffusion at varying
extracellular concentration of glucose.

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 (a) Define the following terms:
(i) Water potential (01 marks)
(ii) Pressure potential solute (01 marks)
(iii) Solute potential (01 marks)
(b) Describe the changes in:
(i) Pressure potential from full plasmolysis to full turgor. (03 marks)
(ii) Water potential from full plasmolysis to full turgor. (03 marks)
(c) Explain the changes in water potential from full plasmolysis to full turgor.
(12 marks)
(d) Compare the effect of increasing extracellular concentration of glucose on
the rates of up take of glucose by simple and facilitated diffusion.
(03 marks)
(e) Explain the effect of increasing extracellular concentration of glucose on
the rates of up take of glucose when the diffusion is facilitated.
(11 marks)
(f) Outline the differences between the functioning of carrier proteins in
facilitated diffusion and those in active transport. (05 marks)

TOPIC 4: LEVELS OF ORGANISATION AND DIVERSITY OF LIFE

15. (a) State four features that distinguish viruses from bacteria. (04 marks)
(b) State the roles of the following organisms in the environment:
(i) Viruses (03 marks)
(ii) Protoctists. (03 marks)
(iii) Bacteria. (05 marks)
(iv) Fungi. (05 marks)

16. (a) State the differences between the following organisms:

(i) Bryophytes and pteridophytes (05 marks)
(ii) Centipedes and millipedes (04 marks)
(b) State the roles of the following organisms in the environment:
(i) Plants (06 marks)
(ii) Animals (05 marks)

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TOPIC 5: ECOLOGY
17. A factory emitting smoke containing Sulphur dioxide was sited in a rural
district. The tables below give distances and directions of:
(i) Number of lichen species and
(ii) Sulphur dioxide concentration in the atmosphere at different directions
from the factory chimney.
Table 1
Distance in miles from the factory in 1 2 4 8 12 16 28 40
South, South-West direction
Number of lichen species 0 1 2 3 7 9 14 21
Sulphur dioxide concentration in parts 28 27 26 23 19.5 16 2 0
per million (pmm)

Table 2
Distance in miles from the factory in 1 2 4 8 12 16 28 40
North, North-East direction
Number of lichen species 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 5
Sulphur dioxide concentration in parts 27 26.5 25 24 23 22 19 17
per million (pmm)

(a) Plot the information given to show the relationships between the lichen
species distribution and the Sulphur dioxide concentration using the
same X-axis and two Y-axes, one on the right for Sulphur dioxide
concentration and the one on the left for the number of species.
(09 marks)
(b) Explain the difference in the results between those obtained for the
South, South-West direction and those obtained for the north, north-
east direction. (08 marks)
(c) Explain why the number of lichen species changes with changes in the
distance from the factory (05 marks)
(d) What are the environmental effects of Sulphur dioxide pollution?
(04 marks)
(e) Using the information given from the tables above and your graphs,
explain how lichens can be used as indicator species to show the
extent of pollution in an environment. (04 marks)
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 (f) The amount of oxygen present in a water body can be used to show
the extent of pollution in the water body. This is indicated as the
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the water body.
(i) Explain the changes in the BOD of a river when untreated sewage
is discharged into such a river. (05 marks)
(ii) Explain the changes in the nitrate concentration of the river in
which untreated sewage has been discharged. (05 marks)

18. (a) What is pest resurgence? (02 marks)

(b) suggest reasons why pest resurgence arise when a broad-spectrum
pesticide is used in controlling pest population. (06 marks)
(c) Give two other effects of prolonged pesticide application in controlling
pest population. (02 marks)

19. ln an experiment to study the effectiveness of DDT towards the cabbage pest,
Pieris rapae which feeds on cabbage leaves, two adjacent farm yards where
prepared and Pieris was introduced in each farm and left for some time.
After spraying one farm yard with DDT for three consecutive times, the
number of eggs that survived and hatched into larvae at the sprayed and
non-sprayed farm yards was determined as shown by Graph A.
In another set of experiment, Pieris rapae was exposed to birds as its
control agents and the changes in the population of both, with time was
determined as indicated by Graph B. Study the graphs and answer the
questions that follow.

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 (a) (i) Account for the increase in the population of the control agent.
(05 marks)
(ii) Explain the decrease in the population of the control agent.
(05 marks)
(b) (i) Account for the decrease in the population of Pieris rapae.
(05 marks)
(ii) Account for the population of Pieris and that of the control agent
from 8½ to the 9th week. (04 marks)

(c) Compare the number of eggs of Pieris between the sprayed and non-
sprayed farm yards. (05 marks)
(d) Account for the differences in the number of eggs of Pieris at the sprayed
and non-sprayed farm yards. (08 marks)
(e) Explain any one property of DDT other than the one shown above, which
render it unsuitable for environmental use. (05 marks)
(f) Outline any three advantages of the method used in Graph B to that used
in Graph A. (03 marks)

TOPIC 6: INHERITANCE AND EVOLUTION

20. (a) What is meant by the following terms:
(i) Crossing over? (02 marks)
(ii) Dihybrid inheritance? (02 marks)
(b) How does crossing over cause variation in sexually producing
organisms? (04 marks)
(c) In maize some varieties have purple grains due to the presence of a
pigment called anthocyanin in their seed coat. In the absence of the
pigment, the grains are white. The production of anthocyanin is
controlled by two genes A and B. The dominant alleles of both genes
when together, code for the functional enzymes for the production of
anthocyanin, while homozygous recessive alleles of both genes code for
a non-functional enzyme leading to lack of the colour in the grains.
(i) Using appropriate crosses, determine the phenotype of the
offspring obtained when a pure breeding variety of white-seeded
maize with the genotype Aabb is crossed with another pure
breeding variety of white seeded maize with the genotype aaBB.
(04 marks)

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 (ii) Determine the genotypes, phenotypes and the phenotypic ratio if
two of the offspring from the cross in (c) (i) are cross bred.
(08 marks)

21. (a) Describe how species arise according to Darwin’s theory. (07 marks)
(b) Explain how each of the following can affect the gene frequency within
a population:
(i) Biased mating. (03 marks)
(ii) Disruptive selection. (05 marks)
(iii) Mutation. (05 marks)

22. (a) Distinguish between dominance and epistasis (01 mark)

(b) In fruit fly, the genes for body colour and wing length are located on
the same chromosome. A wild-type fruit fly (heterozygous for grey body
color and normal wings) is mated with a black fly with vestigial Wings.
The offspring have the following phenotypic distribution: wild type,
778; black-vestigial, 785; black-normal, 158; grey-vestigial, 162.
(i) Draw a genetic diagram to show genotypes of the offspring of the
cross. State the genotypic ratio of the offspring. (06 marks)
(ii) Define the term cross over frequency. (01 marks)
(iii) Calculate the cross over frequency between these genes for body
color and wing size. (02 marks)

23. (a) Distinguish between mutations, mutants and mutagens. (06 marks)
(b) Give two causes of mutations. (02 marks)
(c) Describe the causes and effects of chromosomal mutations. (12 marks)

24. Discuss the various evidences of organic evolution. (20 marks)

TOPIC 7: TRANSPORT
25. Describe how the mammalian body protects itself against infections.
(20 marks)

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26. Describe how does the:
(a) Cohesion-tension theory explains the ascent of water in the xylem.
(10 marks)
(b) Potassium ion pump mechanisms regulate the opening and closing of
stomata. (10 marks)

27. The graph below shows the change in the cardiac output of two individual
mammals A and B of different sizes, over a 10-hour period when the
mammals were given a hot drink. Study it carefully and answer the
questions that follow.

(a) (i) Describe the changes in the cardiac output of mammal A over the
10-hour period. (06 marks)
(ii) Explain the changes in the cardiac output of mammal A over the 10-
hour period. (07 marks)
(b) (i) Compare the cardiac output of both mammals over the 10-hour
period. (08 marks)
(ii) Account for the difference in the cardiac output of the two mammals
over the 10-hour period. (05½ marks)

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(c) Suggest three factors that are likely to affect the cardiac output of a
mammal. (03 marks)
(d) The graph in the figure below shows amount of blood flow in skeletal
muscles, the skin and alimentary canal where resting and during mild
exercise.

(i) Calculate the percentage change in blood flow to the different parts
of the body during exercise. (03 marks)
(ii) Account for the observed trends in blood flow to the body parts as
shown in the figure. (05½ marks)
(iii) Give two ways by which percentage in blood flow of the skeletal
muscles in (d) (ii) above can be achieved. (02 marks)

28. The data below was obtained from experiments using plant materials
treated as shown below. Figure 1 shows the rate of uptake of potassium
ions in carrot discs which were transferred from pure water to potassium
chloride solution. Potassium cyanide was then added to the solution after 90
minutes’ duration of the experiment.
Figure 2 shows the rates of respiration and uptake of potassium ions by
young cereal roots. The roots had previously been thoroughly washed in

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 pure water and transferred to potassium chloride solution after 60 minutes.
Potassium cyanide was then added to the solution after 180 minutes.

(a) (i) Compare the uptake

of potassium ions at
00C and 250C in Fig.
1. (06 marks)
(ii) Account for the
observed difference
in active uptake of
potassium ions at the
given temperatures.
(06 marks)
(iii) Suggest a reason
why the cereal roots
were washed before
placing them in a
solution containing
potassium ions. (01 mark)
(b) With reference to Figure 2 above:
(i) Describe and explain the observed trend in rate of respiration before
addition of potassium cyanide. (10 marks)
(ii) Account for the rate of respiration after addition of potassium cyanide.
(07 marks)
(c) State the two mechanisms of uptake of mineral salt by plants and give
three differences between them. (04 marks)
(d) Apart from the factors shown in figures 1 and 2, state and explain three
other factors that affect the rate of mineral uptake by plants. (06 marks)

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29. The figure below shows the pressure and volume changes that occur
during the mammalian cardiac cycle (of a dog). The pressure changes
were measured in the left
atrium and ventricle, and
the aorta. Volume
changes were measured
for both ventricles.
The electrical activity in
the heart wall
(electrocardiogram) and
heart sounds
(phonocardiogram) as
recorded in a human
subject are also shown.

(a) Describe the

changes in:
(i) Atrial pressure. (07 marks)
(ii) Ventricular pressure. (07 marks)
(b) Compare the changes in ventricular pressure and ventricular volume
between 0.1 seconds and 0.5 seconds? (05 marks)
(c) Explain the effect of the changes in atrial, aortic and ventricular
pressures to blood flow during the cardiac cycle. (10 marks)
(d) State the significance of the relationship between aortic and
ventricular pressures. (03 marks)
(e) What is represented by the:
(i) Waves on the electrocardiogram? (03 marks)
(ii) Sounds 1 and 2 on the phonocardiogram? (02 marks)
(f) Explain three factors that ensure efficient flow of blood within the
mammalian heart. (03 marks)

30. A study was conducted on the effect of the development of an infection

with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) over a period 10 years and its
effect on the number of T4 lymphocytes (T-lymphocytes) in the body. The

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 results are presented in the figure 1 shown below. Study the figure and
answer the questions that follow.
(a) Compare the trends
shown by the two
curves. (05 marks)
(b) Explain the
differences between
the number of T4
cells and number of
HIV particles in blood
over the period of the
study. (11 marks)
(c) Using the results in the graph above, explain the occurrence of the
opportunistic infections in the later years of the infection. (04 marks)
(d) Suggest the possible ways of controlling number of HIV particles.
(04 marks)
(e) In another experiment, the quantities of antibodies produced
in the first infections and second infections by the same disease was
studied and the
results are shown
in the figure 2
below. Study it and
answer the
questions that
follow.
(i) Describe the
changes in
the curve
shown above.
(02 marks)
(ii) Explain the differences between primary response and
secondary response using the graph above. (06 marks)
(iii) What is the significance of the above phenomenon to immunity
and disease control? (02 marks)
(f) (i). With the aid of a well-labelled diagram describe the structure of
an antibody. (03 marks)
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 (ii). Describe the ways how an antibody can combat and destroy the
antigen. (03 marks)

TOPIC 8: NUTRITION
31. The figure below shows the relationship between gross primary productivity
(GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP) with increasing leaf area index
(surface area of a leaf available for photosynthesis). Study it and answer the
questions that follow.

(a) How does leaf area index affect the changes in GPP and NPP of the
plant? (06 marks)
(b) Compare the effect of leaf area index on GPP and NPP of the plant.
(06 marks)
(c) Explain the effect of leaf area index on each of the following:
(i) GPP (08 marks)
(ii) NPP (13 marks)
(d) Suggest why plants grown in green houses attain higher net primary
productivities. (04 marks)
(e) Outline the factors which limit net primary productivity in nature.
(04 marks)

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32. The graph on the right
shows how an injection of
secretin affects the secretion
of pancreatic juice by the
pancreas.
From Figure 1 above:
(a) (i) Use the graph
to describe the
effect of secretin
on the pancreas.
(04 marks)
(ii) Explain why the
concentration of
amylase in the
pancreatic juice
decreased shortly
after the injection of secretin. (03 marks)
(b) What other digestive secretion is stimulated by secretin. (02 marks)
(c) Certain types of ulcers are thought of to be made worse by the
production of too much acid from the stomach. Doctors have used a
number of different methods to treat these ulcers. Suggest how the
following treatments might reduce the amount of acid secreted by the
stomach:
(i) Cutting the vagus nerve to the stomach. (06 marks)
(ii) Giving the patient atropine, a drug which blocks the action of
acetylcholine. (06 marks)
(d) Giving example explain how organisms are able to utilize cellulose in
their diet. (10 marks)
(e) In what ways are saprophytes important to man? (09 marks)

33. (a) Distinguish between photosynthesis and chemosynthesis. (02 marks)

(b) Explain how:
(i) Certain bacteria which require light for photosynthesis survive
under weeds in the ponds and rocks. (04 marks)
(ii) Chemosynthesis occurs in nitrifying bacteria. (06 marks)

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 (c) Explain how the physiology of the leaves of C4 plants is adapted
for efficient carbon dioxide fixation at high temperatures. (08 marks)

34. (a) Define the term absorption spectrum. (01 mark)

(b) State two:
(i) Evidence that shows that photosynthesis is a two-stage process.
(02 marks)
(ii) Roles of the light dependent stage during carbon dioxide
fixation. (02 marks)
(c) Describe the Hatch-Slack pathways. (05 marks)

35. In an experiment,
equal numbers of leaf
discs were cut out from
leaves of two groups of
plants of the same
species. Group A was
obtained from a habitat
that is in open light
while Group B was
obtained from under
the canopy of a forest.
The discs were then
floated in water containing sodium hydrogen carbonate and the rate of
uptake (+) and release (-) of carbon dioxide at varying light intensities was
determined. The results are shown in the figure below.
(a) Describe the changes in the rate of carbon dioxide uptake and release
for group B. (04 marks)
(b) Compare the effect of light intensity on the rate of carbon dioxide
uptake and release in the two groups of plants. (07 marks)
(c) Explain the changes in rate of carbon dioxide uptake for group A.
(08 marks)
(d) From the graph above,
(i) Explain why the rate of carbon dioxide release decrease with
increase in light intensity. (03 marks)

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 (ii) Explain the advantage of having a lower compensation point
for group B in their habitat. (04 marks)
(e) Suggest and explain how carbon dioxide uptake would be affected if
the stems of group A were used instead. (04 marks)
(f) Explain why each of the following were done:
(i) Addition of sodium hydrogen carbonate to water. (02 marks)
(ii) Plants of the same species but grown in different habitats were
used. (04 marks)
(iii) Same number leaf discs were used for each experiment.
(02 marks)
(g) Explain the importance of the information shown in the graph to
humans. (03 marks)

36. (a) Describe how chloroplasts are adapted to the process of

photosynthesis. (04 marks)
(b) Explain the events which lead to the formation of ATP and NADPH2.
(07 marks)
(c) Explain why C4 plants are considered to be more photosynthetically
efficient than C3 plants? (02 marks)
(d) Explain briefly how reduced NADP formed in the light-dependent stage
is used in the light-independent stage. (07 marks)

TOPIC 9: GASEOUS EXCHANGE

37. Describe the process of gaseous exchange in terrestrial plants. (20 marks)

38. (a). Describe the characteristics of gaseous exchange surfaces in

animals. (06 marks)
(b). Describe the ventilation mechanism in man. (08 marks)
(c). Describe the role of brain in controlling breathing in man. (06 marks)

39. Figure below shows the pressure changes in the buccal and opercular
cavities of a teleost fish that were obtained using a hypodermic tubing
connected to a pressure recorder.

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(a) Describe the pressure changes in the buccal cavity for the first 0.5
seconds. (07 marks)
(b) Compare the pressure changes in the buccal cavity and opercular
cavity in the first 0.4 seconds. (08 marks)
(c) Explain the observed pressure changes in the buccal cavity and
Opercular cavity from 0.2 second to 0.6 second. (12 marks)
(d) What is the physiological significance of the observed differences
between the pressures in the buccal cavity and the opercular cavity?
(05 marks)
(e) The table below summaries the features of gill lamellae of three
species A, B and C of a teleost fish.
Species Thickness of Distance between Distance between blood and
of fish lamellae in µm lamellae in µm surrounding water in µm
A 20 30 6
B 12 35 3
C 7 20 1
(i) Explain how the thickness of lamellae is related to the extent of
activity in these fishes. (06 marks)
(ii) Blood in the lamellae flows in opposite direction to that of
water. Comment on the efficiency of this mechanism in
gaseous exchange. (04 marks)

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TOPIC 10: RESPIRATION
40. Three experiments were conducted, where mitochondria obtained from
highly respiring muscle tissue were placed in buffer solutions and then the
solution incubated at 30°C.
In experiment 1: The mitochondria were kept in buffer solution containing
sucrose and inorganic salts.
In experiment 2: The mitochondria were kept in buffer solution into which
succinate a Krebs cycle intermediate was added and malonate added 6
minutes after the experiment had begun.
In experiment 3: The mitochondria were kept in buffer solution into which
succinate a Krebs cycle intermediate was added and sodium azide added 6
minutes after the experiment had begun.
In each of the experiments 1 to 3, concentration of dissolved oxygen in the
buffer solution was measured using electrodes and the results are shown in
figures 1 to 2.

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(a) Account for the,
(i) Changes in concentration of oxygen in Experiment 2. (12 marks)
(ii) effect of adding sodium azide in experiment 3. (04 marks)
(iii) differences in concentration of dissolved oxygen in experiment 1
and 2. (08 marks)
(b) Compare the concentration of oxygen in experiment 2 and 3.
(04 marks)
(c) Why were the Mitochondria used in the experiment:
(i) placed in buffer solution? (03 marks)
(ii) obtained from highly respiring tissues? (02 marks)
(d) From the figures 1 and 2, state the factors that influenced the
experiments. (03 marks)
(e) In what ways is the energy production in the mitochondrion similar to
that in a chloroplast. (04 marks)

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TOPIC 11: HOMEOSTASIS
41. Many of the metabolic reactions that occur in organisms produce
hydrogen ions which could change the pH of the body fluids.
(a) Name the substances that occur in organisms that act as buffers.
(b) Describe how the kidney helps to maintain the pH of blood at a
constant level.
(c) How is the concentration of sodium and potassium ions controlled in
the body?

42. Figure 1 is a graph showing the responses of different regions of the

kidney nephrons in humans who were subjected to conditions that in result
in dilute blood plasma A and concentrated blood plasma B.
Figure 2 is a graph showing osmotic behaviour of red blood cells in dilute
blood plasma A, concentrated plasma B and normal blood plasma in
humans.

(a) Explain how the conditions of dilute and concentrated blood arise in
human (07 marks)
(b) (i) Compare the variation of concentration of solute in the fluid in
the different regions of human kidney nephrons for individuals
with dilute and concentrated blood plasma. (06 marks)
(ii) Describe the response of kidney in human’s bodies to the

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 variation in the concentration of the blood plasma as indicated
in figure 2 above. (08 marks)
(c) (i) Explain the differences in the osmotic behaviour of red blood
cells in the three blood plasma solutions shown in figure 2
above. (12 marks)
(ii) What is the significance of the changes indicated in figure 2 in
relation to the functioning of the human’s blood? (03 marks)
(d) State the factors that influence the water needs of mammalian bodies.
(04 marks)

43. (a) Describe the functioning of the counter current exchange mechanism
in terrestrial mammals that permit water conservation. (07 marks)
(b) Explain physiological mechanisms of regulating mammalian core body
temperatures at steady state in cold conditions. (13 marks)

TOPIC 12: COORDINATION

44. The graph below shows the effect of applying different concentrations of
auxins to the shoots and roots of cereal seedlings.

(a) With reasons, name the two parts of the plant, X and W. (04 marks)
(b) Describe the effect of different concentrations of auxin on X and W
growth. (11 marks)

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 (c) Compare the elongation in shoots and elongation in roots in relation to
auxins concentration. (08 marks)
(d) Account for the differences in elongation in shoots and in roots stated in
(c) above. (06 marks)
(e) Explain the effect of auxins on the X and W of horizontally growing
seedling in darkness. (07 marks)
(f) Outline ways in which auxins have been used in improving agriculture.
(04 marks)

45. (a) What is photoperiodism? (02 marks)

(b) Explain the effects of light and darkness on the process of flowering:
(i). In short-day plants (08 marks)
(ii). In long-day plants (08 marks)
(c). Explain the effect of interrupting a short-day plant with a flash of red
light at night during flowering. (02 marks)

46. The figure 1 below shows the changes in the membrane potential showing
the electrical events associated with the nerve impulse in an axon. Figure 2
shows changes in the permeability of the membrane of axon to sodium and
potassium ions during transmission of an impulse which occurs very fast and
rapidly. Fig. 1 Fig. 2

a) Compare the trend of diffusion of sodium and potassium ions across the
membrane of on axon over the 3 milliseconds (ms) period. (10 marks)

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 b) Using both figures 1 and 2, explain the trend of each of the following during
the propagation of the impulse in the axon:
(i) Membrane potential. (12 marks)
(ii) Sodium ions. (05 marks)
(iii) Potassium ions. (05 marks)
c) In each case, state two factors which can cause rapid and slow propagation
of impulse. (04 marks)
d) Give the significance of fast conduction of impulse to organisms. (04 marks)

47. (a) Giving one example in each, state the meanings of each of the
following forms of behavior:
(i) Habituation. (02 marks)
(ii) Imprinting. (02 marks)
(iii) Instinctive behavior. (02 marks)
(b) Explain the significance of each of the following forms of behavior to
animals:
(i) Territorial behavior. (04 marks)
(ii) Habituation. (03 marks)
(iii) Imprinting. (04 marks)
(iv) Instinctive behavior. (03 marks)

48. The graph on the right shows

the number of receptor cells
(type A and B) in arbitrary
units in the human retina
along a horizontal line from
the nasal side of the eye to
the outer side of the eye.
(a) (i) Giving reasons,
identify the types
of receptor cells
represented by A
and B. (02marks)
(ii) Explain why there are no receptor cells at position 5. (04 marks)
(iii) What is the name of the region of the retina at position 6. Give

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 a reason for your answer. (01 mark)
(b) Explain why;
(i) the greatest concentration of receptor cells of type B occurs at
position 6. (03 marks)
(ii) on entering a dimly-lit room, objects in the room at first are
invisible but gradually become visible. (09 marks)
(iii) in a dimly-lit room, objects are only visible in black and white
colour? (02 marks)
(c) (i) From the graph, identify and describe the features of the
receptor cells which allow colour vision. (04 marks)
(ii) The flowers of three species of a plant are similar in form and
appear to have yellow colours of petals. When photographed in
ultraviolet light, each species shows a different pattern on its
petals. Using this information, explain how bees are able to
distinguish between the flowers of the three species, but not
humans. (05 marks)
A theory of colour vision suggests that a photoreceptor has pigment
that exists in three
forms namely red, blue
and green according to
the colour of wave
length absorbed by
each. The absorption of
different waves lengths
by the three forms of
photoreceptor pigments
is given in the graph
below. Study the graph and answer the questions that follow.
(d) Explain why light of wave length:
(i) 430nm appears blue. (02 marks)
(ii) 550nm appears yellow. (02 marks)
(iii) 570nm appears Orange. (02 marks)
(e) Explain why two closely placed small objects can be easily
distinguished by cones than rods. (04 marks)

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49. (a) With examples, discuss the mode of action of hormones. (12 marks)
(b) How is the secretion of aldosterone controlled? (08 marks)

50. (a) Explain how an action potential is transmitted along a sensory

neurone. (06 marks)
(b) Describe how a nerve impulse crosses a cholinergic synapse.
(07 marks)
(c) Describe the structure of a myelin sheath and explain its role in the
speed of transmission of a nerve impulse. (07 marks)

51. (a) Explain the meaning of each of the following:

(i) Visual acuity. (07 marks)
(ii) Retinal convergence. (04 marks)
(b) Explain how a mammalian eye achieves each of the following:
(i) Colour perception. (04 marks)
(ii) Visual perception under very bright light. (05 marks)

52. (a) Describe the characteristics of receptor cells. (06 marks)

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

TOPIC 13: SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT:

53. (a) With the aid of labelled diagrams, describe how each of the
following types of movement occur:
(i) Ciliary movement. (08 marks)
(ii) Amoeboid movement. (08 marks)
(b) What is the importance of ciliary and amoeboid movements in
humans? (04 marks)

54. (a) Draw a well labelled diagram of a neuro-muscular junction.

(04 marks)

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 (b) Explain how impulses are transmitted across the nerve-muscle
junction. (08 marks)
(c) Explain the important steps of sliding filament theory of muscle
contraction. (08 marks)

55. (a) Describe how support is achieved in the following organisms:

(i) Insects. (02 marks)
(ii) Earthworms. (02 marks)
(iii) Herbaceous plants. (02 marks)
(iv) Trees. (05 marks)
(b) Explain how movements and support of fish are brought about in
water. (08 marks)

TOPIC 14: REPRODUCTION, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

56. (a) Differentiate between spermatogenesis and oogenesis.
(06 marks)
(b) With the aid of schematic representation, explain the process of
oogenesis in female human. (07 marks)
(c) With the aid of schematic representation, explain the process of
spermatogenesis in male human. (07 marks)

57. (a) Compare primary and secondary growth in plants. (05 marks)
(b) Describe how secondary thickening occurs in a dicotyledonous
plant. (07 marks)
(c) State the importance of secondary thickening to plants. (03 marks)
(c) Explain the hormonal control of complete metamorphosis in insects.
(05 marks)
58. (a). Describe the role of the following hormones in the menstrual cycle:
(i) Luteinizing Hormone (LH). (03 marks)
(ii) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). (02 marks)
(iii) Oestrogen. (02 marks)
(iv) Progesterone. (03 marks)
(b). Explain the role of the placenta in the development of the mammalian
embryo. (10 marks)

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PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
59. You are provided with specimen T (toad) which is freshly killed.
a) Observe the fore and hind foot. State two observable structural
differences between them. (02marks)
b) Put the specimen ventral side uppermost on a dissecting board and pin
with limbs fully stretched. Dissect to pull out the skin from the body
wall and upper region of limbs.
(i) How significant are the structure features of the hind foot to
locomotion? (03 marks)
(ii) Observe the right hind limb, draw and label the observable thigh
and tibia muscles together with the remaining part of limb which
should not be labeled. (04marks)
c) Dissect the specimen to display blood vessels that;
i) Supply blood to urinary structures and those on the upper jaw.
ii) Draining blood from the right hind limb and structures
responsible for chemical digestion of carbohydrates. Draw and
label your dissection when the heart is undisplaced. (27 marks)
OR c) Dissect the specimen to display;
(i) Structures for sensitivity posterior to the kidneys and those in
the thoracic region.
(ii) Blood vessels that supply structures for excretion, gonads and
those draining structures for absorption of food nutrients with
the heart pinned anteriorly / displaced. Draw and label your
dissection (27 marks)
60. You are provided with specimen K (cockroach). Examine it carefully and
answer the questions that follow:
a) Place the specimen ventral side upper most spread out the wing and
then examine the anterior wing and posterior wing using a hand lens.
(i) Give three structural differences observed between anterior wing
and posterior wing. (03 marks)
(ii) Explain one way the structures of the anterior and posterior
wing relate to their function. (02marks)
(iii) Cut off the left hind limb and then outline the adaptations of the
structures posterior to the tibia of the hind limb that enables the
animal to efficiently locomote. (03 marks)

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 b) Place the specimen dorsal side uppermost, open up the abdomen by
cutting along the left lateral side. Displace the alimentary canal to your
left. Immerse the specimen in water fully. Draw and label all the buoyant
internal structures anterior to the 6th abdominal segment. (15 marks)
c) By further dissection, Dissect the specimen by cutting along the right
lateral side of the thoracic region to expose only the structures attached
on the ventral cuticle. Draw and label the exposed structures with the
digestive system discarded. (10 marks)

61. You are provided with a freshly killed specimen labeled R (rat)
a) (i) With reference to the cover of the body, give the importance of
each of the structure to the animal. (03marks)
ii) Examine the feet of the animal, how are they adapted for its
survival in the habitat. (03marks)
b) Dissect the specimen on the tray, cut and remove the superficial
structures on the ventral surface of the neck, to display the visible neck
structures previously cover. Draw and label the musculature of the neck,
chest region and thoracic region. (10 marks)
c) Open the abdomen to display vessels that carry blood
(i) To structures responsible for chemical digestion from the heart
(ii) From structures responsible for secretion and excretion on the
left back to the heart.
Draw and label your dissection excluding the heart. (24 marks)
 END 
We wish you success in your examinations. God bless you!

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