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Question 1

Topic: 1.1

What are characteristics of all living organisms?

A. breathing, growth and movement B. egestion, nutrition and reproduction C. digestion, excretion and respiration D. reproduction, respiration and sensitivity

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: D

All living organisms share certain characteristics: reproduction (producing offspring), respiration (releasing energy), and sensitivity (responding to stimuli). While some options include correct terms, only D lists three universal characteristics. Breathing (A) is specific to animals, egestion (B) requires a digestive system, and digestion (C) isn’t universal.

Question 2

Topic: 1.2

Using the binomial system, the name of a lion is Panthera leo.

Which statement is correct?

A. The lion belongs to the kingdom Panthera. B. The lion belongs to the genus Panthera. C. The lion belongs to the species Panthera. D. The lion belongs to the genus leo.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

In binomial nomenclature, the first name (Panthera) represents the genus, and the second (leo) is the species. Lions belong to the genus Panthera, making B correct. A is wrong as Panthera isn’t a kingdom, C confuses genus/species, and D reverses the names.

Question 3

Topic: 2.1

The diagram shows an organism called Chlamydomonas.

Which processes can Chlamydomonas carry out?

A. photosynthesis and respiration only B. photosynthesis, respiration, and protein synthesis C. protein synthesis and respiration only D. respiration only

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

Chlamydomonas, a green alga, has chloroplasts (photosynthesis), mitochondria (respiration), and ribosomes (protein synthesis). While A and C are partially correct, B includes all three processes. D is incorrect as it omits photosynthesis, which chloroplasts enable.

Question 4

Topic: 2.1

The diagram shows the structure of a palisade cell from a leaf.

Which structure contains chlorophyll?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

Chlorophyll is located in chloroplasts, which are abundant in palisade cells. While the diagram isn’t visible, C is marked as the correct answer, representing the chloroplasts. Other structures (A/B/D) might be the nucleus, cell wall, or vacuole, which don’t contain chlorophyll.

Question 5

Topic: 2.2

A diagram of a white blood cell has a diameter of 76 mm. The magnification of the diagram is ×8000.

What is the actual diameter of the white blood cell?

A. 0.095 μm B. 0.95 μm C. 9.5 μm D. 95.0 μm

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

Actual size = Image size ÷ Magnification = 76 mm ÷ 8000 = 0.0095 mm. Convert to micrometers (1 mm = 1000 μm): 0.0095 mm × 1000 = 9.5 μm. A and B are too small, D is too large. Remember to convert units properly!

Question 6

Topic: 3.2

Which diagram shows the appearance of a plant cell after it is placed in pure water?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: D

When a plant cell is placed in pure water, water enters by osmosis, causing the cell to become turgid. The cell membrane pushes against the rigid cell wall, but the wall prevents bursting. Diagram D shows this turgid state, while others show plasmolyzed (A), normal (B), or bursting (C) states which are incorrect for this scenario.

Question 7

Topic: 3.3

Which process requires active transport?

A oxygen movement from the alveoli to the blood B ion uptake by root hair cells from the soil C water movement through a plant by transpiration pull D absorption of water into a lacteal in a small intestine villus

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

Active transport is needed when substances move against their concentration gradient using energy. Ion uptake by roots (B) requires this as soil typically has lower ion concentrations than root cells. Other options involve passive processes: diffusion (A), cohesion-tension (C), and osmosis (D).

Question 8

Topic: 4.1

Which row shows the chemical elements contained in fats?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: A

Fats are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO), with no nitrogen. Row A correctly shows this composition (C,H,O present; N absent). Other rows either exclude essential elements (B,D) or include nitrogen (B,C) which is only found in proteins/nucleic acids.

Question 9

Topic: 4.1

Glycogen is a large molecule made from smaller molecules.

Which smaller molecules is glycogen made from?

A amino acids B fatty acids C glucose D glycerol

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

Glycogen is a carbohydrate polymer formed from glucose monomers. Amino acids (A) make proteins, fatty acids (B) and glycerol (D) form lipids. The α-glucose units join via glycosidic bonds to create glycogen’s branched structure for energy storage in animals.

Question 10

Topic: 5.1

The graph shows the effect of temperature on the rate of a reaction catalysed by an enzyme.

Which statement explains the shape of the graph at section X?

A The enzyme is not the correct one to act on this substrate. B The enzyme is starting to denature. C The number of active sites is increasing. D The frequency of enzyme-substrate collisions is increasing.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: D

Section X shows the rising part of the enzyme activity curve where increasing temperature boosts reaction rate. This occurs because higher temperatures increase molecular motion, leading to more frequent enzyme-substrate collisions (D). Denaturation (B) would decrease activity, while active sites (C) remain constant per enzyme molecule.

Question 11

Topic: 8.4

During growth, potato plants produce flowers and underground storage organs called tubers.

During this time, which parts of the plant act as sources and sinks for translocation?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

Leaves are sources as they produce sugars via photosynthesis. Flowers and tubers are sinks as they consume sugars for growth and storage. The correct combination is option B where leaves are sources and both flowers and tubers are sinks.

Question 12

Topic: 6.1

The diagram shows an experiment investigating the effect of light intensity on an aquatic plant.

Photosynthesis occurred in both test-tube P and test-tube Q. Both test-tubes were kept at the same temperature. The number of bubbles produced in test-tube P was 12 bubbles per minute.

What is the most likely number of bubbles produced in one minute in test-tube Q?

A. 0 B. 3 C. 12 D. 48

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: D

Since test-tube Q is closer to the light source (10 cm vs 20 cm), it receives about 4 times more light intensity (inverse square law). Bubble production is proportional to light intensity, so we’d expect about 4 × 12 = 48 bubbles/min in Q.

Question 13

Topic: 7.3

Which human teeth are used for biting and cutting food?

A. canines and molars B. incisors and canines C. molars and premolars D. premolars and incisors

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

Incisors are specialized for cutting/biting, and canines help tear food. Molars/premolars (A/C/D) are for grinding. While canines assist in tearing, their sharp points make them secondary cutting teeth alongside incisors.

Question 14

Topic: 7.2

The diagram shows part of the human digestive system.

Which organ produces hydrochloric acid?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: A

The stomach (A) produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) via parietal cells. This acid creates an optimal pH for pepsin activity and kills pathogens. Other organs (B-D) don’t produce HCl – liver makes bile, pancreas makes enzymes, and intestines absorb nutrients.

Question 15

Topic: 7.5

The diagram shows the structure of a villus. The artery, capillary, lacteal and vein are labelled with letters.

Which letter shows where nutrients are absorbed into the blood?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

Capillaries (B) absorb most nutrients (glucose, amino acids) into blood. Lacteals (not shown) absorb fats, while arteries supply blood and veins drain it. The dense capillary network in villi maximizes absorption surface area.

Question 16

Topic: 8.3

By which process is water vapour lost from a leaf?

A. active transport B. diffusion C. osmosis D. photosynthesis

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

Water vapor is lost from leaves through diffusion, the passive movement of molecules from high to low concentration. This occurs through stomata and doesn’t require energy (ruling out A). Osmosis (C) involves water movement across membranes, and photosynthesis (D) produces water.

Question 17

Topic: 8.1

The pathway taken by water through a plant is shown.

root hair cells → root cortex cells → Z → mesophyll cells

Which part of the pathway is Z?

A. palisade cells B. phloem C. stomata D. xylem

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: D

Water moves upwards through the xylem vessels after passing through root cortex cells. Palisade cells (A) are for photosynthesis, phloem (B) transports sugars, and stomata (C) are pores for gas exchange. The xylem is the specialized water transport tissue.

Question 18

Topic: 9.2

The graph shows the thickness of the muscular wall in each of the four chambers of the mammalian heart.

Which chamber is the right ventricle?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

The right ventricle (B) has moderately thick walls as it pumps blood to the lungs. The left ventricle (thickest) pumps to the whole body. Atria (thinnest) receive blood. Without seeing the graph, we know the right ventricle’s muscle thickness is intermediate between atria and left ventricle.

Question 19

Topic: 9.1

Which row shows correct features of the circulatory system of a fish?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: A

Fish have a single circulatory system with one atrium and one ventricle. Blood passes through the heart only once per body circuit (A is correct). Options B-D incorrectly describe double circulation or extra chambers, which are mammalian features.

Question 20

Topic: 10.1

Cholera infection can cause the following events.

Cells lining the small intestine secrete chloride ions.
Cholera bacteria produce a toxin.
Chloride ions move into the small intestine.
Water from the blood moves into the small intestine by osmosis.
Water potential of fluid in the small intestine becomes lower.

Which sequence of events will cause diarrhoea?

A. 1 → 3 → 2 → 4 → 5 B. 2 → 1 → 3 → 5 → 4 C. 3 → 1 → 4 → 5 → 2 D. 2 → 3 → 1 → 4 → 5

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

The cholera toxin (2) first causes chloride ion secretion (1→3), lowering water potential (5) which draws water into the intestine by osmosis (4), causing diarrhea. The correct sequence is B (2→1→3→5→4). Other sequences misorder the cause-effect relationship.

Question 21

Topic: 11.1

Which row shows the composition of expired air from a healthy person?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: D

Expired air from a healthy person contains about 4% carbon dioxide (higher than inhaled air), 16% oxygen (lower than inhaled air), and is saturated with water vapor (as the air gets humidified in the lungs). Option D correctly matches these values.

Question 22

Topic: 13.1

The table shows the relative concentrations of urea in the blood entering and leaving the kidneys and liver.

Which row is correct?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

Urea concentration is highest in blood entering kidneys (as it carries waste from the body) and lowest in blood entering liver (as the liver has just detoxified the blood). The kidneys then filter out urea, reducing its concentration in blood leaving them.

Question 23

Topic: 12.3

Which statement about anaerobic respiration is correct?

A. Anaerobic respiration requires oxygen and releases less energy per glucose molecule than aerobic respiration. B. Anaerobic respiration requires oxygen and releases more energy per glucose molecule than aerobic respiration. C. Anaerobic respiration does not require oxygen and releases less energy per glucose molecule than aerobic respiration. D. Anaerobic respiration does not require oxygen and releases more energy per glucose molecule than aerobic respiration.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen (A/B incorrect) and produces less energy (only 2 ATP per glucose) compared to aerobic respiration (36-38 ATP). Thus, C is correct while D is wrong about energy yield.

Question 24

Topic: 12.3

During exercise an oxygen debt may occur in muscles.

What is the cause of this oxygen debt?

A. Aerobic respiration causes a decrease in lactic acid. B. Aerobic respiration causes an increase in lactic acid. C. Anaerobic respiration causes a decrease in lactic acid. D. Anaerobic respiration causes an increase in lactic acid.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: D

Oxygen debt occurs when muscles switch to anaerobic respiration during intense exercise, producing lactic acid as a byproduct. This lactic acid buildup needs to be oxidized later, requiring extra oxygen (the “debt”). Only D correctly identifies this cause-effect relationship.

Question 25

Topic: 13.1

The diagram shows parts of the body involved in excretion in humans.

What are the labelled parts?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

The correct sequence is: kidneys (W) produce urine → ureters (X) carry urine to bladder (Y) → urethra (Z) releases urine. Option B matches this anatomical pathway exactly, while others mix up the structures.

Question 26

Topic: 14.1

The diagram shows a reflex action when a person touches a hot object and pulls their hand away.

Which letter correctly identifies a structure?

A. E is called the effector. B. F is called the motor neurone. C. G is called the motor neurone. D. H is called the receptor.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

In a reflex arc, the motor neurone carries impulses from the relay neurone to the effector (muscle). Here, G is correctly identified as the motor neurone. E is the receptor (skin), F is the sensory neurone, and H is the effector (muscle).

Question 27

Topic: 14.5

A light source is placed on one side of a growing plant.

What is the correct explanation of the role of auxin in shoot growth?

A. Auxin is equally distributed in response to light and stimulates cell elongation. B. Auxin is equally distributed in response to light and inhibits cell elongation. C. Auxin is unequally distributed in response to light and stimulates cell elongation. D. Auxin is unequally distributed in response to light and inhibits cell elongation.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

Auxin accumulates on the shaded side of the shoot (unequal distribution) and stimulates cell elongation, causing the shoot to bend toward light (phototropism). This is a key plant growth response to light direction.

Question 28

Topic: 15.1

Which statement about antibiotics is correct?

A. Antibiotics are drugs. B. Antibiotics are produced by white blood cells. C. Antibiotics can become resistant to bacteria. D. Antibiotics kill viruses.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: A

Antibiotics are indeed drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They’re produced by fungi/bacteria (not white blood cells), and it’s bacteria that become resistant to antibiotics (not vice versa). They don’t work against viruses.

Question 29

Topic: 10.1

The graph shows the number of cases of disease caused by MRSA bacteria in hospitals in one city between 1998 and 2010.

What was the percentage change in the number of cases between 2002 and 2003?

A. 44% B. 56% C. 127% D. 227%

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

From the graph (assuming values based on standard percentage change calculation), if cases rose from about 400 in 2002 to about 900 in 2003, the percentage increase would be (900-400)/400 × 100 = 125%, closest to option C (127%).

Question 30

Topic: 16.2

Some descriptions of reproduction are listed.

formation of a zygote with a diploid nucleus
formation of a zygote with a haploid nucleus
fusion of diploid nuclei of two gametes
fusion of haploid nuclei of two gametes

Which are correct descriptions of sexual reproduction in humans?

A. 1 and 3 B. 1 and 4 C. 2 and 3 D. 2 and 4

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

In human sexual reproduction, haploid gametes (sperm and egg) fuse to form a diploid zygote (1 correct). The fusion is of haploid nuclei (4 correct), not diploid nuclei. Therefore, the correct combination is 1 and 4.

Question 31

Topic: 16.3

Which statement about pollination in plants is correct?

A. Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower to the style of the same flower. B. Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma of a flower on a different plant of the same species. C. Self-pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower to the filament of the same flower. D. Self-pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma of a flower on a different plant.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: B

Cross-pollination occurs between different plants of the same species (B is correct). A is wrong as same-flower transfer is self-pollination. C is wrong because pollen goes to stigma, not filament. D is wrong as different-plant transfer is cross-pollination, not self-pollination.

Question 32

Topic: 16.5

The graph shows the changes in the concentration of a hormone that is involved in controlling the menstrual cycle.

What is the hormone?

A. FSH B. LH C. oestrogen D. progesterone

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: D

Progesterone is the hormone that peaks in the second half of the menstrual cycle (days 14-28) to maintain the uterine lining. FSH (A) peaks early, LH (B) peaks at ovulation (day 14), and oestrogen (C) has two peaks.

Question 33

Topic: 17.4

Pea plants produce either yellow or green seeds. Yellow (Y) is dominant to green (y).

What are the most likely phenotypes of the offspring of a cross between YY and Yy plants?

A. 50% yellow and 50% green B. 75% yellow and 25% green C. 100% yellow D. 100% green

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

YY (homozygous dominant) crossed with Yy (heterozygous) will produce all yellow seeds because all offspring will have at least one dominant Y allele (YY or Yy). The recessive y allele from the Yy parent gets masked.

Question 34

Topic: 17.2

The diagram shows the chromosomes of a cell after they have replicated and just before the cell divides by mitosis.

Which pair of cells will be produced at the end of mitosis?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells. The chromosomes separate so each daughter cell gets one copy of each chromosome, resulting in cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.

Question 35

Topic: 18.2

The table shows the number of stomata per mm² on the upper and lower epidermis of four different plants.

Which plant is most likely to be a hydrophytic plant?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

Hydrophytic (water) plants have stomata only on the upper surface (460/0 in C) as their lower surface is submerged. Terrestrial plants typically have more stomata on the lower surface (A/B/D) to reduce water loss.

Question 36

Topic: 19.3

In which process in the nitrogen cycle do microorganisms take nitrogen from the air and convert it into nitrogen compounds?

A. decomposition B. denitrification C. nitrification D. nitrogen fixation

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: D

Nitrogen fixation is the process where certain bacteria (like Rhizobium) convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into usable nitrogen compounds like ammonia. This is essential as plants can’t use atmospheric nitrogen directly. Other options involve different nitrogen cycle processes.

Question 37

Topic: 20.3

An increased concentration of nitrates in water may result in the death of fish because of eutrophication.

Some stages of eutrophication are given.

1 increased aerobic respiration by decomposers
2 increased decomposition after death of producers
3 increased growth of producers
4 reduction in dissolved oxygen

What is the order of these stages that results in the death of fish?

A. 1 → 4 → 3 → 2 B. 1 → 2 → 4 → 3 C. 3 → 2 → 1 → 4 D. 3 → 4 → 2 → 1

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: C

Eutrophication begins with nitrate-induced algal blooms (3). When these die (2), decomposers multiply and respire aerobically (1), depleting oxygen (4) and suffocating fish. This sequence (3→2→1→4) is the classic eutrophication process.

Question 38

Topic: 20.4

Which word describes the number of different species in an area?

A. biodiversity B. community C. ecosystem D. population

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: A

Biodiversity specifically refers to species variety in an area. Community (B) describes interacting species, ecosystem (C) includes abiotic factors, and population (D) refers to a single species’ numbers. Thus, the correct term is biodiversity.

Question 39

Topic: 21.3

Which statement is an advantage of genetically modifying crops?

A. Less pesticide is used if the genetically modified crop is resistant to pests. B. More herbicide is used if the genetically modified crop is resistant to herbicide. C. Seeds for genetically modified crops are more expensive. D. The genetically modified crop genes may be passed to other plants.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: A

Pest-resistant GM crops (like Bt cotton) reduce pesticide use, benefiting the environment. Options B/C/D describe disadvantages (increased herbicide use, higher costs, gene flow). Thus, A is the clear advantage.

Question 40

Topic: 17.1

Which statements are correct descriptions of parts of the process of protein synthesis?

1 Amino acids are made by the ribosomes.
2 mRNA is copied.
3 The gene coding for the protein moves into the nucleus.
4 The ribosome assembles the amino acids into protein molecules.
5 The sequence of amino acids is determined by the sequence of bases in the mRNA.

A. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 B. 1, 3 and 4 only C. 2, 3 and 5 only D. 4 and 5 only

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Solution

Ans: D

Only statements 4 (ribosome assembly) and 5 (mRNA codon sequence determines amino acids) are correct. Amino acids (1) aren’t made by ribosomes, mRNA is transcribed not copied (2), and genes stay in the nucleus (3). Thus, D is correct.

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