Questions------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

HKALE 1989 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------1

HKALE 1990 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------2
HKALE 1991 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------2
HKALE 1992 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------2
HKALE 1993 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------3
HKALE 1993 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------3
HKALE 1993 Biology Paper II----------------------------------------------------------3
HKALE 1995 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------3
HKALE 1996 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------4
HKALE 1996 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------5
HKALE 1996 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------5
HKALE 1997 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------5
HKALE 1997 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------6
HKALE 1998 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------8
HKALE 1999 Biology Paper I-----------------------------------------------------------8
HKALE 1999 Biology Paper I--------------------------------------------------------------9
HKALE 1993 Biology Paper I----------------------------------------------------------12
HKALE 1998 Biology Paper I----------------------------------------------------------18
 Questions
HKALE 1989 Biology Paper I
5. For each of the following, state the animal phylum or plant division with which the
structure is usually associated and state its function :
(a) Casparian band
(b) tube foot
(c) flame cell
(d) sorus (4 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1990 Biology Paper I

1. Give the appropriate taxonomic group for the organism which causes each of the
following human diseases :

cholera
malaria
measles
syphilis
rabies
influenza
athlete's foot
hepatitis (4 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1991 Biology Paper I

1. Each of the following is associated with a certain taxonomic group of organisms. Name
ONE group of organisms possessing each of the following structures :

(a) gemmae
(b) notochords
(c) nematocysts
(d) pseudopodia
(e) cones (strobili)
(f) malpighian tubules (3 marks)
Suggested Solution
HKALE 1992 Biology Paper I
1. For each of the following structures, name an organism which possess such structures
and indicate the habitat of the named organism :

(a) chaetae
(b) cnidocils / nematoblasts
(c) rumen
(d) tube feet (4 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1993 Biology Paper I

1. Using annotated diagrams only, outline the life cycle of a bacteriophage. (7 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1993 Biology Paper I

3. What are the advantages of the body organization of an earthworm over that of a
planarian ? (5 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1993 Biology Paper II

5. Compare and contrast the body organizations of a hydroid coelenterate, a tapeworm
and an earthworm. Explain the significance of the differences you have described. (20
marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1995 Biology Paper I

1. Tabulate the major differences in cellular organization between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic organisms.
(4 marks)
Suggested Solution
HKALE 1996 Biology Paper I
1. The schematic diagrams below show the different stages (P, Q, R, S and T) in the life
cycle of a bacteriophage. They are not in the correct sequence.
P

Q
T

S R

(a) Rearrange the stages by listing the letters only to show the correct sequence of
events in the life cycle of a bacteriophage from attachment to Iysis. (1 mark)

(b) Identify X and Y. Describe the events illustrated by stage T. (2.5 marks)

(c) Describe the events illustrated by stage P. (1.5 marks)

 Suggested Solution

HKALE 1996 Biology Paper I

3. What are the advantages of the body organization of an earthworm over that of a
planarian ? (5 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1996 Biology Paper I

7b. Distinguish between a herbaceous dicot and a herbaceous monocot according to their
external features. (2 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1997 Biology Paper I

1. With reference to two morphological features. describe how these enable each of the
following organisms to adapt to its way of life:

(a) a thalloid brown alga (2 marks)

(b) a saprophytic mould (2 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1997 Biology Paper I
8. (a) The key below can be used to identify flat fishes. Using the key identify each of the
fishes L, M amd N shown on the opposite page. In each case state the key sequence
you went through in making the identification

(1A) Large eyes 2

(1B) Small eyes 6

(2A) Dorsal fin does not extend to the eyes Psettodes erumei
(2B) Dorsal fin extends to the eyes 3

(3A) Both eyes are on the left side of the body 4

(3B) Both eyes are on the right side of the body 5

(4A) Caudal fin is rounded Pseudorhombus arsius

(4B) Caudal fin is not rounded Poralichthys olivaceus

(5A) Dorsal fin does not extend to the nostrils Samaris cristatus
(5B) Dorsal fin extends to the nostrils Pleuronichthys cornutus

(6A) Both eyes are on the right side of the body Salea ovata
(6B) Both eyes are on the left side of the body Cynoglossus abbreviatus
(4.5 marks)

(b) These fishes are bottom dwellers. State two morphological features and describe
how they enable the flat fishes to adapt to their way of life. (2 marks)
(only the LEFT side of each fish is shown in the following diagrams)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1998 Biology Paper I
1. A biology student was given a variety of specimens belonging to the following taxonomic
groups :

(a) Echinodermata
(b) Cnidaria

List two characteristic features that the biology student should look for in each of the
specimens to confirm its identity as a member of either of the above groups. Tabulate
your answers. (4 marks)
Suggested Solution

HKALE 1999 Biology Paper I

1. The photograph below shows the undersurface of an aerial part of a non-flowering plant at the
reproductive stage :

(a) Name the organ found inside structure I and state its roles in the life cycle of the plant.

(b) State the ploidy number of the organ. (3 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1999 Biology Paper I
5. For each of the following features name one taxonomic group that possesses it. State one
function of the feature that aids the survival of the organisms in that group.

(a) hydroskeleton

(b) nematoblast

Tabulate your answers. (4 marks)

Suggested Solution

HKALE 1999 Biology Paper II

2. (a) Illustrate the structure of a mitochondrion as seen under the electron microscope with a
labelled diagram. (3 marks)

(b) Some scientists proposed that the mitochondrion could have originated from a rod-shaped
aerobic bacterium which lived as a parasite in a eukaryotic cell.

(i) State the similarities between the mitochondrion and the bacterium in terms of their
size, structure and metabolic activity to support the above proposal. (4 marks)

(ii) Suggest the necessary structural and physiological changes that would have to take
place in the bacterium for it to evolve into a mitochondrion. (5 marks)

(iii) Explain why the virus, as a group of parasites, has not been considered as the origin
of the mitochondrion. Base your answer on the following aspects of a virus : size,
structure, and its interaction with the host cell. (8 marks)

Suggested Solution
 Suggested Solution
HKALE 1989 Biology Paper I
5. (a) Spermatophyta : for selective absorption of water and water soluble
solutes into the central stele
0.5 + 0.5
(b) Echinodermata : for locomotion / attachment
0.5 + 0.5
(c) Platyhelminthes : for excretion / osmoregulation
0.5 + 0.5
(d) Pteridophyta : for reproduction
0.5 + 0.5
N.B. Correct spellings for the taxonomic group names are required.
(4)
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HKALE 1990 Biology Paper I
1. Disease Taxonomlc group
cholera bacteria
malaria protozoa
measles virus
syphilis bacteria
rabies virus
influenza virus
athlete's foot fungus
hepatitis virus
(N.B. Accept taxonomic grouping at ANY LEVEL.)
(4)
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HKALE 1991 Biology Paper I

1. (a) Hepaticae
0.5
(b) Chordata
0.5
(c) Coelenterata
0.5
(d) Sarcodina
0.5
 (e) Gymnospermae / Pteridophyta
0.5
(f) Insecta
0.5
(N.B. Accept taxonomic grouping at ANY level and common names.)
(3)
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HKALE 1992 Biology Paper I
1. Organism Habitat
(a) chaetae Earthworm / Lumbricus spp. / Burrows in soil 0.5+ 0.5
Oligochaete

Ragworm / Nereis spp. / Sand / mud bottoms of intertidal /

Polychaete subtidal zone
(b) cnidocil / Hydra / Chlorophydra viridissima Freshwater ponds / lakes 0.5 + 0.5
nematoblast
Obelia Colonies attached to seaweed,
piles, rocks shells

Jellyfish / Aurelia spp. Any appropriate marine habitat

e.g. free-floating in open sea
areas

Sea anemone / Actinaria spp . Rocky / sandy shores

(c) rumen cow / sheep any correct ungulate Has to match with habitat 0.5 + 0.5
or ruminant
(d) tube feet sea urchin / starfish / sea Any appropriate marine habitat 0.5 + 0.5
cucumber / echinoid asteroid /
holothuroid
(4)
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HKALE 1993 Biology Paper I

1. Diagrams : clear and accurate
2

Life cycle of bacteriophage

Annotations : (1 mark each) 5
phage attaches on bacterial cell surface by
means of the tail fibres.
 The tail sheath contracts and injects
bacteriophage DNA ; into the bacterial cell.
The protein coat is left outside.

Phage DNA codes for production of phage

enzymes using protein synthesising
machinery g of host. These inactivate and
breakdown host DNA and phage DNA takes
over cell machinery

Phage DNA replicates itself and codes for

new coat proteins. New phage particles are
generated by assembly of protein coats
around phage DNA.

Lysozyme made by phage DNA causes cell

lysis releasing phages to infect other
bacterial hosts.

(7)
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HKALE 1993 Biology Paper I

3. Planarians do not have *coelom (planarians are acoelomate) (), no
*metamerism (), [or earthworms have coelom (earthworms are
coelomate) and metamerism.]
(1)
(no mark for coelom if mistaken planarians as Coelenterata / diploblastic)
In earthworms :
Mesoderm splits into outer and inner layer with coelom in between (coelom
separates mesoderm into inner and outer layers) (1) which allows for :
Space () for development of organs ()
Development of hydrostatic skeleton () for support and / or movement
()
Independent movement of body wall and gut (1)
(max. 3)
 metameric segmentation allows for :
specialization of different body parts / division of labour / muscular body wall
divides into blocks provides for independent movement of different parts of
the body. (1) (1)
(5)
(Q3 = 5 marks)
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HKALE 1993 Biology Paper II

5. Compare and contrast body organization :

Hydroid coelenterate Tapeworm Earthworm

multicellular animals 1
diploblastic : jelly-like Triploblastic : endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm 1
mesoglea sandwiched
between ectoderm and
endoderm
tissue-level organisation organ-level organisation organ-level organisation 2
(many organs reduced)
acoelomate acoelomate (continuous coelomate 1
proliferation of proglottids)
not metamerically segmented metamerically segmented 1
radially symmetrical bilaterally symmetrical 1
max. (6)
Significance of the differences :

Diploblastic Vs triploblastic
max. 4
The mesoderm has given triploblasts (tapeworm, earthworm) a greater bulk of
cellular material compared with their volume, than is found in diploblasts (e.g.
Hydra),
causing wide separation of digestive tube from body wall and hence problems
of transport of O2, excretory products and food.
In tapeworm (triploblastic acoelomate) the problem of oxygen supply is solved
by restriction of the body to small volume and flattened shape.
For excretion, a flame-cell system with ducts opening on the surface, is
developed in the mesoderm.
The new mass of mesoderm is utilized in the formation of new tissues and
organs e.g. muscular tissue, excretory system, reproductive system.
Tissue-level organization Vs organ-level organization
max. 4
The tissue level of organization occurs in Hydra. Cells are grouped in
coherent masses for performance of one or more special functions e.g.
musculo-epithelial tissue, nervous tissue .
The tentacles may be given the status of organs, consisting of several types
of tissues (musculo-epithelial cells, sensory cells, interstitial cells,
nematoblasts, endoderm cells) coordinated for performance of one or more
functions (food capture, conveyance of food to mouth, looping movements).
Division of labours among cells lead to formation of organs specialised for
more sophisticated functions in tapeworm and earthworm e.g. ovary and
testis in tapeworm, nephridia in earthworm.
In tapeworm, in adaptation to its parasitic mode of life, there is no alimentary
canal. Digested food of the host is absorbed over whole surface. The nervous
system is reduced. A very large number of proglottides are produced. The
oldest proglottis is the most posterior. Every mature proglottis contains a full
set of male and female reproductive organs.

Acoelomate Vs coelomate
max.4
Movements of body wall occur independently of peristaltic movements of gut
wall and digestive processes.
The coelom provides a large cavity in which organs can be developed and
can perform their functions without interference from other organs. Location of
these organs in coelom necessitates excretory and reproductive ducts to
convey products to exterior.
Coetomic fluid gives support, protection and assistance with locomotion.
Development of coelom has necessitated a blood-vascular system for
transport of digested food and oxygen.

Proglottis Vs metamerism
max. 2
The earthworm exhibits metameric segmentation. Typically every segment is
exactly similar. Although the segments are partitioned from one another, they
are coordinated and do not function as independent units. The main
advantage of segmentation is that it provides an opportunity for specialization
in certain segments without interference with others.
In contrast to the proglottis of tapeworms, in earthworm there is a definite
number of segments. There is no region capable of permanent proliferation of
segments. The oldest segment is the most anterior.
The continuous proliferation of proglottids ,in tapeworm enhances the animals
chance of survival due to production of large numbers of eggs.
 Radial symmetry Vs bilateral symmetry
max. 2
Any appropriate significance in relation to body symmetry. 'e.g. radial
symmetry in relation to the sessile life of some coelenterates
max.(20)
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HKALE 1995 Biology Paper I

Paper I Section A
(*spelling mistakes of these terms, no mark)

1. prokaryotes eukaryotes
no distinct nucleus / lack nuclear distinct nucleus / with nuclear membrane 1
membrane
single circular DNA molecule in chromosomes present 1
cytoplasm / no chromosome
lack membraneous organelles membraneous organelles present 1
infolding of the cell membrane forms mitochondria for respiration 1
mesosomes for respiration
(4)
Mark deduction : No table, minus 1
(Do not accept larger and smaller ribosomes)
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HKALE 1996 Biology Paper I

1. (a) RTPSQ (wrong sequence, no mark)
(1)

(b) X = Phage DNA / viral DNA (no mark for genetic materials chromosome
RNA)
Y = Bacterial DNA / chromosome or host (cell) DNA / chromosome
0.5
(no mark for cell DNA / chromosome)

Events : the tail sheath contracts (0.5)

The phage ejects / inserts / injects / releases its DNA into
the bacterial / host cell (0.5 + 0.5)
1.5
(2.5)
 (c) Bacterial DNA / chromosome begins to break down (0.5).
Phage DNA replicates (1) (duplicates / produces / makes many copies)
at the expense of the material of the host cell (make use of the
machinery of the host cell) (0.5)
0.5 + 0.5
(no mark for integration of viral DNA into bacterial DNA )
(1.5)

no mark for (b) and (c), if wrong identification of X as viral ribosome (or other non genetic
material ) or as bacterial genetic material.
(Q1 = 5 marks)
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HKALE 1996 Biology Paper I

3. Planarians do not have *coelom (planarians are acoelomate) (), no
*metamerism (), [or earthworms have coelom (earthworms are
coelomate) and metamerism.]
(1)
(no mark for coelom if mistaken planarians as Coelenterata / diploblastic)

In earthworms :
Mesoderm splits into outer and inner layer with coelom in between (coelom
separates mesoderm into inner and outer layers) (1) which allows for :
Space (0.5) for development of organs (0.5)
Development of hydrostatic skeleton (0.5) for support and / or
movement (0.5)
Independent movement of body wall and gut (1)
(max. 3)

metameric segmentation allows for :

specialization of different body parts / division of labour / muscular body wall
divides into blocks provides for independent movement of different parts of
the body. (1) (1)
(5)
(Q3 = 5 marks)
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HKALE 1996 Biology Paper I

7 (b) Any 2 differences : (1 mark for each difference; must mention both
 sides, no marks)
Herbaceous dicot
Net venation in leaf
Leaf base without sheath
Tap root system
Flower parts / specific name of
flower part in multiples of 5
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Herbaceous monocut
Parallel venation in leaf
Leaf with sheathing leaf base
Fibrous root system (not
adventitious root)
Flower parts / specific name of
flower part in multiples of 3 (2)
HKALE 1997 Biology Paper I
1. (a) thalloid brown alga (any 2 of the following, 1 mark each, accept correct
alternatives)
flattened thallus provides increased surface area for
photosynthesis
holdfast to attach to a substratum for prevention of being washed
away by wave
leathery (tough) and flexible body resists action of waves
air-bladders keep the alga buoyant for capturing light for
photosynthesis
mucilage conserves water when alga is exposed to dry conditions
(2)

(b) saprophytic mould (any 2 of the following, 1 mark each, accept correct
alternatives)
rhizoids for penetration into substrate, secretes enzyme for
digestion of the substrate / large surface area for absorption of
digested food
sporangia elevated into the air to enhance dispersal of spores
ramifying mycelium / stolon to colonize the substrate
(2)
Q1 = 4 marks
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HKALE 1997 Biology Paper I

8. (a) L : 1A, 2A (1) Psettodes erumei (0.5)
M : 1A, 2B, 3A, 4A (1) Pseudorhombus arsius (0.5)
N : 1B, 6B (1) Cynolgossus abbreviatus (0.5)
(4.5)

(b) (Any 2 of the following, 1 mark each)

eyes located on one side to allow for vision while swimming on the
ocean floor (1),
dorsal and ventral fins are elongated used to swim near the bottom
(1) / used to move sand / mud any bury in the bottom,
flat body makes it possible to lie flat on the ocean floor / flat body
makes it inconspicuous on the ocean floor. (1)
(2)
 Q8 = 6.5 marks
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HKALE 1998 Biology Paper I
Terms with *, mark deduction / no mark for spelling error

1. ( 1 mark for each characteristic feature, any 2 features for each group, accept
alternatives other than those listed below that are group characteristics only )
(a) Group Features
Echinodermata pentamerous/pentaradial symmetry
tube-feet
calcareous scales / spines on body / bony plates Max.2
body with oral and aboral surfaces
madreporite
pedicellariae
(b) Cnidaria radial symmetry
nematocyst / sting cells Max.2
single body opening / enteron
Deduct mark for no tabulation
(4)
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