Light reaction............................................................................................................

27
Dark reaction............................................................................................................27
 Questions
HKALE 1990 Biology Paper I
3. Explain why the following equation is an unsatisfactory summary of the process of
photosynthesis :

light
6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2
chlorophyll
(6 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1990 Biology Paper II
9. Discuss the biological significance of the "greenhouse effect" to plant communities. (20
marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1991 Biology Paper I
2. Outline the role of the following elements in the nutrition of green plants. What are the
effects of their deficiency on plant growth ?

(a) calcium
(b) nitrogen (4 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1991 Biology Paper I
7. Why are leaves usually thin and flat ? Name ONE environment where there are many
exceptions and explain why this is so. (7 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1991 Biology Paper II
8. Describe the ways in which light affects the growth and development of plants. (20
marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1992 Biology Paper I
11. "Maximum photosynthesis' refer to the highest possible rate of photosynthesis attainable
by a plant species under optimal conditions. The graph below shows how the light
intensity affects the rates of photosynthesis of different plant types (measured as
percentages of their maximum photosynthesis) :

(a) Different plant types may have different ABSOLUTE values of 'maximum
photosynthesis'. Suggest one reason for such differences. (2 marks)

(b) Describe and explain the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis of the tree
species A. (4 marks)

(c) With reference to the natural habitat of the green algae, explain how they differ
from tree species A in the following :

(i) the optimal light intensity for photosynthesis

(ii) the effect of a light intensity of 1 kJ m-2 min-1 on photosynthesis (4 marks)

(d) It is known that tree species B will not grow well when planted together with tree
species A. Suggest a possible explanation with reference to the graph above. (3
marks)
(e) Diatoms, a type of phytoplankton, are known to exhibit daily vertical migration
(moving down at noon). Given that normal light intensity at noon at the sea surface
ranges from 1.0 to 2.5 kJ m-2 min-1, suggest a likely advantage of this
phenomenon. (3 marks)

(f) Explain how two other environmental factors may affect the rate of photosynthesis
of plants.
(4 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1993 Biology Paper II
3. (a) The leaf is an important organ for light absorption and gaseous exchange. Explain
how the structures of a leaf are adapted to the above functions. (9 marks)

(b) Give the chemical equation for photosynthesis. From the equation, what changes
in the substances taken up and produced might be used to measure the rate of
photosynthesis ?
(3 marks)

(c) What is meant by "limiting factor" ? With the aid of labelled curves, explain how
and why carbon dioxide can be a limiting factor to photosynthesis. (8 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1994 Biology Paper II
1. (a) Outline the role of accessory pigments in photosynthesis. Name one group of
accessory pigments and state its absorption spectrum. (3 marks)

(b) Contrast the "light reaction" with the "dark reaction" in photosynthesis . (7 marks)

(c) Using an annotated flow chart, illustrate how energy flows and carbon is cycled
through photoautotrophic and chemoheterotrophic organisms. Indicate the roles of
respiration and photosynthesis in the flow chart. (10 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1995 Biology Paper I
2. You are provided with three samples of leaf pigment mixtures, two of which are identical.
Name and outline the method you would use in the school laboratory to determine which
two samples contain the same mixture of pigments. (3 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1995 Biology Paper I
10. In a pot-growth experiment conducted in two controlled-environmental chambers, roots
of pine seedlings at the same stage of growth were inoculated with a fungus. A control
experiment was also carried out using uninoculated seedlings. The two chambers were
set to provide CO2 at a concentration of 0.036% and 0.072% respectively. A number of
seedlings were harvested after six weeks of growth. The fungus was found to infect the
roots only and its extent of infection is shown in the table below. Several growth
parameters of the pine seedlings were measured and their mean values are shown in
the following table :

CO2 Uninoculated
Inoculated seedlings
Concentration / % seedlings
Whole seedling 0.036 0.33 0.13
dry weight / g 0.072 0.51 0.18
Root dry weight / g 0.036 0.15 0.05
0.072 0.30 0.06
Shoot dry weight / g 0.036 0.18 0.08
0.072 0.21 0.12
Intensity of fungal 0.036 0.65 0.10
infection in root 0.072 1.34 0.15
(arbitrary unit)

(a) (i) What is the effect of doubling the CO 2 concentration on the whole seedling
dry weight of the inoculated seedlings ? Give a reason for your answer. (2
marks)

(ii) State the effect of fungal inoculation on the whole seedling dry weight at both
CO2 concentrations. (1 mark)

(b) (i) Calculate the root: shoot (dry weight) ratios of the inoculated and
uninoculated seedlings at both CO2 concentrations. Express the ratios in
decimals and tabulate your answer. (4 marks)

(ii) How did this increase in CO2 concentration affect the root: shoot (dry weight)
ratios in the inoculated and uninoculated seedlings ? What can you deduce
from such information regarding the relative growth rate of the shoot and root
of pine seedlings ? (4 marks)
(c) Compare the effect of doubling the CO 2 concentration on the intensity of fungal
infection in the inoculated and uninoculated seedlings. (2 marks)

(d) Based on the data provided, suggest an application of such a fungal plant
interaction. Explain your answer. (2 marks)
(Total : 15 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1995 Biology Paper II
3. (a) How do the physical properties of soil affect plant growth ? (7 marks)

(b) Explain the importance of nitrogen and phosphorus in plant growth and
development. (4 marks)

(c) Outline the functions of auxins and cytokinins in the growth and development of
plants. Give three applications of auxins and one application of cytokinins in
horticulture. (9 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1996 Biology Paper II
2. (a) Explain how the structural features of a dicot leaf make it an efficient organ for
photosynthesis.(8 marks)
(b) Illustrate the Calvin cycle (carbon fixation) using a flow diagram and state which
intermediate is used for the synthesis of carbohydrates. Name one product of this
synthesis. (6 marks)

(c) Describe how the photosynthetic products are translocated along the phloem from
a leaf to a storage organ according to the mass flow hypothesis. (6 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1997 Biology Paper I
10. (a) Figure 1 presents the results of an experiment about the effect of light intensity on
the not CO2 fixation rate of two flowering plants A and B. This experiment was
conducted in a green-house under controlled conditions.

(i) State two variables that must be kept constant to achieve the aim of this
experiment. (1 mark)

(ii) What is meant by net CO2 fixation ? (1 mark)

(iii) Account for the net CO2 fixation rate of plants A and B at light intensities
below 40 arbitrary units. (3 marks)

(iv) Compare the net CO2 fixation rate of plants A and B at light intensities above
40 arbitrary units. (4 marks)

(v) Based on this experiment, which habitat, shady or sunny, is the natural
habitat of each of the two plants, A and B ? (N.B Habitats with a light intensity
below 100 arbitrary units are considered shady.) (1 mark)
 (b) Figure 2 shows the cross sections of two different leaves, X and Y. taken from
the same tree. They are of equal magnification and are at the same stage of
maturity.

(i) State the structural differences between the photosynthetic tissue(s) of these
two leaves.
(1 marks)

(ii) The net CO2 fixation rate of leaves X and Y show a pattern similar to that of
plants A and B in pan (a). Match the leaves with plants A and B. Give reasons
for the match. (2 marks)

(iii) Suggest the possible positions of these two leaves on the tree. How is the
structure of leaf Y related to its possible position on the tree ? (2 marks)

Total :15 marks

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1998 Biology Paper I
5. Distinguish between chemoautotrophs and heterotrophs. (3 marks)

Suggested Solution
HKALE 1990 Biology Paper I
3. The equation is unsatisfactory in that :
it can't tell the origin (from CO2 or H2O) of the O2 produced 2)
it doesn't mention the photolysis of H 2O to give reducing power in
NADPH2 2)
CO2 is reduced by NADPH2 and fixed into a triose instead of a hexose
as suggested 2)
any 3
it oversimplifies that there are in fact many small, carefully controlled
stages
(involving enzymes) in the process 2)
(6)
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HKALE 1990 Biology Paper II
9. Advantages / disadvantages of greenhouse effects for plants
Advantages :
Greenhouse effect is a temperature rise
causes by increasing level of CO2 and other greenhouse gases such as methane,
in the atmosphere
this increase is caused by fossil fuel burning of man and deforestation (since
industrial revolution)
thus increased temperature leads to greater metabolism of plants.
may lead to greater growth rates.
both on land and in warmer seas
faster growth leads to more use of CO2 and could bring a rebalance of CO2.
but CO2 production is far more greater than the use even under warmer conditions.
furthermore higher CO2 causing greenhouse effect will allow greater growth of
plant (beneficial up to 0.15%) only if not limited by water or nutrients + improved
water use efficiency as stomata can be fewer or open shorter time for same CO 2
uptake.
warmer air will lead to greater transpiration of plants leads to more humid
atmosphere which is also to the advantage of plants.
leads to more cloud cover which means perhaps less light for photosynthesis.
so could be advantages or disadvantages.
Disadvantages :
warming leads to melting of polar ice-caps.
so raises water levels giving less land surface for plant growth.
no disadvantage for algae and marginal plants.
higher could cover could reduce growth through light limitation
also more cloud poor conditions for insect pollinators less seed set and
colonisation.
warmer conditions puts pressure on temperature plants broadleaves die
most rainforest is low lying river marginal so water level rising leads to inundation
death.
removal of remaining rainforest reduces CO 2 conversion still further so
grreenhouse effect gets worse.
but by this time land surface reduced to 20% of present, mostly prime productive
land.
so man has to stop production and return to caves !
so long before this mans production will cease, CO 2 will cease so CO2 will fall.
also greater sea plant growth may bring farming of marine algae / fresh water
plants.
 may benefit plant growth by selective breeding or disbenefit by over cropping.
HKALE 1991 Biology Paper I
2. Role Deficiency symptom
(a) calcium required for development of stem and stunted growth of root and 1,1
root apex as calcium pectate in plant cell stem; flaccidity
wall
(b) nitrogen required for formation of proteins, nucleic stunted growth; chlorosis 1,1
acids and porphyrins, etc.
(4)

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HKALE 1991 Biology Paper I
7. Leaves are the main organs of photosynthesis. In order to function efficiently,
the chloroplasts must be supplied with adequate light, carbon dioxide and
water. 1)
The flatness (an orientation) of the leaf maximizes the area exposed to light
while the thinness maximizes penetration (minimizes distance) of light to the
mesophyll tissue where the chloroplasts are. 2)
The flatness and thinness of the leaf maximizes the surface / volume ratio
and so maximizes the rate of diffusion of carbon dioxide into the leaf through
the cuticle or stomata (rate of diffusion proportional to area) and minimizes
the distance which the carbon dioxide has to diffuse.
2) any 7
However, thin, flat shape also maximizes the surface area for water loss. In
dry environments, many plants (xerophytes) have thick or even cylindrical
leaves or rolled leaf margins. These are less efficient for photosynthesis but
the lower surface / volume ratio reduces water loss. Xerophyte leaves may
also be thicker because of the presence of water storage tissue (succulents).
3)
(7)
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HKALE 1991 Biology Paper II
8. Light intensity :
affects the amount of photosynthesis and thus the growth and
reproduction of the plant
also affects the opening of stomata (and thus the rate of transpiration).
Most open in light and close in dark. Mechanism not fully understood
also affects synthesis of chlorophyll etc.
also affects leaf morphology
photorespiration

Light direction :
positive phototropism in shoots mediated by auxin. Auxin transported to
shaded side which thus grows more quickly
negative or no phototropism in roots.

Light wavelength :
etiolation. Plants grown in dark show etiolation - abnormal elongation of
internodes. Prevented by exposure to red light which converts the
inactive form of phytochrome to the active form. Far red light reverses
effects of red light
phytochrome is also involved in seed germination, flowering and many
other plant growth processes, including photoperiod effects
absorption and action spectra of chlorophyll

Photoperiod :
many plants flower in response to photoperiod. Long day plants flower
after several long (> 12 hour) photoperiods, short day plants after
several short (< 12 hour) photoperiods. Actually is dark period that is
critical and phytochorme seems to be involved as a brief exposure to
red light interrupts a dark period and the effect is reversed by far red
light. Many other plant growth processes can be controlled by
photoperiod.

(20)
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HKALE 1992 Biology Paper I
11. (a) Any reason related to the intrinsic structural / physiological / biochemical
differences of the plants which in turn affect the overall efficiency of the
photosynthetic machinery of the individual plants e.g. chlorophyll
concentration guard cell density, etc.
2

(b) at low light intensity (below 0.2 kJ m-2 min-1) the rate of
photosynthesis increases with increasing light intensity
maximum photosynthesis is achieved at about 0.2 kJ m -2min-1
below which light intensity is a limiting factor
above which further increase in light intensity has no appreciable
effect on the rate of photosynthesis other factors become limiting
4

(c) (i) The optimal light intensity for the green algae is very much lower than
that of tree species A.
2
Since it is an aquatic species, the amount of light received is
far less than that received by terrestrial species.
Maximum photosynthesis can be achieved even at very low
light intensity. This is obviously an adaptation in its natural
habitat.
(ii) with a further increase in light intensity beyond the optimal
point, photosynthesis declined and reached 0 at 1.2 kJ m-
2
min-1.
2
inhibition of photosynthesis / photooxidation apparently
occurred at high light intensities

(d) If species A and B were to be grown together, species B would be

overshadowed by species A. Since species A could attain its maximum
capacity of photosynthesis at relative low light intensity and grows
faster. Species B would not be able to obtain maximum (not even
enough) light for photosynthesis. At most, they would be
photosynthesizing at a lower capacity. Growth would be reduced and
leaves might become yellow.
 3

(e) At a light intensity higher than 0.2 kJ m-2 min-1, % maximum

photosynthesis decreases This is probably due to diatoms being easily
photooxidized / destroyed at high light intensities. By migrating lower
into the water, they can avoid such biological disaster.
3

(f) Temperature - below 30C generally, an increase in temperature

increases the rate of photosynthesis or vice versa
CO2 - an increase in its concentration increases the rate. Rarely, carbon
dioxide concentration is a limiting factor in the natural environment.
OR Any other environmental factors suitably explained
4
(20)

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HKALE 1993 Biology Paper II
3. (a) Thin flat shape

provides maximum surface exposed to light

Epidermis

single layered, transparent, allow light to penetrate to chloroplasts
in the photosynthetic cells.

Covered by cuticle to prevent uncontrolled water loss from the
leaves.
1

Palisade mesophyll cells

closely packed, with dense chloroplasts to capture maximumlight
from above
1

Stomata
control gaseous exchange and water loss by opening and closing.
Mentioning of uneven stomatal distribution in relation to control of
water loss.
2

Spongy mesophyll cells

loose arrangement () provides air spaces () to facilitate gaseous
exchange () for water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide. ()
2
Veins
provide a supporting skeleton to the lamina
(9)
Light energy
(b) 6CO2 + 12H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O 1
Chlorophyll

Uptake of carbon dioxide liberation of oxygen and increase dry weight /

carbohydrate content can be measured to indicate the rate of
photosynthesis.
 1
(3)
(c) At any given moment, a biochemical process (e.g. photosynthesis)
which involves a series of reactions, will be limited by slowest reaction in
the series.
This slowest reaction is determined by the factor which is in shortest
supply / which is nearest its minimum ( value. This factor is called the
limiting factor.
2
For example, photosynthetic dark reactions are dependent on the
production of NADPH2 and ATP from light reaction. At low light intensity,
the rate at which these are produced is too slow to allow dark reactions
to proceed at maximum rate, the light is then becoming the limiting
factor.
When light is no longer limiting, both temperature and carbon dioxide
concentration can become limiting factor.
2
Rate of photosynthesis

[CO2] 0.4% (25)

[CO2]0.04% (25)

Light intensity

2
An increase in concentration of carbon dioxide results an increase in
rate of dark reaction when light is not limiting.
Carbon dioxide is needed in the dark reactions where it is fixed into
organic compounds. Normal atmospheric: carbon dioxide concentration
ranges from 0.03% to 0.04%, but increase in photosynthetic rate can be
achieved by growing plants in carbon-dioxide-enriched atmosphere
such as inside soma greenhouses.
2
(8)
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HKALE 1994 Biology Paper II
1. (a) Absorb light energy from various regions of the light spectrum and then
pass on to chlorophylls (1), thus allowing plants to use light of more
different wavelengths than could be trapped by chlorophylls alone (1).
2
Carotenoids.

Absorb light from the blue and blue-green regions of the spectrum .

(3)
(b)
Light reaction Dark reaction
Location in Grana / Thylakoids / quantasomes Stroma (,)
chloroplast
Reactions (i) Photochemical i.e. requires (i) Does not require light and (,)
light and chlorophyll chlorophyll
(ii) Energy is captured. (ii) Energy / ATP is used up in (1,)
Light energy is synthesis
converted to
chemical energy /
ATP via chlorophyll.
(photophosphorylati (iii) CO2 is fixed by ribulose (1,1)

on) bisphosphate (RuBP) to

form 2 x phosphoglyceric
(iii) Water is split into hydrogen
acid (PGA)
ions and oxygen (photolysis).
(iv) PGA is reduced to a sugar
(PGAL) using the (0,1)
NADPH2. RuBP is
reformed via the Calvin
cycle
Products ATP, NADP2 and oxygen PGAL / triophosphage / 3C (1,)
sugar
(ANSWERS MUST BE IN PAIRS)
 (c)
CO2, Light CO2, (in atmosphere or in oceans

photosynthesis
respiration
(2)
Photoautotrophs (green plants and some
bacteria). Light energy is converted to
chemical energy in photosynthesis and is
used to synthesize organic materials, e.g.
carbohydrates

consumption
(1)
Chemoheterotroph (animals, fungi
death and bacteria). Organic materials (1)
from the autotrophs are converted to
Carbon in decomposers
energy and carbon source
(bacteria and fungi

death
(1)
nutrition
Carbon compound in
dead organic matters
death
route of energy flow showing loss at each level
1+1
route of carbon showing recycling
1+1
annotations (marks indicated in brackets in the above flowchart)
5
respiration (suitably put in the flowchart)
1
death and consumption / feeding (suitably put in the flowchart)
1
max. (10)
Key :
for both, energy and carbon
for energy only
for carbon only
Note : route of carbon should include antotrophs, animals and decomposers
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HKALE 1995 Biology Paper I
2. Separate the pigments by * chromatography (), spot the extracts onto
chromatographic / filter paper () develop in appropriate developing
solvent () by hanging paper vertically in a chromatography jar /
boiling tube / beaker () Identical extracts should have similar pigment
pattern or similar Rfs for the different pigment spots () Describe the
developing process ().
3

alternative

spectrophotometry (), tube / cell / cuvette () spectrophotometer /

calorimeter () obtain absorption spectrum () compare absorption
spectra () identical pattern for similar pigment ().
3
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HKALE 1995 Biology Paper I
10. (a) (i) Increasing / doubling the concentration of CO2 increased the
dry weight / biomass of the inoculated seedlings (1). This is
because the increased CO2: increased the
1
rate of photosynthesis thus forming more biomass (1).
1
(2)

(ii) At both concentrations of CO2 the whole seedling dry-weight

of the inoculated seedlings were about 2-3 folds higher than
that of the uninoculated ones / fungal inoculation increased
the weight.
1

(b) (i)
CO2 Root : shoot (dry weight ratio)
concentration Inoculated Uninoculated
0.036 0.83 (1) 0.63 (1)
0.072 1.43 (1) 0.50 (1) 4

Mark deduction : No table, minus 1 mark ; ratios not expressed in

decimals, minus 1 mark, column / row not labelled, minus mark.

(ii) In the inoculated seedlings, the root : shoot dry weight ratio
increased as the concentration of CO2 increased (1), which
indicated that the root development / the relative growth rate
of root was faster than that of the shoot (1). However, in the
uninoculated seedlings, the root : shoot ratio decreased
slightly in higher concentration of CO2 (1), indicating that
shoot development was better/the relative growth rate of
shoot (1).
4

(c) For both inoculated and uninoculated seedlings, the intensities of

fungal infection increased (1) as CO2 concentration doubled.
However, the increase is more in the inoculated seedlings than in
the uninoculated seedlings (1).
 2

(d) Reforestation / agriculture / re-vegetation of waste-land (1).

Explanation : Fungal inoculation accelerated the growth of the
root, thus facilitate establishment of seedlings (1).
2
OR Fungal inoculation leads to an increase in whole seedling dry
weight ..increases the productivity / yield of crops in agriculture.
(1)
OR For growing plants in infertile/poor soil (1) because fungal
inoculation improves yield (1).
(Total : 15 marks)

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HKALE 1995 Biology Paper II
3. (a) soil texture () determined by proportion of clay : silt : sand (1) which affects
support a soil can offer to plants (), porosity and capillarity (), a
loam soil is best for plant growth (). Max.2
Porosity () affects aeration () which in turn influences respiratory activities
() of the root, energy consuming absorption () processes and
growth (). It affects water holding capacity () of the soil and
affects availability of water for plant growth (). (Accept water
retentivity as alternative, accept drainage as alternative) 3
capillarity () affects the ease with which water is pulled to the roots for
absorption(1). 1
soil colour () / A dark soil keeps more heat than light soil ()
temperature temperature directly affects root growth by its effect on metabolic
rate () temperature also affects microbial activity () hence max.2
nutrient availability ().
(Note : Alternative headings are acceptable)
(max.7)

(b) Nitrogen is important as a component of proteins / amino acids, auxin,

chlorophyll, nucleotides and nucleic acids. (any three) (1) It is needed
for general plant growth () especially proper leaf growth / development
(). Phosphorus is essential for the production of (any 2) nucleic acids,
ATP and membrane phospholipid(1). It is needed for (any 1) flowering,
fruiting and root development ().
4
(4)
 (c) Function of promotes cell enlargement () & enlongation () in undifferentiated cells
(c) Auxins () resulting in growth in length () (any 2 of the following, each) 2
promotes fruit growth
inhibits lateral growth
delays abscission 1
Application (Any three of the following, 1 mark each)
of auxins synthetic auxins as weed killers (1)
used to stimulate fruit development / production of seedless fruit (1)
induces root formation in artificial vegetative propagation(1)
prolong storage time of potato (1).
prevents fruit abscission (1). 3
Functions promotes cell division () in apical meristem and cambium () 1
of (any 2 of the following, each)
Cytokinins promotes lateral growth
breaks bud and seed dormancy
delay leaf senescence 1
Application (Any one of the following, 1 mark each)
of promotes parthenocarpy
cytokinins induces shoot formation
prolongs life of fresh leafy
crops / keep flowers fresh
break dormancy in seeds 1
(9)

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HKALE 1996 Biology Paper II
2. (a) A flat blade increases surface area to capture sunlight (1)
Blade connected to the stem by the petiole, which positions the
blade for maximum exposure to the sun (1),
Veins to support the blade (1),
Veins transport water to the mesophyll (1),
Stomata allow for diffusion of CO2 (1),
Chloroplasts of leaf are concentrated in the palisade mesophyll (1),
Columnar palisade mesophyll cells are xlosely packed beneath the
epidermis, maximize capture of sunlight (1),
Spongy mesophyll cells have large air spaces between them to
facilitate CO2 diffusion (1).
(8)

(b)

* Deduct mark for wrong spelling

Intermediate = triose phosphate ()
Product = *starch / *sucrose / *hexose () * Deduct mark for wrong
spelling 1
(6)
(c) Mass flow hypothesis :
Sucrose / sugar concentration at the leaf end of the phloem is high
(), Water moves in by osmosis from the neighbouring cells (), this
builds up a high hydrostatic pressure ().
2
At storage organ, sugar is converted to starch / used up (). This
causes sugar from the phloem to move into the storage organ
(). Water potential in the sieve tube is increased (). Water moves
 out from the phloem sieve tube by osmosis (). The hydrostatic
pressure at this end of the phloem sieve tube is reduced ().
2
This difference in hydrostatic pressure () / water potential
between the leaf end and the storage end causes a mass flow of
water along the phloem sieve tube () carrying with it, the sugar,
towards the storage organ ().
1
(6)
(Total : 20 marks)

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HKALE 1997 Biology Paper I
10. (a) (i) temperature ()
carbon dioxide concentration / supply ()
(1)

(ii) amount of CO2 fixed in photosynthesis less CO2 released from

respiration / photosynthetic CO2 fixation less CO2 released from
respiration
(1)

(iii) (No reason, no mark)

For both plants A and B, light intensity increases, rate of net CO 2

fixation increase () as light is the limiting factor ()
1

Plant A :
no / negative net CO2 fixation occurs () because its rate of
respiration exceeds its rate of photosynthesis () which is
very slow.
1
Plant B :
at light intensity below 10 units no net CO 2 fixation occurs (),
because its rate of respiration exceeds its rate of
photosynthesis ()
between 10 and 40 units, net CO 2 fixation occurs (), because
photosynthetic CO2 fixation exceeds respiratory CO2
production ()
2

(iv) (No comparison, no mark)

between 40-100 arbitrary intensity units : A has a slower rate

of net CO2 fixation than B / B has a higher rate of net CO 2
fixation than A
1

at 100 arbitrary intensity units, the rate of net CO 2 fixation for

A and B is the same ()


between 100500 arbitrary intensity units, the rate of net CO 2

fixation for A increase with increasing light intensity () and is
higher than that of B (). The rate of net CO2 fixation for B
reaches a maximum () / 5 - 6 mmole CO2 m-2h-1, and stays
unchanged despite of further increases in light intensity ()
2

between 500 - 600 arbitray intensity units, the rate of net CO 2

fixation for A reaches a maximum () / 23 - 24 mmole CO2 m-
2 -1
h , and stays unchanged despite of further increases in light
intensity ()
1
(max. 4)

(v) Plant A : sunny ()

Plant B : shady ()
(1)

(b) (i) X = longer / larger palisade cells () and 2 layers of palisade

cells, only 1 layer in Y (), denser / more chloroplasts in
both mesophyll / photosynthetic tissues ().
(1)
(the reverse comparison stating the features of Y is also
acceptable)

(ii) X: plant A ()
Y: plant B ()
1
plant A could achieve a higher net CO 2 fixation rate (), leaf X with
more chloroplasts / photosynthetic tissue to absorb more light for
CO2 fixation ()
1
or
leaf X - more chloroplasts / more photosynthetic tissue to fully
utilize light of a wide light intensity range for CO2 fixation ()

leaf Y - less chloroplast / less photosynthetic tissue / limits light
utilization to fix CO2 at high light intensity ()

(2)
(iii) leaf X : upper / canopy / outer layer / exposed ()
leaf Y : lower and inner / centre of tree ()
1

The possible position receives less light / is sheltered (). Less

photosynthetic tissue is required for capturing light for
photosynthesis / this results in a reduction of photosynthetic tissue
for photosynthesis ().
1
or
Leaf Y has a thinner cuticle () to adapt to a sheltered position
where it experiences less water loss ().

(2)
(Total : 15 marks)

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HKALE 1998 Biology Paper I
5. Chemoautotrophs are organisms which build up their organic substances()
from inorganic materials () / CO2 and H2O using energy from the oxidation of
inorganic substances(1).
Heterotrophs cannot build up their food () / organic compound, but depends
on the acquisition of complex organic food () to obtain nutrients. (3)

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