BIO 001 – BIO 004: EXAMINATION QUESTIONS — Paper A
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]
©
(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]
© Define the following
(i) Normal microbiota [1 Mark]
(ii) Complex media [1 Mark]
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]
© Define the following terms:
(i) Endemic disease
(ii) Pandemic
(d) Using notation +, –, and 0 for gain, loss and neutral respectively, describe the following biological associations:
| Association | Organism A | Organism B |
|---|---|---|
| Parasitism | ||
| Commensalism | ||
| Mutualism | ||
| Predation |
[4 Marks]
(e)(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]
© 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]
© 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]
© 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]
(d)(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]
© Briefly explain the following scopes of Zoology:
(i) Embryology
(ii) Ethology
[2 Marks]
(d) Make a schematic representation of a named prokaryote and a named eukaryote indicating the fundamental difference between the two. [3 Marks]
(e) Define the following terms:
(i) Epidemiology
(ii) Aetiology
[2 Marks]
SOLUTIONS
BIO 001: GENERAL BIOLOGY
Question 1
(a) Completed Table [2 Marks]
| 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 [3 Marks]
(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
©(i) Darwin’s Theory of Evolution [1 Mark]
Organisms that are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce (natural selection). Favourable traits are passed to offspring over generations, leading to gradual change in species.
©(ii) Lamarck’s Theory of Evolution [1 Mark]
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 [3 Marks]
- 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 [4 Marks]
| 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 [1 Mark]
- 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 [2 Marks]
- 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 the Bacterial Growth Curve [5 Marks]
| ___________
| / \
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 [2 Marks]
- Isolation and identification of microorganisms
- Study of microbial growth and metabolism
- Testing antibiotic sensitivity (sensitivity testing)
- Production of vaccines and industrial products
© Definitions
(i) Normal Microbiota [1 Mark] – Microorganisms that naturally and permanently inhabit the body without causing disease under normal conditions
(ii) Complex Media [1 Mark] – 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 [2 Marks]
| Structure | Function |
|---|---|
| Flagella | Locomotion / movement of the bacterium |
| Cell wall | Gives shape, structural support, and protection to the bacterium |
| Ribosome | Site of protein synthesis |
| Capsule | Protection from phagocytosis; helps in attachment to surfaces (virulence factor) |
(b) Moist Heat Methods for Control of Microbial Activities [3 Marks]
- 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
© 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)
(d) Biological Associations Table [4 Marks]
| Association | Organism A | Organism B |
|---|---|---|
| Parasitism | + | – |
| Commensalism | + | 0 |
| Mutualism | + | + |
| Predation | + | – |
(e)(ii) Bonds between Monomers [1 Mark]
- Starch – Glycosidic bond
- Protein – Peptide bond
BIO 003: BOTANY
Question 5
(a)(i) Diffusion [1 Mark]
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 [3 Marks]
| 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 [4 Marks]
| Crop | Type of Stem | Root System |
|---|---|---|
| Bulb | Underground modified stem (fleshy leaves) | Fibrous roots |
| Corm | Underground solid stem | Fibrous roots |
| Rhizome | Horizontal underground stem | Fibrous roots |
| Stolon | Horizontal above-ground stem (runner) | Adventitious roots |
© Phagocytosis vs Pinocytosis [2 Marks]
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 [1 Mark]
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 [2 Marks]
| 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 [4 Marks]
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 coloured petals to attract insects
- Produce nectar and strong scent
- Pollen is sticky and heavy
- Stigma is sticky to trap pollen
© Definitions [3 Marks]
(i) Transpiration – The process by which water is lost from a plant in the form of water vapour, 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 [2 Marks]
(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 [3 Marks]
| Structure | Function |
|---|---|
| Red blood cell | Transports oxygen from the lungs to body tissues via haemoglobin; also carries CO₂ back to lungs |
| White blood cell | Defends the body against infections and foreign bodies (immune response) |
| Platelets | Involved in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding |
| Lymph | Transports fats absorbed from the gut; returns excess tissue fluid to blood; carries immune cells |
| Plasma | Transports digested food, hormones, waste products, and heat throughout the body |
| Serum | Plasma without clotting factors; used in serological tests and antibody research |
© Taxonomic Table [4 Marks]
| Organism | Phylum | Subgroup/Class |
|---|---|---|
| Fluke | Platyhelminthes | Trematoda |
| Sea slugs | Mollusca | Gastropoda |
| Earthworm | Annelida | Oligochaeta |
| Grasshopper | Arthropoda | Insecta |
(d)(ii) TWO Processes in Urine Formation within the Nephron [1 Mark]
- 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 [3 Marks]
| Pathogen | Intermediate Host |
|---|---|
| Taenia solium | Pig |
| Taenia saginata | Cattle (cow) |
| Fasciola haematobium | Freshwater snail (Bulinus sp.) |
| Plasmodium falciparum | Female Anopheles mosquito |
| Trypanosoma brucei | Tsetse fly (Glossina sp.) |
| Onchocercus volvulus | Black fly (Simulium sp.) |
(b)(i) SIX Differences between Bones and Cartilages [3 Marks]
| 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 vascularised | 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 [2 Marks]
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
© Scopes of Zoology [2 Marks]
(i) Embryology – The branch of Zoology that deals with the study of the development of an organism from fertilisation (zygote) through to birth or hatching
(ii) Ethology – The branch of Zoology that deals with the scientific study of animal behaviour, especially in natural conditions
(d) Prokaryote vs Eukaryote Schematic [3 Marks]
PROKARYOTE (e.g., Bacterium) EUKARYOTE (e.g., Amoeba)
┌─────────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────────┐
│ Cell wall │ │ Cell membrane only │
│ No membrane-bound │ │ Membrane-bound nucleus │
│ nucleus │ │ ┌──────────┐ │
│ Naked DNA │ │ │ Nucleus │ │
│ (circular │ │ │ (DNA in │ │
│ chromosome) │ │ │ chromatin│ │
│ No organelles │ │ └──────────┘ │
│ 70S ribosomes │ │ Membrane-bound │
│ │ │ organelles present │
│ │ │ 80S ribosomes │
└─────────────────────┘ └─────────────────────────┘
KEY DIFFERENCE: Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus; Eukaryotes possess a true membrane-bound nucleus.
(e) Definitions [2 Marks]
(i) Epidemiology – The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the distribution, patterns, causes, and control of diseases within populations
(ii) Aetiology – The study of the causes or origins of diseases