S.K.H.

CHAN YOUNG SECONDARY SCHOOL

MOCK EXAMINATION 2021-2022
S.6 BIOLOGY 1
Checking
P.1

______________________________________________________________________________
SECTION A (MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS)

(36 marks)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
C B C C C A D D A
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
A D C C A A B D D
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
A D A B C B B A B
28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
D D B B B C C A D
1 mark each

P.1
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.2

1. Which of the following processes in the human body involve membrane proteins?

(1) diffusion of carbon dioxide across the epithelium of the air sac
(2) breakdown of sucrose into glucose and fructose in the small intestine
(3) transmission of nerve impulses from one neurone to another across a synapse

A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 2
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.3

2. Which of the following comparisons of iron and vitamin A is correct?

Iron Vitamin A
A. lipid-soluble water-soluble
B. inorganic food substance organic food substance
C. helps prevent rickets (anaemia) helps prevent night blindness
D. provides energy does not provide energy

Vitamin A

P. 3
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.4

3. An experiment for investigating the effect of temperature on the vitamin C content in kiwi
fruit juice was conducted. Kiwi fruit juices of different temperatures were added to 1 cm3 of
DCPIP solution. The graph below shows the number of drops of kiwi fruit juice needed to
decolourize the DCPIP solution.

no. of drops of kiwi fruit juice needed

to decolourize the DCPIP solution
30

25

20

15

10

0 10 20 30 40 50 60
temperature (°C)

Which of the following are the controlled variables in the experiment?

(1) the number of drops of kiwi fruit juice used (measurement of the dependent variable)
(2) the concentration of the kiwi fruit juice
(3) the volume of DCPIP solution
(4) the temperature of the kiwi fruit juice (independent variable)

A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (4) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (3) and (4) only

P. 4
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.5

4. After trying to observe a specimen under 400X of a light microscope, Peter decided to switch
back to 100X. Which of the following are the probable reasons behind?

(1) He would like to obtain a brighter image at the high-power magnification.

(2) He would like to observe a larger area of the specimen and select another part of the
specimen to observe.
(3) He would like to refocus once again as he failed to obtain a clear image at the
high-power magnification.

A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 5
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.6

5. Catalase is present in liver tissues. Three cubes of pig liver with sides of 0.5 cm were put into
three test tubes with 5 cm3 hydrogen peroxide solution of different concentrations
(3% and 5%) under different temperatures (20 °C and 35 °C). The graph below shows the
change in the volume of oxygen produced in each tube.

(1)

volume of (2)
oxygen
produced (3)

Which of the following combinations correctly identifies the content in each tube?
(1)
A. 3% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 20 °C
B. 5% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 35 °C
C. 5% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 35 °C
D. 3% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 35 °C
time
(2)
5% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 35 °C
3% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 20 °C
3% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 35 °C
5% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 35 °C
(3)
3% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 35 °C
3% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 35 °C
3% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 20 °C
3% hydrogen peroxide
solution at 20 °C

P. 6
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.7

6. The diagram below shows the route of transport of certain absorbed food in our body.

Which of the following food substances is not transported along the above route?

A. vitamin A B. glucose
C. amino acids D. water

P. 7
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.8

7. The diagram below shows the change in blood pressure along different blood vessels.

120
100
80
pressure
(mm Hg) 60
40
20
0
aorta arteries capillaries veins vena cava

Which of the following statements about the change in blood pressure is/are incorrect?

(1) The periodical changes in the blood pressure of the arteries are due to the distention
and recoil of the arteries. (contraction / relaxation of the ventricle)
(2) The decrease in blood pressure in the capillaries is due to the increased total
cross-sectional area in the capillaries when compared to the arterioles. (resistance)
(3) The low blood pressure in the veins and vena cava is caused by the small contraction
force of the skeletal muscles lying next to them. (resistance in arteries / capillaries)

A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 8
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.9

8. The diagram below shows a section through a lymph vessel.

P Q

Heart
Which of the following combinations correctly shows the first body parts likely to be found
in directions P and Q?

Direction P Direction Q
A. foot brain
B. heart kidney
C. small intestine liver
D. hand heart

P. 9
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.10

9. The graph below shows the change in air pressure in the lungs of a person.

Which of the following statements correctly describe what happens at the 4th second?

(1) The person is inhaling. (atmospheric pressure lung pressure)

(2) The diaphragm muscle of the person is contracting. (diaphragm becomes flattened)
(3) The volume of the lungs is the largest.

A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 10
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.11

10. The graph below shows the rates of use and production of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) of a plant over
a 24-hour period.

The amount of food produced by the plant over the 24-hour period can be represented by
(net)

A. W Y Z. B. W X Y Z.
C. W + X Y Z. D. W + X Y Z + X.

Food production: rate of carbon dioxide use (W+X)

Food consumption: rate of carbon dioxide produced (X+Y+Z)

Amount of food produced = (W+X) (X+Y+Z) = W Y Z

P. 11
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.12

11. Which of the following statements correctly describes the structural difference between cells
in xylem vessels and cells in sieve tubes?

A. Cells in xylem vessels have a cell wall while cells in sieve tubes have no cell wall.
B. Cells in xylem vessels have no nucleus while cells in sieve tubes have a nucleus.
C. Cells in xylem vessels have no chloroplasts while cells in sieve tubes have chloroplasts.
D. Cells in xylem vessels have no cytoplasm while cells in sieve tubes have cytoplasm.

P. 12
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.13

12. In an investigation, scientists removed a ring of bark from a tree trunk. A few weeks later, they
found that food accumulated in tissue just above the ring.

a few weeks food

later accumulated
a ring of
bark
removed

Which of the following can be concluded from the above investigation?

A. Food is transported in phloem. (should locate the position of phloem first)

B. Food is transported in the plant in the form of sugars.
C. Tissue that is responsible for the transport of food is in the outer ring of the stem.
D. Tissue that is responsible for the transport of food is a living tissue.

P. 13
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.14

13. The rate of transpiration in plants is largely dependent upon

A. the rate of diffusion of water across the leaf cells. (This depends on the transpiration
rate.)
B. the rate of water flow in the xylem.
C. the physical conditions of the atmosphere.
D. the physical conditions of the soil water.

Light intensity: opening of stomata cross section for diffusion of water vapour
Temperature: evaporation of water from mesophyll cell surface
Wind speed: gradient of diffusion of water vapour

P. 14
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.15

14. The diagram below shows some stages of meiotic cell division.

stage X stage Y stage Z

Genetic variations can arise from the events in

A. stages X and Y. B. stages X and Z.

C. stages Y and Z. D. stages X, Y and Z.

X / Y: independent assortment of homologous chromosomes

Z: separation of sister chromatids

P. 15
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.16

15. The diagram below shows part of a lotus plant.

Structure X in the pod (seed) will be dispersed to places far away from the parent plant by
water. Such dispersal is important because

(1) this allows the daughter plants to colonize new areas.

(2) this increases the genetic variations between the daughter plants.
(3) this reduces competition for resources among plants of different species.

A. (1) only B. (2) only

C. (1) and (3) only D. (2) and (3) only

P. 16
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.17

16. The diagram below shows the vertical section of a seed of a dicotyledonous plant.

P / Q: plumule and radicle

Which of the following graphs correctly shows the change in the fresh mass of structure Q
during the early stages of germination?

B C/D

P. 17
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.18

17. The following ray diagrams show the vision of May when she looks at two different objects.

light rays light rays

from object X from object Y

Long sight

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) C contracting when she is looking at object X.

(Near object)
(2) May is suffering from long sight.
(3) May can improve her vision by wearing convex lenses. (converging)

A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 18
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.19

18. Which of the following is an advantage of self-pollination over cross-pollination?

Both are sexual.

A. Production of gametes is not required. (Pollens are carriers of male gametes.)

B. Transfer of pollen grains is not required. (Pollination means transfer of pollens.)
C. The offspring are better adapted to changes in the environment.
D. The chance of successful reproduction is increased when pollinating agents are
scarce.

P. 19
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.20

19. The diagram below shows a neurone.

This is a motor neurone because

(1) its cell body is star-like. (cell body of interneurone is also star-like)
(2) it has a long axon and short dendrons.
(3) it has a myelinated nerve fibre. (sensory neurone and even interneurone can also be
myelinated.)

A. (2) only B. (1) and (3) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 20
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.21

20. Which of the following cells are genetically different?

(1) the ovum (haploid) and follicle cells (diploid) of a mature follicle
(2) a cell from the uterine wall of a pregnant woman and a skin cell from her foetus
(3) sperms produced by a pair of identical twins

A. (1) only B. (1) and (2) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 21
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.22

21. In 1913, Boysen-Jenson carried out experiments to show the nature of the substance
controlling phototropism. He used agar blocks and mica plates in his experiments because
agar allowed chemicals to pass through, but mica did not.

tip placed on
agar block agar block mica plate

unilateral
light

W X Y Z

decapitated coleoptiles

2 days later

W X Y Z

What can be concluded from the experimental results?

(1) The substance controlling phototropism is chemical in nature. (Y /Z)

(2) The substance controlling phototropism is produced in the coleoptile tip. (X/W)
(3) Uneven distribution of the substance causes the bending of the coleoptile.
(no evidence)

A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 22
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.23

22. The diagram below shows some structures associated with the elbow joint.

Which of the following statements about structures X and Y is/are correct?

(1) Structure X is elastic while structure Y is inelastic.

(2) Both structures X and Y are involved in the movement of bones at joints.
(3) Structure X relaxes and structure Y contracts to straighten the arm.
(They are not muscles.)

A. (1) only B. (2) only

C. (1) and (2) only D. (2) and (3) only

X: tendon Y: ligament
Inelastic elastic
Transmit force allow flexibility in joint

P. 23
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.24

23. A person fasted for eight hours. Which of the following curves correctly shows the change in
the glycogen level in the liver of this person during the fasting period?

C B /D

Fasting: Glycogen glucose maintain blood glucose level

P. 24
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.25

24. The table below lists the common names and scientific names of four common trees in Hong
Kong.
Common name Scientific name
Swamp messmate Eucalyptus robusta
Silk oak Grevillea robusta
Lemon-scented gum Eucalyptus citriodora
Sweet gum Liquidambar formosana

Which of the following statements about the trees is/are correct?

(1) Swamp messmate, silk oak, lemon-scented gum and sweet gum belong to the same
domain: Eukarya. (kingdom: plantae)
(2) Swamp messmate and lemon-scented gum have the closest phylogenetic relationship.
(same genus)
(3) Swamp messmate and silk oak belong to the same species. (different species)

A. (1) only B. (1) and (2) only

C. (1) and (3) only D. (2) and (3) only

P. 25
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.26

25. An investigation was carried out by a student to study the activity of bacteria present in soil.
He collected some soil sample and put it in a solution containing ammonium compounds.
The concentrations of nitrates (P), nitrites (Q) and ammonium compounds (R) in the solution
were measured every day. The graph below shows the results.

concentration
(arbitrary unit)

Q
R time

Which of the following statements about the results is/are correct?

(1) The concentration of P increased because nitrogen fixing bacteria continuously converted
nitrogen gas to P.
(2) The concentration of Q started to decrease when nitrifying bacteria converted Q to P.
(3) The concentration of R decreased because it was decomposed by decomposers in soil.

A. (1) only B. (2) only C. (1) and (2) only D. (2) and (3) only

Ammonium cpd (R) nitrite (Q) nitrate (P)

Nitrifying bacteria Nitrifying bacteria

P. 26
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.27

26. An experiment was conducted to study the interaction between bird species X and Y at the
breeding stage. Three nests (A, B and C) were set up. In nest A, a colony of species X and a
colony of species Y were put together. Only a colony of species X was put in nest B and only a
colony of species Y was put in nest C. The breeding success rates of the two species in each
nest were recorded. The results are shown in the graph below.

The results suggest that the relationship between species X and Y is

Together X Y

A. commensalism. B. competition. C. mutualism. D. parasitism.

Y: Benefit
X: No harm

P. 27
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.28

27. During photochemical reactions in photosynthesis,

(1) ATP is produced.

(2) NADH is formed from NAD. (NADPH)
(3) water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen.

A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only

C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 28
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.29

28. Which of the following is the essential link between photochemical reactions and the Calvin
cycle of photosynthesis?

A. splitting of water molecules (photochemical reaction)

B. carbon dioxide fixation (Calvin cycle)
C. raising the energy levels of chlorophyll molecules (photochemical reaction)
D. production of reduced hydrogen carriers (product of chemical reaction, is used in
Reduction of PGA to TP in Calvin cycle)

P. 29
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.30

29. Which of the following respiratory pathways occur(s) in yeast?

(1) glucose pyruvate (glycolysis)

(2) pyruvate carbon dioxide + water (Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation)
(3) pyruvate carbon dioxide + ethanol (anaerobic respiration)

A. (3) only B. (1) and (2) only

C. (1) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 30
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.31

30. Which of the following statements about the pathogen causing cholera (bacteria)and the
pathogen causing malaria (protist) is/are correct?

(1) Both pathogens have a cell wall. (cholera pathogen only)

(2) Both pathogens are prokaryotes. (cholera pathogen only)
(3) Both pathogens cause diseases by releasing toxins.

A. (2) only B. (3) only

C. (1) and (2) only D. (1) and (3) only

P. 31
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.32

31. The diagram below shows a set-up used to study the respiration of mealworms.

capillary tube
mealworm wire gauze soda lime (cross-sectional red ink
2
area = 1 mm )

After 30 minutes, the red ink in the capillary tube moved 20 mm towards the boiling tube.
Which of the following is a correct interpretation of this result?

A. The amount of carbon dioxide released by the mealworms is 20 mm3 .

B. The amount of oxygen taken in by the mealworms is 20 mm3 .
C. The amount of carbon dioxide released by the mealworms is 20 mm3 more than the
amount of oxygen taken in by the mealworms.
D. The amount of oxygen taken in by the mealworms is 20 mm3 more than the amount of
carbon dioxide released by the mealworms.

Food + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + energy

Kept constant (soda lime)

Only decrease in volume of oxygen reduce the pressure in the test tube.

P. 32
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.33

32. Which of the following comparisons between vaccines and antibiotics is correct?

Vaccines Antibiotics
A. provide active immunity provide passive immunity
(no immunity not antibodies)
B. used to prevent diseases used to cure diseases
C. prepared from pathogens produced by activated B cells
(not antibodies)
D. cannot be taken orally can be taken orally
(With oral vaccine) (pills)

Vaccine Antibiotics
Weak pathogen / antigen chemicals from micro-organisms

P. 33
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.34

33. Chlorophyll production in maize plants is controlled by a pair of alleles. The dominant allele
allows chlorophyll production and results in maize plants with green leaves. The recessive
allele prevents chlorophyll production and results in maize plants with pale leaves. In an
experiment, seeds from a cross between two green-leaved maize plants were divided into
two groups and sown in trays placed in a bright room and a dark room respectively. The table
below shows the number of green-leaved and pale-leaved offspring in each group.

Sown in a bright room Sown in a dark room

Green-leaved Pale-leaved Green-leaved Pale-leaved
271 89 0 362

33. Which of the following can be deduced from the results?

(1) Both of the green-leaved parent plants are heterozygous.

(2) All the pale-leaved offspring are homozygous. (those in dark room?)
(3) Light affects chlorophyll production in maize plants.

A. (3) only B. (1) and (2) only

C. (1) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3)

P. 34
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.35

34. The pedigree below shows the inheritance of a disease caused by a recessive allele.

Key:

(1) (2) normal male

normal female

affected male
(3) (4) (5) (6)

affected female

(7) (8)

Is the allele sex-linked and why?

Allele Reason
A. X-linked individual (4) is affected (possible for autosome case when
1 is heterozygous)
B. X-linked individual (8) is affected (6 is not affected)
C. not X-linked individual (3) is normal (2 is double recessive)
D. not X-linked individual (7) is normal (5 has one allele for normal)

P. 35
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.36

35. The pie charts below show the change in the proportion of individuals possessing at least one
allele X in a lizard population over 100 generations.

100 generations

Key: proportion of individuals possessing at least one allele X

proportion of individuals possessing alleles other than allele X

Based on the pie charts above, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) Allele X must be a dominant allele. (dominant allele may not be favourable)
(2) Allele X can cause disease in heterozygous condition. (no evidence)
(3) Individuals possessing two copies of allele X are more likely to survive and reproduce.
(selected)
A. (3) only B. (1) and (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only D. (2) and (3) only

P. 36
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.37

36. The table below shows the anticodons for five amino acids.

Anticodon Amino acid mRNA codon Sequence

CGU Ala GCA 1
UUA Asn AAU 3
AAG Phe UUC 4
GGA Pro CCU 2
CAU Val GUA 5

Part of a polypeptide contains the following amino acid sequence.

Ala Pro Asn Phe Val

The base sequence on the mRNA molecule that codes for this part of polypeptid e is

A. GCACCTAATTTCGTA.
B. CGUGGAUUAAAGCAU.
C. CGTGGATTAAAGCAT.
D. GCACCUAAUUUCGUA.

P. 37
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.38

SECTION B (CONVENTIONAL QUESTIONS)

1. For each of the structures of flower listed in column 1, select from column 2 one
corresponding function. Put the appropriate letter in the space provided. (2 marks)

Column 1 Column 2
(a) sepal IV I develops into fruit

(b) stigma II II receives pollen grains

(c) anther III III produces pollen grains

(d) ovary I IV protects the flower bud

P. 38
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.39

2. The photomicrographs below show the sections of the lung tissues in a man with emphysema
and in a healthy person.

( 20) ( 20)
lung tissues in a man with lung tissues in a
emphysema healthy person

Explain why the man with emphysema should not do vigorous exercise. (3 marks)

In the lungs of the man with emphysema, the number of air sacs is smaller. (1)
This reduces the surface area for gas exchange./ (1)

The wall of the air sacs is thicker. (1)

This increases the diffusion distance of gases. (1)
Any pair
The oxygen uptake cannot meet the great demand of oxygen for respiration during
vigorous exercise. (1)

P. 39
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.40

3. The table below shows the nutrient contents of whole milk and soya milk.

Whole milk (per 100 mL) Soya milk (per 100 mL)
Carbohydrates (g) 5.0 1.7
Proteins (g) 3.3 2.9
Lipids (g) 3.3 1.7

(a) With reference to the table, suggest why patients with cirrhosis ( ), a disease in
which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, are advised to switch from whole
milk to soya milk in order to avoid diarrhoea. (3 marks)

Whole milk has a higher lipid content than soya milk. (1)

Patients with cirrhosis have reduced / no bile secretion, and the emulsification of lipids
is reduced. (1)

As a result, the chemical digestion of lipids by lipases may become less efficient.
A large amount of lipids may be unabsorbed, causing diarrhoea. (1)

Bile salts lipase

Lipids oil droplets fatty acids + glycerol

Not digested

Egested with water

Diarrhoea

(b) The digestion of proteins in whole milk begins in the stomach. Describe how the proteins
are digested in other parts of the human alimentary canal. (2 marks)

In the small intestine, the proteases in the pancreatic juice catalyse the breakdown of
some proteins into peptides, and some peptides into amino acids. (1)

The proteases in the cell membrane of the specialized cells in the epithelium of the
small intestine catalyse the breakdown of some peptides into amino acids. (1)

P. 40
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.41

4. The electron micrograph below shows an organism.

( 1200)

(a) Which kingdom does this organism belong to? Give two features from the electron
micrograph to support your answer. (3 marks)

Protista (Eukaryotes) (1)

The organism is unicellular. (1)

The organism has a true nucleus. / (1)

The organism has membrane-bound organelles. (1)
Any one

(b) This organism was not discovered until the 1860s. Suggest a reason for this. (1 mark)

Microscopes with high magnification had not been developed before the 1860s.
(1)

P. 41
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.42

(c) In the 1990s, Carl Woese proposed a classification system under which organisms are
grouped into three domains. The table below lists some characteristics of the three
domains.

Domain
Characteristic
A B C
Mitochondrion Absent Present Absent
Size of ribosome Small Large Small
Cell wall with peptidoglycan Yes No No
Number of sub-units that make
4 14 14
up RNA polymerase
Sensitive to antibiotics Yes No No

4. (c) The diagram below shows the evolutionary tree for the three domains. Put the letters
(A, B and C) in the boxes to show the phylogenetic relationships among the three
domains. Explain your answer. (2 marks)

Reasons:

A C B (1)

common ancestor

B is more closely related to C than to A because it has more characteristics in common

with C than with A.
OR (1)
A and B are most distantly related because they have the least characteristics in common.
(1)

^^ Important assumption: The more characteristics in common, the closer the

phylogenetic relationships

P. 42
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.43

5. The diagram below shows a process in protein synthesis in a human cell.

polypeptide

Arg Lys Leu Gln Ala

tRNA

I II III IV V VI
A A G U U A C A G G C U A A G

ribosome
mRNA

(a) In which part of the cell does the above process occur? (1 mark)

Cytoplasm / Endoplasmic reticulum (nucleus) (1)

(b) What is the importance of the group formed by bases IV, V and VI on the tRNA
molecule in the above process? (1 mark)

They specify a particular amino acid to be carried to the ribosome for the formation of a
polypeptide (anticodon of tRNA) (1)

(c) What will be the next amino acid after ala (alanine) in the polypeptide? (1 mark)

Lys / lysine (Arg) (AAG) Lys (1)

(d) Some diseases are caused by a harmful protein produced in the body. Scientists are
developing drugs to act against the mRNA molecule that codes for the harmful protein.
These drugs will contain a short segment of synthetic RNA which can bind to a part of
the target mRNA molecule and stop the production of the harmful protein.

(i) Write the base sequence of the synthetic RNA that can bind to the segment of
mRNA in the diagram. (1 mark)

UUCAAUGUCCGAUUC (1)
(No T / complementary to the mRNA)

P. 43
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.44

(ii) Suggest how the drugs can stop the production of the harmful protein. (2 marks)

Ribosomes / tRNA cannot bind to the mRNA (1)

and translation cannot proceed. (1)

(Not related to the stop codon)

P. 44
S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.45

6. Emily investigated the transpiration rates of two leaves, P and Q. She picked two leaves from
two different species of plants and left them in air under the same conditions. She then
measured the masses of the leaves in four hours. The results are shown in the graph below.

2.75

Q
2.70

2.65
mass (g)

P
2.60

2.55

2.50
0 1 2 3 4
time (hour)

6. (a) State one factor that should be kept the same for the two leaves during the investigation.
Suggest how this factor could be controlled. (2 marks)

Light intensity (1)

place the leaves at the same distance away from a light source (1)

(Accept other reasonable factors that affect transpiration rate, surface area not accepted)

(b) Calculate the amount of water lost from leaves P and Q respectively over the 4-hour
period. (2 marks)

Leaf P: 0.14 g (1)

Leaf Q: 0.1 g (1)

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(c) Before the experiment, Emily predicted that the transpiration rate of leaf Q would be
higher than that of leaf P since leaf Q is larger than leaf P. Suggest a reason why the
results are not as Emily expected. Explain your answer. (2 marks)

Leaf P may have more stomata than leaf Q. (1)

Larger cross section for diffusion of water vapour out of the leaves. (1)

Leaf Q may have thicker cuticle. (1)

Reduce water loss by evaporation over leaf surface. (1)

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S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.47

7. The diagram below shows the flow of energy through part of a food web in a grassland
ecosystem. The figures are in kJ m 2 year 1 . (not a food chain)

grass and herbivorous insectivorous predatory

sunlight
other plants insects birds birds
6 000 000
45 000 2000 200 20

(a) Name the group of organisms represented by X in the box above. (1 mark)

Decomposers (top consumers) (1)

(b) State two reasons why only a very small percentage of energy reaching the leaf surface
of the grass is utilized by the plants in photosynthesis. (2 marks)

Light is reflected from the leaves. / (1)

Light of some wavelengths cannot be used. / (1)
Light energy is used in evaporating water on the leaf surface. / (1)
Photosynthetic process is inefficient. (1)
Any Two
(not related to respiration HEAT LOSS)

(c) The efficiency of energy transfer between the grass and the herbivorous insects is less
than that in subsequent stages of the food web. Explain the reason for this. (2 marks)

Digesting plant material / cellulose is difficult. / (1)

A large amount of plant material is egested. (1)
Many grasses are uneaten. (1)
Any Two

(Simple reasons for energy loss e.g respiration will not be accepted.)

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(d) Many countries with very high populations do not use meat products as a significant
human food source. For example, in some Asian countries, a diet consisting largely of
rice is common and seldom contains meat from birds or mammals. In terms of energy
transfer through trophic levels, explain the reason for this. (2 marks)

Rice is at a lower trophic level than birds and mammals. Shorter food chain is resulted.
(1)
Shorter food chains are more efficient than longer food chains in energy transfer.
Shorter food chains have fewer energy loss. / (1)

Note:
Using birds / mammals to provide meat are subject to high respiratory losses as
they are homoiotherms.

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8. Tamiflu® is an antiviral drug that can be used to treat influenza patients.

(a) (i) Explain why a doctor would not prescribe antibiotics to treat influenza. (1 mark)

Antibiotics are not effective against viruses / are effective only against
bacteria. (1)

(ii) Neuraminidase is an enzyme which is present on the protein coat of the influenza
virus. This enzyme is used to break down the host cell membrane and allow the
influenza viruses to leave the infected cell. Tamiflu® is a neuraminidase inhibitor.
Suggest how Tamiflu® could help to reduce the spread of influenza. (2 marks)

Viruses cannot leave the cells. (1)

Viruses cannot infect / spread to other cells. / (1)
Fewer viruses are produced. / (1)
Fewer viruses are present in the droplets expelled when the patients are
sneezing / coughing. / (1)
Any Two
(b) In an effort to find new drugs to combat a possible new influenza pandemic, researchers
have investigated plants used in traditional medicine in Nepal. Two plants, an onion,
Allium oreoprasum, and an asparagus, Asparagus filicinus, have been found to show
antiviral properties.
Suggest why researchers in Nepal concentrated their research on plants that had been
used in traditional medicine. (2 marks)

Plants that had been used in traditional medicine are likely to have fewer side effects. (1)
Concentrating on these plants can reduce time / effort in finding plants / active
chemicals. (1)

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S.6 BIOLOGY Class: 6___ No.: ______ P.50

9. A student carried out an investigation to compare three sugars (glucose, maltose and lactose) as
substrates for respiration of yeast. He prepared three similar test tubes. Each tube contained
yeast, methylene blue solution and a different sugar solution. The methylene blue solution is
used to estimate the rate of respiration because it turns colourless in the presence of hydrogen,
which is released during respiration.

yeast +
methylene blue solution +
sugar solution

The student used a colorimeter to measure the colour intensity of the mixture in the test tube at
5-minute intervals for 40 minutes. The graph below shows the results.

lactose
50

40
colorimeter
reading 30 maltose
(arbitrary
unit) 20
glucose
10

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
time (min)

(a) (i) Suggest a substance in respiration that can release hydrogen for decolourization of
the methylene blue solution. (1 mark)
NADH / FADH (H 2 O) (1)

(ii) State precisely where the above substance is produced in respiration. (1 mark)

NADH: cytoplasm / mitochondrion matrix / (1)

FADH: mitochondrion matrix (1)
Any One

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(b) Suggest a controlled variable of this investigation. (1 mark)

volume / concentration of yeast / (1)

volume / concentration of sugar solution / (1)
volume / concentration of methylene blue solution (1)
temperature of solutions (1)
Any One or other correct answers

(c) Suggest one way to improve the reliability of the results of this investigation. (1 mark)

Repeat the experiment and take an average of the data collected. (1)

(d) Which sugar is the best substrate for respiration of yeast? Explain your answer with
reference to the graph. (3 marks)

Glucose (1)
Compared with maltose and lactose, when using glucose as the respiratory (1)
substrate, the time taken for methylene blue solution to turn colourless is the
shortest /
the rate of colour change of methylene blue solution is the highest. (1)
This indicates that yeast uses glucose the fastest for respiration. (1)

(e) The curve for maltose decreases more slowly than that for glucose at the early stage of
the experiment. Explain why. (2 marks)

Maltose is a disaccharide. (1)

It has to be digested before yeast can use it for respiration. (1)

(f) Describe and explain the result for lactose. (2 marks)

The colour intensity of the mixture in the test tube containing lactose remained unchanged
throughout the experiment. (1)
Yeast does not have the enzyme for catalysing the breakdown of lactose. (1)

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10. The diagram below shows some structures near the body cells. The graph shows the blood
pressure along the capillary.
vessel X

tissue fluid
body cell

capillary

P Q

blood
pressure

P distance along the capillary Q

(a) Name the fluid in vessel X. (1 mark)

Lymph (vessel) (1)

(b) In the above diagram, draw an arrow to show the direction of the blood flow. Explain
your answer. (2 marks)

Arrow pointing to left in the capillary (1)

Blood flows from a region of higher pressure to a region of lower pressure. (1)

(c) Describe and explain how water is exchanged between blood and tissue fluid as blood
flows along the capillary. (4 marks)

At the arteriole end of the capillary, the pressure of blood in the capillary is higher than
the pressure of tissue fluid. (1)
This forces some components of the plasma including water out of the capillary walls to
form tissue fluid. (1)
As plasma proteins remain in the blood, the water potential of the blood at the venule end
of the capillary is lower than that of the tissue fluid . (1)
Water in the tissue fluid is drawn into the capillary by osmosis. (1)

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10. (d) The table below shows some historical events that contributed to our knowledge of the
human circulatory system.
Year Historical events
190 Claudius Galen believed that blood was produced in the liver and moved in veins to
organs, where it was used up. He also stated that blood could flow from one
ventricle to the other through pores in the septum of the heart.
1579 Hieronymus Fabricius discovered that veins contain valves.
1628 William Harvey dissected hearts of animals to show that there were no pores in the
septum. He also did experiments to prove that blood was circulated in the body.
1661 Marcello Malpighi observed capillaries in the lungs using a compound microscope,
which was newly invented at that time. He concluded that capillaries provided
connections between arteries and veins.

(i) Based on your knowledge of the human circulatory system, state two ways in which
ideas are wrong. (2 marks)

Blood is not used up, but it is circulated in the body. (1)

There are no pores in the septum. Blood cannot flow from one ventricle
to the other through the septum. (1)

(ii) The table below shows some aspects of the nature of science. Put a tick ( ) in the
space next to the statement and provide an explanation if the aspect is demonstrated
in the above historical events. Put a cross ( ) if the aspect is not demonstrated.
(3 marks)

or Explanation
Nature of science

Science is affected by the technology Marcello Malpighi observed capillaries (1)

and the types of equipment available in the lungs using a compound
at the time. microscope, which was newly invented
at that time.
Scientists are both collaborative and (1)
competitive by nature.
Scientists only dissect animals or do William Harvey dissected hearts of (1)
experiments on them when necessary animals to show that there were no
and ethically sound. pores in the septum.
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11. Scientists carried out an investigation on the potential health effects of overconsumption of
sugary drinks in rats. Three groups of rats were given access to 10% glucose-fructose mixture,
10% sucrose solution and distilled water respectively, together with an adequate supply of feed.
After 50 weeks, the triglyceride levels in the liver tissue of the rats were measured. The bar
chart below shows the results.

(a) (i) Compare the effects of the two sugary solutions to the liver triglyceride level in
rats. (1 mark)
The increase in the liver triglyceride level in the rats having sucrose solution is
larger than those having glucose-fructose mixture. (1)

(ii) Suggest an explanation to your answer in part (i). (4 marks)

Sucrose solution would cause a larger increase in blood glucose level than
glucose-fructose mixture. (1)
In the experimental group with sucrose solution, the larger rise in blood glucose is
detected by the pancreas, which results in the secretion of more insulin into blood.(1)

Upon stimulation of insulin, the liver cells take in more glucose from blood. (1)
Excess carbohydrates are converted by the liver into triglyceride for storage. (1)

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11. (b) Suggest two variables that should be kept identical among the three groups of rats in this
investigation to make it a fair test. (2 marks)

The type or amount of food available to the rats / the volume of sugary solutions or distilled
water available to the rats / temperature / the level of physical activity allowed
(any 2 or other correct answers) 1×2

(c) Another investigation found that overconsumption of fructose could cause insulin
insensitivity in humans. Scientists are developing a new method of treating diabetes mellitus,
which involves the transfer of a gene coding for insulin into the pancreatic cells of the patients.
Suggest whether this treatment may be effective for the type of diabetes resulted from
overconsumption of fructose. Explain your answer. (2 marks)

It may not be effective. (1)

In patients suffering from this type of diabetes, the body cells are insensitive to insulin.
Any extra insulin synthesized in the body will not trigger any reactions to lower the
blood glucose level. (1)

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For the following question, candidates are required to present their answer in essay form. Criteria for
marking will include relevant content, logical presentation and clarity of expression.

12. In an ecosystem, energy flow is closely associated with the movement of carbon in the carbon
cycle. Describe this association as energy and carbon move through organisms with different
modes of nutrition. (12 marks)

Flow of energy and carbon to organisms:

Autotrophs capture energy from different sources (solar energy / energy released from
oxidative reactions) and incorporate them into chemical energy of (1)
organic compound using carbon source / carbon dioxide. (1)

Passage of energy and carbon along food chain

Energy and carbon in the food produced by autotrophs are then passed on to heterotrophs by
feeding. (1)
Different types of heterotrophs act as links to complete the energy and carbon transfer in the
ecosystem, passing energy and carbon from one trophic level to another.
Holozoic organisms feed on both plants and animals. (1)
Parasistes feed on both plants and animals. (1)
Saprophytes feed on dead remains / wastes from plants and animals. (1)

Inside each organism, the carbon compound is assimilated. (1)

Some become food reserves stored inside the body / biomass or some are converted to other
Essential compounds such as proteins, nucleic acids.

Exit of energy and carbon from organisms

In respiration, organic food is oxidized and stored energy is converted to ATP and
carbon is released as carbon dioxide. (2)
Some energy is lost in the form of heat. (1)

Content max:9 EC: 3

-- End
Theofend
paper --

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