BIO 001: GENERAL BIOLOGY
1. (a) Copy and Complete the following table
| Organelle | Function |
|---|---|
| Mitochondrion | |
| Site of protein synthesis | |
| Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum | |
| Packaging of materials such as proteins |
[2 Marks]
(b) Define the following areas of Biology
i. Entomology
ii. Virology
iii. Zoology
iv. Mycology
v. Histology
vi. Malacology
[3 Marks]
(c)
i. State Darwin's theory of evolution [1 Mark]
ii. State Lamarck's theory of evolution [1 Mark]
iii. List SIX evidences in support of organic evolution [3 Marks]
2. (a)
i. In a tabular form, highlight FOUR differences between Mitosis and Meiosis [4 Marks]
ii. State TWO similarities between spermatogenesis and oogenesis [1 Mark]
BIO 002 – MICROBIOLOGY
3. (a) State FOUR basic characteristics of viruses. [2 Marks]
(b)
i. With the aid of a diagram, describe the FOUR phases of the Bacterial growth curve. [5 Marks]
ii. State FOUR uses of culture media in the laboratory [2 Marks]
(c) Define the following
i. Normal microbiota [1 Mark]
ii. Complex media
4. (a) State ONE function of the following bacterial cell structures:
i. Flagella
ii. Cell wall
iii. Ribosome
iv. Capsule
[2 Marks]
(b) Describe the moist heat methods used in the control of microbial activities [3 Marks]
(c) Define the following terms –
i. Endemic disease,
ii. Pandemic,
(continuing from image 4 — table question)
(b) Using notation +, –, and 0 for gain, loss and neutral respectively, describe the following biological association:
| Association | Organism A | Organism B |
|---|---|---|
| Parasitism | ||
| Commensalism | ||
| Mutualism | ||
| Predation |
[4 Marks]
ii. Name the bond formed between the monomers of these polymers – starch, protein [1 Mark]
BIO 003 – BOTANY
5. (a)
i. Define diffusion? [1 Mark]
ii. Copy and complete the table below:
| Stimulus | Type of Tropism | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Light | ||
| Geotropism | ||
| Water |
[3 Marks]
(b) Mention the type of stem and root system in the following crops:
i. Bulb
ii. Corm
iii. Rhizome
iv. Stolon
[4 Marks]
(c) Give ONE difference and ONE similarity between phagocytosis and pinocytosis [2 Marks]
6. (a)
i. Define classification? [1 Mark]
ii. State ONE deficiency of each of the following elements in plants:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sulphur
[2 Marks]
(b) List TWO characteristics each of:
i. Wind pollinated flower
ii. Insect pollinated flower
[4 Marks]
(c) Define the following:
i. Transpiration,
ii. Translocation,
iii. Apoplast pathway
[3 Marks]
BIO 004 – ZOOLOGY
7. (a) Define the following:
i. Inspiration
ii. Digestion
[2 Marks]
(b) State the function of the following structures:
i. Red blood cell
ii. White blood cell
iii. Platelets
iv. Lymph
v. Plasma
vi. Serum
[3 Marks]
(c) Copy and complete the table to state the taxonomic group of the following organisms:
| Organism | Phylum | Subgroup/Class |
|---|---|---|
| Fluke | ||
| Sea slugs | ||
| Earthworm | ||
| Grasshopper |
[4 Marks]
ii. List TWO processes involved in urine formation within the nephron [1 Mark]
8. (a) State the intermediate host of the following pathogens:
i. Taenia solium
ii. Taenia saginata
iii. Fasciola haematobium
iv. Plasmodium falciparum
v. Trypanosoma brucei
vi. Onchocercus volvulus
[3 Marks]
(b)
i. State SIX differences between bones and cartilages [3 Marks]
ii. Define reflex action and reflex arc [2 Marks]
(c) Briefly explain the following scopes of Zoology:
i. Embryology
ii. Ethology
[2 Marks]
(Also referenced but partially visible — from BIO 001 continuation):
(d) Make a schematic representation of a named prokaryote and a named eukaryote indicating the fundamental difference between the two. [3 Marks]
(Epidemiology and Aetiology also listed as sub-items in a definition question worth 2 Marks)
Solutions:
BIO 001: GENERAL BIOLOGY
Question 1
(a) Completed Table:
| Organelle | Function |
|---|---|
| Mitochondrion | Site of cellular respiration / energy (ATP) production |
| Ribosome | Site of protein synthesis |
| Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum | Transport of proteins; has ribosomes attached for protein synthesis |
| Golgi apparatus | Packaging of materials such as proteins |
(b) Definitions of areas of Biology:
i. Entomology – Study of insects
ii. Virology – Study of viruses
iii. Zoology – Study of animals
iv. Mycology – Study of fungi
v. Histology – Study of tissues
vi. Malacology – Study of molluscs
(c)
i. Darwin's Theory of Evolution:
Organisms that are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce (natural selection). Favorable traits are passed to offspring over generations, leading to gradual change in species.
ii. Lamarck's Theory of Evolution:
Organisms develop new characteristics through use and disuse of organs during their lifetime, and these acquired characteristics are inherited by offspring (inheritance of acquired characteristics).
iii. SIX Evidences in Support of Organic Evolution:
- Fossil records – show gradual changes in organisms over time
- Comparative anatomy – homologous and analogous structures show common ancestry
- Comparative embryology – embryos of different species are similar in early stages
- Biogeography – distribution of species supports evolutionary divergence
- Biochemical/molecular evidence – similar DNA/proteins among related organisms
- Vestigial organs – remnant structures (e.g., human appendix) suggest evolutionary history
Question 2
(a)(i) FOUR Differences between Mitosis and Meiosis:
| Feature | Mitosis | Meiosis |
|---|---|---|
| Number of divisions | One | Two |
| Daughter cells produced | 2 | 4 |
| Chromosome number | Diploid (2n) maintained | Haploid (n) produced |
| Occurs in | Somatic (body) cells | Reproductive (sex) cells |
| Genetic variation | No variation (clones) | Variation through crossing over |
(a)(ii) TWO Similarities between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis:
- Both involve meiosis to produce haploid gametes
- Both begin from diploid germ cells (spermatogonia / oogonia)
BIO 002: MICROBIOLOGY
Question 3
(a) FOUR Basic Characteristics of Viruses:
- They are obligate intracellular parasites (can only replicate inside a host cell)
- They contain only one type of nucleic acid — either DNA or RNA, never both
- They lack cellular structure (no cytoplasm, organelles, or cell membrane)
- They are extremely small (20–300 nm), smaller than bacteria
(b)(i) FOUR Phases of Bacterial Growth Curve:
| ___________
| / \
No. | / \
of | / \
cells |______/ \______
| Lag Log/ Stationary Death
| Exponential
Time →
- Lag Phase – Bacteria adapt to new environment; no cell division, metabolic activity increases
- Log/Exponential Phase – Rapid cell division; population doubles at a constant rate
- Stationary Phase – Birth rate equals death rate; nutrients depleted, waste accumulates
- Death/Decline Phase – Death rate exceeds growth rate; population declines rapidly
(b)(ii) FOUR Uses of Culture Media in the Laboratory:
- Isolation and identification of microorganisms
- Study of microbial growth and metabolism
- Testing antibiotic sensitivity (sensitivity testing)
- Production of vaccines and industrial products
(c) Definitions:
i. Normal Microbiota – Microorganisms that naturally and permanently inhabit the body without causing disease under normal conditions
ii. Complex Media – Culture media whose exact chemical composition is not precisely known; contains natural extracts (e.g., nutrient broth, blood agar)
Question 4
(a) Functions of Bacterial Cell Structures:
i. Flagella – Locomotion / movement of the bacterium
ii. Cell wall – Gives shape, structural support, and protection to the bacterium
iii. Ribosome – Site of protein synthesis
iv. Capsule – Protection from phagocytosis; helps in attachment to surfaces (virulence factor)
(b) Moist Heat Methods for Control of Microbial Activities:
- Boiling (100°C) – Kills vegetative cells and most pathogens but not spores; used for water and instruments
- Pasteurization – Mild heat (e.g., 72°C for 15 seconds) kills pathogens without destroying all organisms; used for milk
- Autoclaving (Steam under pressure) – Uses steam at 121°C at 15 psi for 15–20 minutes; kills all organisms including spores; most effective moist heat method
(c) Definitions:
i. Endemic Disease – A disease that is constantly present in a particular geographic area or population (e.g., malaria in sub-Saharan Africa)
ii. Pandemic – A disease outbreak that spreads across multiple countries or worldwide (e.g., COVID-19)
(b) Biological Associations Table (using +, –, 0):
| Association | Organism A | Organism B |
|---|---|---|
| Parasitism | + | – |
| Commensalism | + | 0 |
| Mutualism | + | + |
| Predation | + | – |
ii. Bonds between monomers:
- Starch – Glycosidic bond
- Protein – Peptide bond
BIO 003: BOTANY
Question 5
(a)(i) Diffusion:
The net movement of molecules or ions from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration along a concentration gradient, until equilibrium is reached.
(a)(ii) Completed Tropism Table:
| Stimulus | Type of Tropism | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Phototropism | Sunflower bending toward light |
| Gravity | Geotropism | Roots growing downward |
| Water | Hydrotropism | Roots growing toward water |
(b) Type of Stem and Root System:
| Crop | Type of Stem | Root System |
|---|---|---|
| i. Bulb | Underground modified stem (fleshy leaves) | Fibrous roots |
| ii. Corm | Underground solid stem | Fibrous roots |
| iii. Rhizome | Horizontal underground stem | Fibrous roots |
| iv. Stolon | Horizontal above-ground stem (runner) | Adventitious roots |
(c) Phagocytosis vs Pinocytosis:
ONE Difference:
- Phagocytosis involves engulfing solid particles (e.g., bacteria), while pinocytosis involves engulfing liquid droplets or dissolved substances
ONE Similarity:
- Both are forms of endocytosis, requiring energy (ATP) to bring substances into the cell
Question 6
(a)(i) Classification:
The systematic arrangement of organisms into groups or categories (taxa) based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.
(a)(ii) Deficiency Symptoms of Elements in Plants:
| Element | Deficiency Symptom |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Yellowing of leaves (chlorosis); stunted growth |
| Phosphorus | Purple/red discoloration of leaves; poor root development |
| Potassium | Scorching/browning of leaf edges; weak stems |
| Sulphur | Yellowing of young leaves; stunted growth |
(b) Characteristics of Flowers:
Wind Pollinated:
- Produce large amounts of light, smooth pollen
- Have long, feathery stigmas to trap airborne pollen
- Petals are small, dull, or absent
- Anthers hang loosely outside the flower
Insect Pollinated:
- Brightly colored petals to attract insects
- Produce nectar and strong scent
- Pollen is sticky and heavy
- Stigma is sticky to trap pollen
(c) Definitions:
i. Transpiration – The process by which water is lost from a plant in the form of water vapor, mainly through the stomata of leaves
ii. Translocation – The movement of organic solutes (mainly sucrose) through the phloem from source (leaves) to sink (roots, fruits, growing regions)
iii. Apoplast Pathway – The movement of water through the cell walls and intercellular spaces of plant cells (not through the cytoplasm) toward the xylem
BIO 004: ZOOLOGY
Question 7
(a) Definitions:
i. Inspiration – The process of drawing air into the lungs through contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles, increasing thoracic volume and decreasing pressure
ii. Digestion – The process by which complex food substances are broken down mechanically and chemically into simpler, absorbable molecules
(b) Functions of Blood Structures:
i. Red blood cell – Transports oxygen from the lungs to body tissues via hemoglobin; also carries CO₂ back to lungs
ii. White blood cell – Defends the body against infections and foreign bodies (immune response)
iii. Platelets – Involved in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding
iv. Lymph – Transports fats absorbed from the gut; returns excess tissue fluid to blood; carries immune cells
v. Plasma – Transports digested food, hormones, waste products, and heat throughout the body
vi. Serum – Plasma without clotting factors; used in serological tests and antibody research
(c) Taxonomic Table:
| Organism | Phylum | Subgroup/Class |
|---|---|---|
| Fluke | Platyhelminthes | Trematoda |
| Sea slugs | Mollusca | Gastropoda |
| Earthworm | Annelida | Oligochaeta |
| Grasshopper | Arthropoda | Insecta |
ii. TWO Processes in Urine Formation within the Nephron:
- Ultrafiltration – Blood is filtered under pressure in the glomerulus
- Selective Reabsorption – Useful substances (glucose, water, salts) are reabsorbed back into the blood from the tubules
Question 8
(a) Intermediate Hosts:
| Pathogen | Intermediate Host |
|---|---|
| i. Taenia solium | Pig |
| ii. Taenia saginata | Cattle (cow) |
| iii. Fasciola haematobium | Freshwater snail (Bulinus sp.) |
| iv. Plasmodium falciparum | Female Anopheles mosquito |
| v. Trypanosoma brucei | Tsetse fly (Glossina sp.) |
| vi. Onchocercus volvulus | Black fly (Simulium sp.) |
(b)(i) SIX Differences between Bones and Cartilages:
| Feature | Bone | Cartilage |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Hard and rigid | Flexible and elastic |
| Matrix | Contains calcium phosphate (calcified) | Contains chondrin (non-calcified) |
| Cells | Osteocytes | Chondrocytes |
| Blood vessels | Highly vascularized | Avascular (no blood vessels) |
| Growth | Grows by addition at epiphysis | Grows by addition from within (interstitial) |
| Location | Forms skeleton, long bones | Found in ear, nose, trachea, joints |
(b)(ii) Definitions:
-
Reflex Action – A rapid, automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus that does not involve conscious thought
-
Reflex Arc – The neural pathway through which a reflex action occurs: Receptor → Sensory neuron → Spinal cord (relay neuron) → Motor neuron → Effector
(c) Scopes of Zoology:
i. Embryology – The branch of Zoology that deals with the study of the development of an organism from fertilization (zygote) through to birth or hatching
ii. Ethology – The branch of Zoology that deals with the scientific study of animal behavior, especially in natural conditions
(d) Prokaryote vs Eukaryote Schematic:
PROKARYOTE (e.g., Bacterium) EUKARYOTE (e.g., Amoeba)
┌─────────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────────┐
│ Cell wall │ │ Cell membrane only │
│ No membrane-bound │ │ Membrane-bound nucleus │
│ nucleus │ │ ┌──────────┐ │
│ Naked DNA (circular│ │ │ Nucleus │ │
│ chromosome) │ │ │ (DNA in │ │
│ No organelles │ │ │ chromatin│ │
│ 70S ribosomes │ │ └──────────┘ │
│ │ │ Membrane-bound │
│ │ │ organelles present │
│ │ │ 80S ribosomes │
└─────────────────────┘ └─────────────────────────┘
KEY DIFFERENCE: Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus;
Eukaryotes possess a true membrane-bound nucleus.